Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 is set to highlight ten standout packaging solutions as part of its Innovation Gallery 2026, bringing together design-led and problem-solving concepts that address practical challenges across the packaging industry.
The organisers of Packaging Innovations & Empack have confirmed the ten innovations selected for inclusion in the Innovation Gallery 2026, a dedicated showcase recognising developments judged to be among the most original, impactful and commercially relevant from across the global packaging landscape.
Chosen by an expert judging panel following a highly competitive entry process, the shortlisted innovations collectively illustrate the scale and speed of transformation underway in packaging. The selected solutions span materials innovation, circular systems, food safety, logistics, reuse models and operational efficiency, demonstrating how packaging is adapting to environmental pressures while continuing to deliver performance, protection and consumer confidence.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will take place on February 11 & 12 at the NEC Birmingham. The Innovation Gallery will occupy a prominent position on the show floor, where visitors will be invited to view the shortlisted solutions in detail and vote for the innovation they believe best represents the future direction of packaging.
The ten innovations featured in the Packaging Innovations & Empack Innovation Gallery 2026 are:
Huhtamaki & Xampla Bring Plastic-Free Morro™ Coating to New Folded Cartonboard Range (Stand G74), a high-performance folded cartonboard solution coated with Morro™, a plant-based, plastic-free barrier material. The solution is validated as plastic-free and designed for fibre recycling and composting where infrastructure allows, enabling brands to reduce plastic use without compromising grease resistance or pack integrity.
Embalagem do Futuro® – Intelligent Sustainable Fish Transport System with PetriTag® Intelligent Sustainable Fish Transport System with PetriTag® (Stand S154), a reusable cold-chain transport system combining insulated EPP boxes made with recycled fishing-industry waste and PetriTag®, a paper-based visual bacterial detection label. Supported by IoT monitoring, the system improves food safety, reduces waste and delivers a fully circular approach to seafood logistics.
One.five – Glassleaf (Stand Q152), described as the world’s first translucent, heat-sealable barrier paper, offering strong oxygen, water vapour and grease barriers alongside high visibility. With over 90% paper content, CEPI-confirmed recyclability and compatibility with standard packaging lines, Glassleaf provides an alternative to plastic films.
eGreen International – Atera – Reusable Tableware & Food Containers (Made from 60% Plant-based materials) (Stand G80), a reusable range produced using Oryzite®, a bio-based material derived from rice husk agricultural waste. The solution delivers high heat resistance, food-contact compliance and a 72% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional plastics.
Futamura UK – Compostable Liquid Sachet (Stand G76), a fully compostable sachet structure for liquid products, including sauces and personal care, developed using NatureFlex™ cellulose film technology. The sachet is certified for industrial and home composting and runs at full commercial speeds on standard machinery.
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ – Food-Safe POP rPP Pellet (Stand M160), a food-safe recycled polypropylene certified to European standards, designed to enable circularity for polypropylene collected through controlled coastal networks.
PilloPak – Microflute Tray – LockWell – Pastry Packaging (Stand H92), a lightweight, glue-free corrugated paper tray with a patented locking mechanism, produced from FSC-certified paper with integrated grease barriers.
Croxsons | B Corp™ – Rightweight® Mountain Bottle (Stand B142), a reduced-weight glass bottle range developed to support sustainability and EPR objectives while maintaining strength and aesthetics.
Westpak Group Limited – GrabLok™ Linerless Tamper-Evident Bag Closure (Stand L132), a linerless, tamper-evident closure designed to secure takeaway and delivery bags quickly while reducing waste and protecting order integrity.
Trakya Pack – UniGlass Bottle Protection (Stand T156), a moulded fibre tray system engineered to protect glass bottles across wine, spirits and premium beverages using an adaptive 3D structure with integrated buffer zones.
Amaia Cowan, European Sales & Marketing Manager at Futamura UK, said: “We are delighted that our industry-first compostable liquid sachets have been shortlisted for this year’s Innovation Gallery at Packaging Innovations & Empack. Our collaboration with Repaq has enabled us to develop a fully compostable solution for an application that requires high performance and shelf life, whilst providing a viable end-of-life option compared to the standard polymer sachets currently available on the market.”
Aleksandrina Topalova, Business Development Manager at Trakya Pack, said: “We’re thrilled that UniGlass has been selected as a top 10 finalist at Packaging Innovations & Empack. It was created to solve real challenges protecting glass bottles efficiently while making logistics simpler and it’s fantastic to see that practical, thoughtful design recognised by the industry.”
Pedro Costa, Project Manager – Embalagem do Futuro®, added: “For the Embalagem do Futuro® (Packaging of the Future) project, it is an honour to have one of its products in the Innovation Gallery at Packaging Innovations & Empack and a recognition for the companies ZØR Thermal and AlmaScience, from this consortium of 79 Portuguese partners. Packaging of the Future® is a Portuguese project funded by PRR – Next Generation EU, which brings together companies, R&D centres, and universities to transform the Portuguese packaging sector through sustainable, digital, and inclusive innovation. This initiative covers the entire value chain – from raw materials to design, engineering, manufacturing, digital systems, and recycling. Its goal is to create eco-efficient, market-ready packaging solutions on a global scale. The project is led by VANGEST Engineering Solutions S.A., managed by NERLEI CCI – Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and supported by INOVA+.”
Beyond the Innovation Gallery, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will present thousands of innovations from across the supply chain, including materials, machinery, smart packaging, circular economy solutions and logistics, positioning the event as the UK’s most comprehensive showcase for packaging innovation.
“This year’s Innovation Gallery showcases the strongest and most compelling line-up of innovations since the Gallery was first introduced,” said Paul Jenkins, Founder of global packaging innovation consultancy and resource hub, ThePackHub. “Each of the ten products demonstrates exceptional design thinking, solving real-world problems while meeting the evolving needs of brands, manufacturers and consumers. From circular materials and reusable systems to operational and logistical innovations, these solutions don’t just look good – they work smarter, perform better and deliver tangible benefits across the supply chain.”
