Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Packaging Innovations event at the NEC, a highlight in my UK conference calendar. This two-day annual event brought together over 450 exhibitors, 70+ expert speakers, and over 7000 packaging professionals. It felt like a school reunion, but in the best way possible, as I caught up with long-time friends & colleagues and met many new faces in the industry. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, making it a truly fabulous experience.

Day 1: Illuminating the Future of Packaging

I had the honor of speaking on the first day about “Illuminating the Future of Packaging: Scenarios 2025.” Imagining what 2050 might look like is challenging, so I took the audience on a journey back 25 years to highlight the rapid advancements we’ve seen. From standard mail deliveries to same-day services and from Donkey Kong to VR immersive gaming. I then presented two potential futures for 2050: “The Tough Alternative” and “A High Tech Future,” both of which carry their own challenges. The key takeaway was the importance of data in shaping our future. Despite a (rather significant) presentation on the Circular Economy Stage about PackUK, I was thrilled that the majority of my audience stayed engaged throughout my talk, leading to some great conversations afterward.

The Launch of PackUK

The event also served as the perfect platform for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to officially launch PackUK, an initiative aimed at transforming the UK packaging sector and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The launch featured two key panel sessions. The first, hosted by Sebastian Munden, Chair of PackUK and WRAP, focused on fostering a unified UK approach to sustainable packaging. The second, chaired by Mary Creagh CBE MP, Minister for Nature, explored stakeholder aspirations and the critical role of cross-sector collaboration.

Insights from the Event

One of the most valuable aspects of the Packaging Innovations event was the opportunity to gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the packaging industry. The event featured a wide range of presentations and panel discussions on topics such as sustainable packaging, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. These sessions provided a wealth of information and sparked many interesting conversations with attendees.

Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability was a major theme at this year’s event, with many exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions for reducing the environmental impact of packaging. From biodegradable materials to reusable packaging systems, there were plenty of exciting developments on display. One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in the packaging industry to drive sustainable innovation. By working together, manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators can develop solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements were also a major focus at the event, with many exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions for improving packaging efficiency and performance. From smart packaging that can monitor product conditions, to advanced recycling technologies, there were plenty of innovations to get excited about.

The Importance of Data

One of the key themes of my presentation was the importance of data in shaping the future of packaging. As we look ahead to 2050, it is clear that data will play a crucial role in driving technological advancements and improving sustainability. By collecting and analysing data, companies can gain valuable insights into their operations and make informed decisions that drive innovation. This was a message that resonated with many attendees, and I had some great conversations about the role of data in the packaging industry.

Challenges and Opportunities

While there were many exciting developments on display at the event, there were also some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the key barriers to wider adoption of sustainable packaging solutions is the deficiencies in packaging machinery. Many flexible mono-material manufacturers highlighted this issue, and it is clear that more work needs to be done to improve the performance and efficiency of packaging machinery. However, the event also highlighted the many opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the industry. By working together, we can overcome these challenges and drive positive change in the packaging sector.

Conclusion

Overall, the Packaging Innovations event at the NEC was a fantastic experience. It was great to see so many like-minded packaging professionals come together to share ideas and discuss the future of the industry. The launch of PackUK was a highlight of the event, and it was inspiring to see the collaborative efforts being made to create a more sustainable packaging system. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and energy, and it was clear that sustainability and data are trends that are here to stay.

If you missed the event and want to learn more about our Future Scenarios or how we can help with your immediate data requirements, please get in touch.

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the packaging industry and continuing the conversations started at Packaging Innovations 2025.