Alongside new features, the event will return to its traditional February dates and bring a strengthened focus on driving business and innovation at every stage of the packaging journey, from design and development through to packing, filling and fulfilment.
The triple-header expo will be held on 15 & 16 February 2023, with all three events running concurrently at the Birmingham NEC. In addition to hosting its popular networking areas, agenda-setting talks theatres, and hundreds of exhibitors on the show floor, 2023’s showcase includes a new Foodservice packaging zone, developed in collaboration with the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA).
The event has already attracted a huge influx of interest from leading packaging and technology suppliers with its return to its regular February dates. More than 300 suppliers will be present to exhibit their innovations to an expected audience of over 6,000 visitors, providing packaging solutions for a range of industries including food and beverage, foodservice, FMCG, beauty and personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
Renan Joel, Managing Director, Packaging at multi-format event organiser Easyfairs, said: “We’re thrilled to invite everyone in the UK packaging community to save the dates – February 15 & 16, 2023. Every year, we hear from attendees who created their latest and greatest projects after being inspired by the people and innovative ideas they’ve discovered at this event, and this year promises to be our best event yet. Whether you have visited us before or never had the opportunity, the triple-header nature of the 2023 event means there’s something for everyone in packaging, whether they are a designer, a technologist or responsible for production and processing,” said Joel.
“Packaging Innovations is an invaluable forum for brands and creatives looking to discover new ideas and inspiration, whether in the form of a new format, process or cutting-edge material. With its focus on future technologies, Empack is a must-attend for anyone looking for the ‘next big thing’ in packing and filling equipment to help squeeze every drop of performance from their production lines. And the Contract Pack & Fulfilment showcase is all about outsourcing services, from packing to logistics – it’s a bustling hub that matches brand owners, retailers, and manufacturers to their ideal contracted service.”
“We are very excited too about the launch of the Foodservice Zone, which will bring a sharp focus on the growing market for on-the-go food and drink in the UK and the many opportunities it brings both to packaging suppliers and operators.”
The annual event is known for providing essential first-quarter inspiration to professionals from across the packaging industry. The 2023 event is expected to draw particular interest given the unprecedented challenges and supply chain issues faced by the industry over the past year, which means innovative solutions and collaboration are more important than ever. With almost all of its exhibitor slots filled already, Joel is excited to see the event take shape in the run-up to 2023.
“As we have three distinct shows, each focused on a particular aspect of the packaging journey, we can support and inspire attendees on each step of that journey from concept to consumer,” said Joel. “This approach provides a truly unique platform in our industry – bringing together focused events on packaging design and development, outsourcing and production in one place to create a true vision of the future of packaging across its life. It is not to be missed, and we can’t wait to welcome the thousands of attendees to the NEC in February and to see the amazing packaging projects and investments their visit inspires throughout 2023.”
Attendees and exhibitors can register to attend the events now by visiting www.packagingbirmingham.com. The event website also contains information about travel to and from the show, as well as accommodation.