London Packaging Week has announced a significantly expanded programme for its 2026 exhibition, introducing several new attractions designed to help packaging professionals discover innovations, explore market trends and strengthen industry collaboration.

Taking place at Excel London on September 16–17, 2026, this year’s event is built around the theme “Discovery,” reflecting the growing importance of innovation, sustainability, packaging design and business networking across the packaging value chain.

Organisers expect the exhibition to attract more than 220 exhibitors and over 5,700 visitors from the luxury, beauty, food, beverage and FMCG sectors.

Innovation Gallery Showcases Emerging Packaging Technologies

One of the event’s major additions is a redesigned Innovation Gallery, featuring a curated collection of new packaging developments.

Visitors will also be able to join twice-daily guided tours that explain the technologies, materials and design concepts behind the featured innovations, providing practical insight into emerging packaging solutions.

The gallery is intended to help brand owners and packaging professionals identify commercially relevant innovations rather than simply viewing product displays.

Packaging Design Takes a Larger Role

Packaging design will receive greater attention with the launch of the Design Hub, developed in partnership with Pentawards.

The new area will feature expert presentations, design-focused discussions and networking opportunities for packaging designers and brand owners.

Pentawards will also present an expanded exhibition showcasing 50 award-winning packaging designs, together with an exclusive networking reception for industry professionals.

Start-ups and Industry Voices Join the Programme

London Packaging Week is also broadening its content through several new features.

A dedicated Start-up Zone and Discovery Theatre will showcase emerging packaging companies and disruptive technologies, while a new Podcast Studio will host discussions with industry leaders covering packaging trends, commercial opportunities and creative challenges.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to preview a documentary on James Cropper, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the history and craftsmanship of one of the UK’s longest-established specialty paper manufacturers.

Interactive Networking Experience

To encourage visitors to explore more of the exhibition, organisers have introduced the Trail of Secrets, an interactive experience highlighting selected exhibitors, product innovations and event attractions throughout the show floor.

The networking programme has also been expanded to include:

• Daily Happy Hours
• Evening networking reception
• Women in Packaging Networking Breakfast & Powerhour
• VIP Lounge
• The Inner Circle Bar

These activities complement the exhibition’s established conference programme and the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards.

Industry Focus Shifts Beyond Products

According to organisers, the additional features reflect the increasingly strategic role packaging plays in brand differentiation, sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Rather than focusing solely on product displays, London Packaging Week 2026 aims to provide visitors with practical insight into material innovation, circular packaging, consumer expectations and future packaging trends.

“A great event isn’t measured by how much there is to see. It’s measured by what visitors take away from it,” said Josh Brooks, Divisional Director – Packaging at Easyfairs.

Looking Ahead

As packaging companies continue to respond to evolving sustainability requirements, changing consumer expectations and increasing design demands, London Packaging Week 2026 is positioning itself as a platform for discovering new technologies, connecting with industry partners and exploring the innovations shaping the future of packaging.

Last Updated on 27/07/2026 by Jota Machinery