70% OF SPACE WAS REBOOKED ONSITE FOR 2021

Post Show Report 202027 & 28 February 2020 | NEC, Birmingham

Packaging Innovations, Ecopack, Contract Pack & Fulfilment, Label&Print & Empack 2020

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Contact the team Joe Riddett, Head of Sales +44 (0)20 3196 4354

2020 - a standout show! The packaging industry came together on the 26 & 27 February to enjoy another fantastic year for Packaging Innovations (Incl. Ecopack and Contract Pack & Fulfilment ), Label & Print and Empack. We welcomed 7000 attendees through our doors who were treated to over 300 industry leading suppliers, a who’s who of major name speakers and the new BIG Carbon Debate!

As packaging professionals from across the packaging supply chain flooded the aisles, exhibitors were inundated with inquiries as to how their products could help increase efficiency, refresh a company image and boost sales. Rounding out the event was a full programme of inspiring seminars delivered by industry thought leaders and global brands, with both new and returning show features. By the end of day two, deals were done, ideas were shared, and the packaging industry celebrated another fantastic year at the NEC.

The show comprises key market areas to represent all aspects of the supply chain for the packaging industry, making it the only show in the UK to bring the entire industry together.

Packaging Innovations - The future of branded and inspirational packaging Packaging Innovations Birmingham is the UK’s leading packaging event,

taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham, United Kingdom. This 2-day event brings together brands and retailers with over 300 packaging suppliers spanning the entirety of the packaging supply chain.

Contract Pack & Fulfilment - For outsourced manufacturing, packing, fulfilment and logisitics Contract Pack & Fulfilment, established for more than ten years

as an essential part of the Packaging Innovations event, is supported by the British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association. It is the focal point where brand owners and retailers come to find professional outsourcing partners, ranging from product formulation, pouch filling, gift packing or fulfilment programmes.

Ecopack - The future of sustainable solutions for packaging Ecopack at Packaging Innovations is dedicated to the future of sustainable solutions for packaging. As the

only dedicated sustainable packaging event in the UK, it is the only place where packaging professionals can meet the innovative suppliers pioneering eco-friendly packaging, see, touch and experience the green solutions of tomorrow and learn about trends and challenges that can help them deliver more sustainable packaging.

Empack - The UK’s premier event for all things packaging technology, equipment and machinery. A show that looks to future of packaging technology with suppliers

showcasing their most advanced capabilities and newest innovations. Discover innovative ways to upgrade your packaging machinery, and improve the capacity, reliability and efficiency of your product line.

Label&Print - The future of packaging printing, labelling and converting! Label&Print attracts a gathering of print and label packaging professionals like no other. A show that

looks to future of the label and print industry with the newest industry innovations on display. When it comes to sellers and manufacturers of print and labelling equipment, through to design, branding and finishing.

NEW for 2021 – The event will be rebranding as Packaging Innovations & Empack

“This is the first time we have been at the show and we have had over 200 enquiries so far. There is a keen appetite for sustainable packaging which is fantastic. We will definitely be back.”Jamie Gray, Business Development Executive, Lil Packaging

What our exhibitors thought

92% of exhibitors said it’s a must-attend event for their company

70% of space was rebooked onsite for 2020

98% of exhibitors were satisfied with the event

98% would recommend the event to their peers

“As the name suggests it’s all about innovation. We are a company in constant development, which is why we have exhibitedfor many, many years, and we intend to come here for many years more”Davies, Sales Director, Sirane Group

“Being a new company specialising in Cobots, it was a great platform for us to launch our new products and services. Having companies like ours at the show, demonstrates the forward-looking mindset of the organisers and the industry. The support and co-operation by the events team was fantastic!”Vaibhav Boricha (Volley), Director, VIKASO LTD

“The show is really beneficial because I am able to hold multiple meetings with different companies in one day, which I otherwise couldn’t do. Everyone is here so it’s the perfect opportunity to meet face to face. Our stand has also been really busy with new enquiries, which is great.” Joanne Shirely, Account Manager, The Alexir Partnership

“This is the first time we have been at the show and we have had over 200 enquiries so far. There is a keen appetite for sustainable packaging which is fantastic. We will definitely be back.”Jamie Gray, Business Development Executive, Lil Packaging

“It has been really interesting joining a new area of the show and certainly worth it. Cobots is a growing area and we have had some great conversations.”Keith Johnston, Robot Sales Engineer, RARUK Automation

What happened at the show this year? This year’s event boasted cutting edge innovation from our suppliers as well a wide range of features, networking opportunities and a seminar programme filled with exclusive content and valuable insight from our industry leaders.

