Earlier this year, we headed to the Packaging Innovations & Empack Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 11th and 12th February 2026. It was a brilliant opportunity to step away from the office, explore the latest developments in print and packaging, and see where the industry is heading next.
We spent the day chatting with suppliers, watching live demonstrations, listening to talks from industry experts and discovering new materials, finishes and production techniques. Events like this are always useful because they give us fresh ideas that can feed directly into future client projects.
New packaging and print ideas from the expo
One of the biggest things we noticed was the continued push towards more premium looking packaging combined with sustainable materials. There were lots of examples of recyclable packaging that still looked high quality, alongside clever use of foiling, embossing, textured finishes and soft touch laminates.
We also saw some really creative structural packaging designs that showed how much presentation can influence customer perception. Even small details like opening styles, inserts and print finishes can completely change how a product feels.
Industry talks and supplier conversations
Alongside the exhibition stands, there were talks covering packaging trends, sustainability, ecommerce presentation and branding consistency. It was interesting hearing how businesses are adapting packaging to work better across online sales, retail environments and social media.
Having conversations directly with suppliers and manufacturers is always valuable too. It helps us keep up to date with what’s becoming more accessible for businesses, especially when it comes to branded print, promotional materials and packaging options.
- Sustainable packaging materials
- Premium print finishes
- Ecommerce packaging trends
- Branding consistency
- Packaging automation and production
- Retail presentation and customer perception
Why events like this still matter
The print and packaging industry changes quickly, and seeing products in person is very different from looking at them online. Being able to feel materials, compare finishes and speak directly with suppliers gives a much better understanding of what works in the real world.
For us, it’s also about making sure we continue bringing new ideas into our client work across branding, print and digital design. Whether we’re creating a new website, branded marketing materials or printed promotional products, consistency across everything is important.
Bringing ideas back into client projects
A lot of what we saw at the expo links closely with the work we already do through our graphics and branding services and website design projects. Customers now expect businesses to look polished both online and offline, and presentation plays a huge role in building trust.We’re always looking for ways to improve what we offer clients, whether that’s through better print ideas, stronger branding consistency or smarter design choices. Events like Packaging Innovations are a great reminder of how much creativity and innovation is still happening across the industry.
Final thoughts
The Packaging Innovations & Empack Expo Birmingham 2026 was a genuinely useful and inspiring day out. We came away with fresh ideas, new supplier contacts and plenty of inspiration that we’re already looking at bringing into future projects. At Swindon Web Creations, we’re always learning, exploring and looking for new ways to help our clients stand out both online and offline.
