Packaging professionals will have plenty to see at Packaging Innovations (Inc. Ecopack and Contract Pack), Label&Print and Empack 2017, which returns to the Birmingham NEC next week on 1 & 2 March 2017. The UK’s leading packaging event not only boasts its largest exhibitor base to date, but it has also increased the level of innovation on offer, with more organisations launching new products and services than ever before.

In addition to meeting over 350 leading suppliers who span the entire packaging spectrum, those looking for contract packers will have a wealth of suppliers to review at Contract Pack, while companies with an environmental agenda will find innovative sustainability solutions at Ecopack.

Unbeatable Content

Features always play a major role at the show, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn and interact with some of the most influential names from the packaging industry. For the first time at Packaging Innovations, Campden BRI, the UK’s largest independent food and drink research body, will be hosting a series of intimate, topical sessions, covering everything from packaging defects and food labelling updates, through to food contact materials and openability. Campden BRI will also be hosting a competition for attendees, to see if they can guess the 'foreign body'.

Also new for 2017, will be The Ideas Factory, which will see leading experts from non-packaging based companies form a cross-sector information sharing portal. This will allow cutting-edge techniques and knowledge from other industries to be applied to the packaging sector.  

A third new show feature, focusing on inclusivity will be hosted by David Wiggins of DRW Packaging Consultants. It will examine how packaging can be more inclusive at the design stage to maximise appeal. Plus, there will also be a series of interactive sensory experiments designed to test your motor skills and vision.

As well as these new additions, the show also welcomes back established favourites, including The Drinks and Pharmaceutical Symposia, The Great Innovation Debate, The Ecopack Challenge, The Packaging Consultancy Clinic and The BIG Print Debate.

Innovative Showfloor

Leading suppliers and innovative products are at the heart of the show, with many exhibitors using the event to launch new products and services.  

For example, Aegg Creative Packaging is officially launching its new service ‘mini-Aegg’. It will allow food outlets and food producers to order smaller quantities of Aegg’s off-the-shelf premium plastic food packaging range, which is ideal for smaller, emerging businesses that are constrained by limited amounts of storage space or require smaller amounts of packaging.

Debuting its new M-Lock© tamper evident carton will be Firstan Cartons. The new system has a tamper evident built in mechanism. This removes the need for further processing, such as applying glue or tamper labels.

Greenearth Food Packaging will use the show as the launchpad for two new products. The first is Bran Tableware, which is made from 100 per cent bran fibre and includes plates, bowls, platters and cutlery. The second is Wood Carrier Trays, which are suitable for ready meals, vegetables and salad.

Registration is now open. To register for free, click here, or visit www.easyfairs.com/PIUK, www.easyfairs.com/EmpackUK and www.easyfairs.com/Label&PrintUK, contact the show team on +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or PackagingUK@easyfairs.com.