Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024 | Huge surge in big-name brands attendance expected.

New Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation due in 2025 is perhaps a sign of businesses starting to rethink their packaging ahead of the introduction of fees next October.

“As new EPR legislation continues to tighten its grip, the news will come as little surprise,” Naomi Stewart, marketing manager at Easyfairs. “The exhibition, and indeed the entire packaging agenda, has been propelled by the sustainability story for a good number of years.”

Over 400 exhibitors will welcome around 7000 visitors, including brands such as Aldi, Asda, Britvic, Boots, Cadburys, Costa Coffee, Diageo, DHL, Heinz, Holland & Barrett, Hovis, Iceland, KFC, M&S, Molson Coors, Nestle, Oh Polly, Sainsbury’s, Sky, Superdrug, TATA, Tesco, Unilever, and Waitrose.

Naomi Stewart added: “When you combine some of the biggest names in packaging with household names like John Lewis, Interfora, Mars INC and Amazon, and then throw in the 30+ complimentary talks from leading brands, packaging designers, and thinkers, the already strong proposition is now bordering on unmissable.”

Renan Joel, divisional director – UK & global packaging portfolio, Easyfairs, said: “With job profiles including CEOs, MDs, packaging development, R&D, and procurement making up over half of attendees, and 62% of all visitors stating ‘finding new suppliers’ as their predominant reason for attending, this combined purchasing power and the circa 400 exhibitors set to fill Halls are a ‘match made in heaven’.