The UK’s flagship packaging event, Packaging Innovations & Empack, is inviting confirmed exhibitors to enter up to two products into its Innovation Gallery.

Packaging Innovations & Empack, which takes place on 21 & 22 February 2024, aims to showcase innovative products, services, and solutions to FMCG brands, online retailers and key players. And the renowned Innovation Gallery shines a light on some of the brightest and best new packaging solutions on or about to hit the market.

Paul Jenkins from ThePackHub, Jude Allan, Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Group, and Margaret Bates, Executive Director of OPRL, will assess dozens of anticipated entries before a final ten are selected for the Innovation Gallery at February’s exhibition.

Over 7,000 expected visitors will have the opportunity to view the Top Ten Innovations before casting their vote by swiping their visitor pass on the plinth of the product that best captures their imagination. Organisers Easyfairs are giving exhibitors until Thursday January 18 to complete their submissions through their MyEasyfairs account.

Innovations Gallery judge Paul Jenkins said: “The packaging evolution that is taking place everywhere we look is driving innovation to explosive levels. In fact, visitors to last year’s event saw outstanding innovations that will surely become part of everyday lives around the world, either behind the scenes or on our shelves.”

2023’s Innovations Gallery provided the perfect platform for manufacturers to shout about their great work and gave the industry a chance to celebrate its abundance of innovation. From responding to ever-changing production and consumer demands to reducing the global impact of packaging materials and waste, the packaging industry continues to demonstrate that it can rise to the challenge.

“We were thrilled with the quality and quantity of entries we received for last year’s Innovation Gallery and would encourage as many of the 400 exhibitors attending to take up the opportunity,” added Jenkins. “It’s clear that there remains a real drive to meet consumer needs and to solve long-standing challenges in the industry.”

Last year, SUPA Products 500ml paper bottle from its eco-mate range stood out for the judges and was crowned the winner. Other notable entrants included Filtrona Tapes’ Rippatape^® Halo, a paper-based tear tape that provides a sustainable solution for frustration-free and easy-opening of paper and board packaging, along with X-CYCLE PP Fast Forward, VisiPak, D:PLOY, Eagle Reinforced Wrap, EX-30-S MONOBLOC, Autofill bag-in-box liner, 100% Recyclable Valve for Dispensing Closures, IMPAC-T, X-CYCLE PP Fast Forward.

“I can’t wait to see what this year’s entrants have in store,” Jenkins continued. “Based on the quality of last year, we should be in for a treat.”

Early indications suggest that the largest annual event in the UK, which catalyses an impressive display of the latest innovations to light up the packaging sector, is likely to grow in size and scale again. Organisers are already predicting the two-day showpiece will attract a bumper crowd, with hundreds of the world’s biggest suppliers and thousands of brands, designers, packaging developers, marketers, founders and buyers expected to descend on Birmingham’s NEC.

Confirmed brands including Asda, Aldi, Diageo, Costa Coffee, Sainsbury’s, Molson Coors, Tesco, Superdrug, Unilever, Hovis, Waitrose, Oh Polly, Nestle, Unilever, Britvic, and Iceland will walk the show, exploring a diverse array of suppliers offering a comprehensive range of packaging products and services, spanning from design to cutting-edge primary and secondary packaging, contract packing, e-commerce fulfilment, labelling and printing, and advanced packing and processing technology.

“Packaging Innovations & Empack is the UK’s flagship packaging event for a good reason,” said Naomi Stewart, Marketing Manager for Easyfairs. “After record registrations, thousands of visitors, and glowing feedback from last year’s event, we’ve seen a real rush from exhibitors to secure their place at the 2024 event. And with a really strong contingent of big-name brands emerging, it has the makings of a fantastic two days.”

Those considering attending the event in February are urged to register their attendance for FREE here at their earliest convenience.

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