Packaging professionals are calling for more practical guidance on implementing new technologies and regulations, according to discussions held during the latest Empack Advisory Board meeting in London.

Hosted at Walpole’s headquarters, the meeting brought together experts in packaging engineering, manufacturing, process optimization and digital standards to identify the key issues shaping the future of packaging production and help define the direction of Empack 2027.

Rather than debating what is changing across the industry, board members agreed that manufacturers now need practical solutions for applying new technologies and regulatory requirements on the production floor.

PPWR Remains a Top Industry Priority

One of the central topics discussed was the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Board members emphasized that packaging companies are looking beyond regulatory interpretation and instead want practical examples showing how compliant packaging can be successfully designed, manufactured and commercialized.

Suggested priorities for future Empack events include:

• Live production demonstrations
• End-to-end implementation case studies
• Real manufacturing examples
• Practical packaging engineering solutions

The goal is to help manufacturers understand how material selection, machinery, automation and production processes work together to achieve both regulatory compliance and commercial performance.

Digital Technologies Continue to Transform Packaging Production

The Advisory Board also discussed the growing influence of digital technologies throughout packaging manufacturing.

Key areas identified include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Digitalization
• Cybersecurity
• Connected packaging
• QR code implementation

Participants agreed that packaging professionals increasingly want practical guidance on integrating these technologies into existing production environments rather than simply learning about emerging trends.

The focus is shifting toward improving operational efficiency, production resilience and data-driven decision-making through real-world implementation.

Industry Seeks Practical Knowledge Sharing

Jo Stephenson, Chair of the Empack Advisory Board and Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing, said the industry has largely moved beyond discussing future challenges and is now focused on practical implementation.

She noted that packaging manufacturers, engineers and operations teams are looking for guidance that helps them confidently adopt new technologies and comply with evolving regulations.

According to Stephenson, Empack’s role is to connect technology developers with the production professionals responsible for deploying those solutions in commercial manufacturing environments.

Advisory Board to Shape Empack 2027

Recommendations from the meeting will be used to develop the Empack 2027 exhibition and conference program.

Future event content will place greater emphasis on:

• Technical conference sessions
• Live equipment demonstrations
• Cross-industry collaboration
• Practical production solutions
• Knowledge sharing across the packaging supply chain

The organizers also aim to strengthen collaboration between machinery suppliers, material manufacturers, packaging engineers, brand owners and production teams to accelerate the adoption of packaging innovations.

For the packaging industry, the Advisory Board discussions reflect a broader shift from exploring emerging technologies to implementing them. As regulations such as PPWR, along with advances in AI and automation, continue to reshape packaging manufacturing, companies are increasingly seeking practical tools and proven production strategies that can be applied directly within existing operations.

Last Updated on 30/07/2026 by Jota Machinery