The annual gathering was split across three events: Packaging Innovations, Empack, and Contract Pack & Fulfilment, which took place on 21-22 February at the NEC, Birmingham.

Naomi Stewart, marketing manager at Easyfairs, said it was a very successful event: “Everywhere you look, big brands are getting around the table with often multiple suppliers to work out plans, knowledge and ideas are being shared around every corner, and when you distil all of that and more, there’s just a tangible sense of pride in the contribution that our industry makes to the everyday lives of people across the globe.

“Feedback has already been so positive from exhibitors and the visitors who turned out in their droves. 2024 proved that the offer to see things, talk directly to manufacturers, network and listen to the latest trends remains a huge pull.”

Dozens of exhibitors used the show to launch new packaging products and solutions, while the three dedicated stages hosted over 70 speakers across the two days.

TIPA showcased its portfolio of compostable packaging at Packaging Innovations. Gary Tee, Head of Sales Europe for TIPA, said: “We chose this event because of the audience we could put ourselves in front of. I’m really pleased with the turnout. If you’re not in the market talking and sharing information, then people don’t know what you have to offer, and this event allows us to do that. It’s always well attended with the right kind of people.”

Monica Batistella, sustainability manager at Taghleef Industries, said: “The level of conversation and discussions you have here fully reflects what is going on in the UK, and we need to look at all the stakeholders to understand what customers in the market expect from us and how we can help them. It’s a very big and important exhibition for the UK and the packaging industry.”

Josephine Coombe, Nulogy’s chief commercial officer, said: “Packaging Innovations is a key event for us in our calendar, and we’ve been here every year for many years and always enjoy the show. There’s so much high-quality content on stage, and lots of our community come out to either visit or exhibit, so it’s a great platform for us.”

Speakers that show also said it was a success. Joanna Diaz, sustainability lead at Mondelēz, said: “I’ve had a great time here. There’s great variety and hundreds of high-quality suppliers and speakers. The show captures sustainability as a future trend.”

Jon Wells, sustainable packaging manager at Asda, said: “It’s been a fantastic show. It’s been great to meet people and put names to faces. A lot of our work is done online; we meet people in Zoom calls, but it’s been a really good opportunity to actually get to meet people and talk about ideas and see what innovations are out there.”