In July 2026, the second edition of UK Packaging Expo is expected to place major attention on the food and beverage packaging sector when the second edition of the show runs at the Convention Centre at KingsDock, Liverpool in November 2026.
With regulatory reform, sustainability targets, retail competition, and changing consumer expectations transforming packaging strategies across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and wider Europe, the event will bring together packaging manufacturers, food producers, designers, converters, retailers, and supply chain specialists to explore the technologies and trends driving the next generation of food and drink packaging.
The UK and European food packaging market is in a period of rapid transition. According to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), UK food and drink exports reached a record £25.6 billion in 2025, underlining the continued scale and resilience of the sector despite economic pressures. Ireland remains one of the UK’s largest export destinations, alongside France and the United States, reinforcing the importance of packaging innovation that supports cross-border retail performance, shelf life, and supply chain efficiency.
At the same time, it is also observed that sustainability legislation is also reshaping packaging priorities across the region. The introduction of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and the emergence of the UK Packaging PRO organization are helping the industry to enhance its investment in recyclable, reusable, and lower-impact materials.
Companies today are noticing packaging as the central component of wider net-zero strategies. The FDF’s Ambition 2030 programme highlights the sector’s commitment to reducing emissions across the agrifood supply chain, with packaging innovation viewed as critical to achieving these targets.
Across Europe, brands are responding with significant advances in sustainable food packaging technologies. Various market analysts and experts have observed that the mono-material packaging is growing strongly, whereas fiber-based alternatives, compostable materials, and lightweight flexible packaging solutions are driven by both regulation and consumer demand.
Mordor’s UK Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis Forecast for 2026-31 found that plastic still held 48%.02% of the UK packaging market share by packaging type in 2025, but paper is projected to expand at a 4.62% CAGR through 2031. By packaging format, flexible solutions accounted for 54.40% of the United Kingdom packaging market size in 2025; rigid alternatives are forecast to grow at 3.58% CAGR to 2031. By end-use sector, food applications led with 28.60% revenue share in 2025, whereas e-commerce packaging is advancing at a 5.28% CAGR through 2031.
Flexible packaging formats are highly preferred by the food and beverage packaging market because of their ability to reduce material usage, along with improving transport efficiency and visual impact. The reason why flexible packaging is highly preferred by the brands is due to the growing demand for stand-up pouches, digitally printed short-run packaging, and premium artisan presentation formats.
Packaging for artisan and premium food producers is observed as a strategic branding tool rather than just a protective covering for the product. The demand for innovative packaging is also fueled by consumer-facing trends that deliver sustainability credentials while also creating standout shelf appeal and social media visibility. Analysts also highlight the growth of minimalist aesthetics, bold typography, tactile finishes, and premium labelling as brands are always in competition to gain the attention of consumers for maximum profits.
The importance of strong packaging design is also reflected by the growing need for attractive products on retail store shelves, reflecting its commercial value. Studies defining the importance of shelf placement and product visibility to enhance packaging presentation directly influence the purchasing behavior along with product demand, especially in high-competition FMCG categories.
Growing consumer awareness for highly opting for sustainable options across Europe is observed to increase. Studies state that in Europe, consumers are actively rejecting products perceived to use excessive or unsustainable packaging, placing additional pressure on brands to deliver recyclable and lower-impact solutions without any compromise or convenience.
The emergence of smart packaging technologies is also expected to feature prominently at UKPackaging Expo 2026. Developments including QR-enabled packaging, freshness indicators, intelligent labelling, and digitally connected packaging systems are helping food brands improve traceability, transparency, and consumer engagement. Innovation in packaging across Europe is also targeted to reduce food waste. The European Commission has identified food packaging as a key enabler of sustainable food systems, particularly in extending shelf life and improving product preservation throughout increasingly complex supply chains.
UKPackaging Expo’s Head of Marketing, Naomi Stewart, says: “As food and beverage brands balance sustainability, operational efficiency, and increasingly sophisticated consumer expectations, UKPackaging Expo 2026 aims to provide a platform for industry leaders to examine how packaging can deliver both environmental performance and commercial differentiation.
“The exhibition will showcase innovations spanning sustainable materials, food-safe packaging technologies, premium branding, digital print solutions, smart packaging systems, labelling technologies, and advanced manufacturing processes, while also creating opportunities for networking and collaboration across the UK and European packaging supply chain. We’re hugely looking forward to welcoming all our exhibitors and visitors to the show in November as we work together to help shape and support the rapid pace of technological change taking place in our industry”.
31 July 2026
30 July 2026
30 July 2026
30 July 2026