NEW FOR 2020 The BIG Carbon Debate After the roaring success of The Big Plastics Debate over the past two years, we moved the conversation on for 2020 to host The BIG Carbon Debate! The agenda switched its focus to the carbon impact of packaging and the practical steps the industry can take to reduce the true environmental impact of their products.

NEW FOR 2020 The Earth Island Education Hub The Education Hub, run by specialist publishing company Earth Island is designed to showcase the opportunities the packaging industry has to offer to young professionals. The zone has also been designed to encourage packaging companies to offer the next generation of young talent work placement and apprenticeship opportunities.

NEW FOR 2020 ThePackHub Trend ZoneThe Trend Zone was collated in association with leading packaging innovation consultancy ThePackHub and showcased a number of the latest packaging innovations. It featured initiatives across key trend areas of ‘Biodegradable & Compostable’, ‘Biomaterials Breaking Through’, ‘Recycling Resurgence’, ‘Reusable Systems’, ‘Reducing Waste’, ‘Carbon Concern’, ‘Plastic Elimination’, ‘Functional Enrichment’ and ‘Intelligent Engagement’.

The Ecopack ChallengeIn association with Marks & Spencer, this Dragon’s Den style competition invites sustainable packaging creators the chance to pitch their idea to a panel of experienced judges! The 2020 winner was Gaprie Ltd with their product P.C. Nets, which are designed and manufactured as a reusable alternative to traditional methods for pallet containment!

Innovation Showcase Exhibitors submitted their innovations to our online Innovation Gallery and with the help of ThePackHub and PHD Marketing we whittled down our favourites to a top 11 which we displayed onsite at the show in the Innovation Showcase! The winner from 2020 was FFP Packaging Ltd with their ‘Reseal & Recycle’ pack. The pack was developed to offer an immediate solution that utilises current recycling streams. Completely recyclable, the pack is comprised of a tray, lidding film and resealable label.

The Start-Up VillageThe Start-Up Village offers you the chance to discover the future stars of the industry, with innovative solutions from technology to sustainability. In 2020 the village showcased everything from disposable chewing gum packaging bins Gumipods, to Glancy 3D – an artificial intelligence for packaging design assessment.

The Packaging Consultancy Clinic A popular and regular feature at Packaging Innovations, the Packaging Consultancy Clinic is your opportunity to gain one-to-one and round table personalised advice on any aspect of your packaging. Ask questions, bring along your packaging and gain advice on your burning challenges and issues.

Visitor Profile Some of the world’s biggest brands and retailers packed out the halls, have a look at who attended:

30%

20%

15%

10%

10%

8%

Food

Personal care/ hygiene, cosmetics & beauty

Retail /wholesale and distribution

Drinks

Printers & printing

Chemical & pharmaceutical industry

Top industry sectors

Decision making...

I influence

41%I make the final

decision

39%

I specify/recommend

20% Interested in...

Label&Print

2,437

Packaging Innovations

5,905Ecopack

2,900

Contract Pack & Fulfilment

1,734

Empack

2,732

What our visitors thought

“It allows us to do a lot of meetings in one location and see what is new on the market, you can’t beat seeing things in real life rather than just online.” Ian Stapleton, European Technical Packaging Manager, GSK LTD

97% of visitors felt satisfied with the event

94% of visitors would recommend the event to a colleague

90% of visitors feel it’s a must-attend event

“I came specifically to see the sustainability content as we currently use lots of plastic in our products and are finding that retailers are increasingly requesting sustainable alternatives. The Ecopack Challenge was a particularly useful insight into the plastic alternatives that are available”Gary Murray, Packaging Technology, Birdseye Pizza

“We met a number of potential new suppliers, came across some great ideas and left with a lot to think about.”Joe Tooman, Director, The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Co Ltd

“Packaging Innovations 2020 was a great event, bringing together a wide range of suppliers, manufacturers and representatives of the packaging industry. The line-up of seminars was engaging, and the EcoPack challenge is always worth a visit!” S. Declerck, Doctoral Researcher, Loughborough University

“We came to the show to find the next material, the next innovation for packaging takeaways!”Robin Clark, Partnerships Director, Just Eat

“Great event. Well attended and lots to see. Good discussions.”Anne Westcott, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Warner Bros

“Everything we needed all under one roof, great to be able to take your product ideas with you and look at the filling capacity , bottles, pack of and shipping logistics all in one day saving hours of trying to find the right companies online.” Ellie Dunmore, General Manager, Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd

“I came to see what is out there, in particular for plastic solutions. It has been really helpful to speak to people in person about my needs.”Dean Powley, Materials Manager, Superflora

Top global brands sent whole teams of buyers! Sample of top Brands who send more than 5 key stakeholders in the decision making process meaning that you close deals faster by impacting all levels in the decision making chain.

