How Exhibitors at PPMA 2025 Are Redefining Packaging Innovation

As the UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition, the PPMA Total Show promises BIG brands, BIG innovations, and BIG opportunities. Together with the exhibition of innovative machinery, robotics, and automated solutions, this will be the ideal opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art materials, containers, and packaging. Visitors can expect live demonstrations and expert-led talks on the redefinition of packaging innovation, as covered in this event taster.

Environmental Focus

Driven by consumer and regulatory demands, brands are increasingly focusing on the development of eco-friendly packaging. This is particularly true among younger consumers, with increased awareness of environmental responsibilities and a willingness to pay more for sustainable products. Legal demands such as those of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are also having an impact, with a shift towards paper packaging and the use of other biodegradable materials. This will be reflected at the PPMA Show in the presentation of lightweight, single-use packaging, designed to minimise the environmental impact.

Emphasis on Recycling and Reusability

Continuing the environmental theme, there’s a collective commitment to recycling and reusability among many of the brands to exhibit at the PPMA Show. Visitors can expect the presentation of alternative packaging materials such as plant-based films and algae-based plastics, designed to reduce the environmental impact. There’s also been some investment in systems that encourage people to return and refill packaging, particularly across the food, beverage, and pet product sectors. Minimalism is meeting functionality in packaging, with benefits such as the ease of recycling and alignment with sustainability goals.

Tech-driven Packaging Design

Many of the companies set to exhibit at the PPMA show are investing in smart packaging, with the introduction of QR codes and NFC technology for improved product traceability and customer engagement. Temperature-sensitive packaging is also being more widely adopted, with automatic notifications when product storage conditions are compromised. AI is enabling the optimisation of materials and designs, making for reduced production costs and waste. Such applications will be highlighted at the PPMA Show, with the exhibition of 3D printing and automation for rapid prototyping and bespoke packaging.

These innovations will also be presented at the PPMA Show:

• Packaging design for e-commerce - reducing shipping weights with no sacrifice in the protection of consumer products
• Flexible and recyclable pouches for the packaging of pet food and sports nutrition products
• Airtight and active packaging, designed to keep products fresh for longer and limit the contamination risk
• Biodegradeable and edible packaging, which people can consume in combination with their preferred products
• Holograms and block-chain based tracking integration to limit the counterfeit risk, particularly across the pharmaceutical and luxury goods sectors.

Spotlight on PPMA 2025 Exhibitors

With more than 350 exhibitors, the PPMA Total Show promises to be the place to discover the latest eco-friendly, tech-driven, packaging innovations. From the Tronrud Engineering Dual Case Packer to the Fortress Technology X-ray system and Ishida QX-800 tray sealer, visitors can look forward to exhibitions of the most advanced packaging and quality control systems. There will be a variety of seminars covering such key topics as the use of closed-loop recycling systems and the integration of different technologies for “connected” packaging manufacturing. With numerous networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, the PPMA Total Show will enable industry collaboration and growth.

Other packaging innovations to be showcased at the PPMA Show include:

• Bradman Lake High-Speed Intelligent Motion Feeder
• Cobalt NEXUS20 Linerless Print and Apply Labelling Systems
• BW Hayssen R300 with OpView™ HMI

Presenting such advancements in material science, automation, and recycling, the PPMA Show will point to the collective reshaping of the packaging industry with a sustainable, tech-driven, focus. Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 23rd to the 25th of September, this is a not-to-be missed opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore new technologies and gain insights into the future of packaging.

Go ahead and book your free tickets today!