Packaging Innovations & Empack, the UK’s premier packaging event on February 21 & 22, 2024, is calling confirmed exhibitors to submit up to two products to its prestigious Innovation Gallery. This event aims to spotlight innovative products, services, and solutions, addressing FMCG brands, online retailers, and key players in the industry. The renowned Innovation Gallery serves as a showcase for some of the brightest and most groundbreaking packaging solutions poised to enter the market.

A distinguished panel, including Paul Jenkins from ThePackHub, Jude Allan (Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Group), and Margaret Bates (Executive Director of OPRL), will meticulously evaluate numerous anticipated entries. From these, a final selection of ten innovations will be featured in the Innovation Gallery at the February exhibition.

Anticipating over 7,000 visitors, the event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to explore and cast their votes for the Top Ten Innovations. Visitors can simply swipe their passes on the plinth of the product that captures their imagination the most. Exhibitors have until Thursday, January 18, to complete their submissions through their MyEasyfairs account.

Paul Jenkins, a judge for the Innovations Gallery, remarks on the ongoing packaging evolution driving innovation to explosive levels. Last year’s event showcased outstanding innovations that are poised to become integral parts of everyday life globally, whether behind the scenes or on store shelves.

The 2023 Innovations Gallery served as a platform for manufacturers to showcase their exceptional work and allowed the industry to celebrate its wealth of innovation. This ranged from addressing dynamic production and consumer demands to reducing the global impact of packaging materials and waste. The packaging industry continually proves its ability to rise to the challenge.

Reflecting on last year's submissions, Paul Jenkins expresses excitement about the quality and quantity of entries, emphasizing the drive to meet consumer needs and address longstanding industry challenges.

The previous year's standout, SUPA Products' 500ml paper bottle from its eco-mate range, was crowned the winner. Other notable entries included Filtrona Tapes’ Rippatape® Halo, a paper-based tear tape providing a sustainable solution for frustration-free packaging opening, and 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, and X-CYCLE PP Fast Forward.

With early indications suggesting growth, this annual event is expected to attract an even larger crowd. Organizers anticipate a diverse audience, including hundreds of major suppliers and thousands of brands, designers, packaging developers, marketers, founders, and buyers at Birmingham’s NEC.

Confirmed brands, such as Asda, Aldi, Diageo, Costa Coffee, Sainsbury’s, Molson Coors, Tesco, Superdrug, Unilever, Hovis, Waitrose, Oh Polly, Nestle, Unilever, Britvic, and Iceland, will actively participate. Attendees can explore a wide array of suppliers offering comprehensive packaging products and services, covering design, cutting-edge primary and secondary packaging, contract packing, e-commerce fulfillment, labeling and printing, and advanced packing and processing technology.

Naomi Stewart, Marketing Manager for Easyfairs, affirms that Packaging Innovations & Empack is the UK’s flagship packaging event for a good reason. Following record registrations, positive feedback, and a surge in exhibitor interest, the 2024 event is poised to be a fantastic two days, with a strong lineup of big-name brands emerging.