Unilever - 21 attendees• Packaging Development Manager

• Global Supply Chain Manager

• R&D

• Packaging Technology Apprentice

• Packaging Spec Developer

• Packaging Technologist X 5

• Packaging Development

• Packaging Technician

• Artwork Innovation Manager

• Packaging Manager

• R&D Packaging Manager

• Process Development Manager

• Packaging Technologist - Global Haircare

• Design & Sustainability Manager

• Packaging Manager

• Junior Designer

• Repack Packaging Technologist

John Lewis - 13 attendees• Packaging Coordinator

• Category Manager

• Improvement Manager

• Brand Manager

• Packaging Manager

• GNFR Procurement

• Buyer

• Procurement

• Sourcing Manager X 2

• Retail Procurement

• Print & Production Manager X 2

Laleham Health & Beauty - 12 attendees• Senior Packaging Technologist X 2

• Group Purchasing Manager

• NPI Buyer Packaging

• Packaging Buyer

• Assistant Packaging Technologist X 2

• Packaging Manager

• Packaging Technologist X 3

Bakkavor - 11 attendees• NPD Packaging Manager

• Purchasing

• Packaging Technologist

• Packaging Assistant

• Development x3

• Packaging

• Procurement

• Packaging Technologist

• Packaging Development Technologist

Mondelez - 11 attendees• Packaging Development Manager

• Procurement Innovation

• Procurement Operations Manager

• Local Procurement Representative

• Procurement

• Packaging Technologist X 3

• Procurement Specialist X 2

• Procurement Operations Director

• Logistics and Supply Manager

Youngs Seafood - 7 attendees• Head of Packaging & Ingredients

• Purchasing

• Senior Packaging Technologist

• Packaging Development Manager X 2

• Head of Packaging Development

• Senior Packaging Technologist

Co-Op - 7 attendees• Technical Manager• Head of Labelling & Strategic Process• Technical• Packaging Technologist• Buyer• Labelling Assistant

• Food Policy Coordinator

Kerry Foods - 8 attendees• National Account Manager

• Category Management

• Packaging Specialist

• Procurement

• Procurement Buyer

• R&D Packaging Lead X 2

Premier Foods - 19 attendees• Procurement Manager

• Packaging Development Manager X 2

• Packaging Technologist

• Head of Procurement Packaging

• Head of R&D Packaging - Sweet Treats

• Senior Packaging Technologist X 3

• Packaging Development

• Procurement Manager X 3

• Head of Category Procurement

• R&D Packaging Development Manager

• R & D Packaging Technologist

• Procurement

• R&D Packaging Manager

ASDA - 8 attendees• Packaging Development

• Buying Manager - Consumables

• Buyer

• Senior Print Manager

• Packaging Development Manager

• Packaging Print Specialist

• Print Management

• eCommerce Assistant

Avon -9 attendees• Senior Pack Tech

• Global Sourcing Director

• Packaging Engineer

• Senior Sourcing Manager

• Packaging Manager

• Director Contract Manufacturing

• Senior Product Engineer

• Senior Packaging Manager

• Sourcing

Greencore - 11 attendees• Packaging Developer X 3

• Process Development Technologist

• Packaging Innovation Controller

• Packaging Technologist

• Purchasing Manager

• Purchasing Controller

• Group Packaging Buyer

• Operations Team

• Group Packaging Buyer

Who comes to the show?

Chemical & Manufacturing & Engineering

Cosmetics & Beauty

Drinks

Food & Food Service

Pharma

Supermarkets

Retail & Online Retail

Advertising & promotion We want to ensure that people coming to our events are buying what the suppliers are selling. That’s why we employ a rigorous advertising campaign, ensuring it reaches out to everyone involved in all stages of packaging process in the run up to the show. This is executed through a combination of targeted emails, newsletters, advertising, social media, mailing, promotion and editorial. Here is a breakdown of where we have promoted the show.

PR reach/coverage pre-show• Total pieces of coverage 348• Total Circulation 7,698,810

PR reach/coverage at and post-show (to date)

• Total pieces of coverage – 64 • Total circulation – 379 million

We received press coverage from:

Social platformsTwitter 17.3k followers

Instagram 3,711 followers

Facebook 1,928 likes 2,157 followers

LinkedIN 3,499 members

Thank you to our partners and sponsors:

Marketing Campaign• Internal database of 50,000 packaging contacts• Advertising across 25 key media titles• Extensive digital/print/social marketing campaign

Secure your stand today!

Spring 2021 | NEC, Birmingham

Packaging Innovations & Empack

Contact the team Joe Riddett – Head of Sales +44 (0)20 3196 4354 joe.riddett@easyfairs.com

The future of branded and inspirational packaging

By booking early you’ll receive added value through our online campaign, securing the best stand locations and take advantage of our extensive PR opportunities!