Flo Comber, who completed her PRCA Apprenticeship in PR in November, reports from Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 as she deepens her understanding of the fascinating world of packaging.
In February, I attended Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 to support a knowledge-building media interview with a key packaging client and to explore the event, which featured expert panels from industry leaders and over 450 exhibitors sharing their ideas which will shape the future of packaging.
Having visited the show last year as part of my apprenticeship programme, I was excited to learn more about the big topics in the industry and gain valuable insight into the changes and challenges ahead.
First on my agenda was meeting our client, Roberts Metal Packaging, who were exhibiting at the show and presenting their latest industry accolade for a collaboration with natural cosmetics brand ‘Puralpina’. Their stand showcased this award‑nominated work, alongside a wider range of premium aluminium jars, caps and closures used across personal care, cosmetics and other sectors.
Later that morning, I coordinated a knowledge‑building discussion between the Roberts team and a key trade media journalist. It was a great opportunity for the team to explain how design excellence material innovation and sustainability can all be integrated into commercially scalable metal packaging that supports circular‑economy goals. It’s always a pleasure to meet journalists I regularly speak to over email in person, and valuable to spend meaningful time with our clients face‑to‑face.
Next it was all about attending the panel speaker discussions covering supply chain, innovation and design, the circular economy as well as the latest on the growing trends in the industries, including the use of AI.
Two key sessions that stood out for me were ‘DRS: Lessons learned from pioneering countries’ and a session led by PackUK called ‘Industry advisors behind PackUK: The packaging value chain is shaping pERP’s future’. These were particularly relevant to my learning and really helpful in extending my knowledge in key areas.
It was useful to gain a clearer view of how the industry is preparing for upcoming regulatory changes, and where the biggest challenges still sit for 2026 with the different regulatory schemes. Hearing different perspectives across the speaker panels helped to put the current conversations and information I see in the trade news into context, growing my understanding of the sector.
Overall, the event was a great chance to step back and understand what lies ahead for the packaging industry in 2026, from shifting regulations, to expanding sustainability expectations and future projects that are beginning to take shape.
It also gave me the chance to build confidence in coordinating media interviews and interacting with journalists, something I’m looking forward to doing more of as I grow in my role. Being able to support these conversations at a live event, while taking insight from across the different aspects of packaging, made the day feel both rewarding and enjoyable. I’m excited to attend future events and opportunities to support my ongoing learning.