What did we learn at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026?

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Sovereign Labelling Machines

March is here, spring has sprung, and the cold, dark days of February feel like a lifetime ago, for the moment at least!

But it is only a couple of weeks since we were basking in the success of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, which proved to be another highly successful showcase for Sovereign and our labelling machines.

Our focus on precision engineering, relentless pursuit of quality, and collaborative mindset made the event a huge success for us and our customers and partners who were in attendance.

This year’s event was about more than that though. It offered a potent mix of innovation, dialogue, and industry focus that made it the perfect opportunity to highlight what we do best.

Technology showcase

As a manufacturer of cutting-edge labelling and sleeving solutions, an event like Packaging Innovations & Empack is where we get to show off the tailored solutions we build.

In 2026, we dedicated Stand R110 to the art of labels and labelling. A Sovereign 140 Top & Bottom Labeller and Desktop Labeller provided the perfect demonstration of our capability to successfully and accurately place labels onto different types of containers. More specifically, the 140 Top & Base Labeller demonstrated our expertise with extreme application accuracy. Many visiting our stand were unable to identify the sample that demonstrated a label applied directly on top of a label.

Seeing is believing, and the sight of a machine effortlessly applying a label with absolute accuracy sparked multiple conversations about just what we do for brands and co-packers.

Such tangibility is crucial for decision makers. Packaging buyers, co-packers, and brand owners want proof that the equipment they invest in can deliver repeatable results with minimal operator intervention.

As an interactive stage for our technologies to speak for themselves, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 provided the ideal environment for exactly that.

More than networking

Exhibitions are a great networking opportunity, but Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 went further. This year’s event encouraged real discussion on the pressures and priorities shaping our industry. This included manufacturing efficiency, production quality, supply chain agility, automation, and labour challenges.

This created the perfect backdrop to position our technology within larger industry trends. Rather than simply demonstrating machines, we engaged attendees in deeper conversations about how tailored labelling and sleeving solutions support their operational and commercial goals.

Many of the discussions we had on Stand R110 began with a question: “How can you help us make our packaging more efficient, without sacrificing brand impact?”

Those are conversations we value most and enabled us to demonstrate the application of innovation with purpose.

Strengthened relationships

Another reason Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 stood out for us was the strategic breadth of exhibitors and visitors.

Substrate suppliers, equipment manufacturers, printers and converters, co-packers, and the brands are all part of the packaging ecosystem and were all in attendance.

Such interconnectivity is invaluable to us. Our equipment sits at the crossroad of print and production. Being at the show enabled us to meet with the rest of the packaging value chain and more comprehensively discuss projects and partnerships.

We also had the opportunity to reconnect with long-standing clients who view the show as an annual gathering point. These meetings weren’t about sales, they were about reaffirming trust and exploring how their operations are evolving and where our labelling and sleeving solutions make the difference,

The human element is difficult to replicate outside an event like Packaging Innovations & Empack.

Sustainability (r)evolution

Sustainability is undeniably the central narrative in packaging. At Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, it was part of every conversation and discussion. From lightweighting initiatives to recyclable sleeving films, sustainability was practical, measurable, and urgent.

As a machinery manufacturer, we know we have an important role to play in the sustainability conversation. We believe that the responsibility for sustainable packaging doesn’t rest solely on material choice but begins with process optimisation and machinery specification.

With all the talk about recycling and recyclability, let us not forget about the impact the supply chain has on the sustainability credentials of packaging, way before it gets anywhere near the consumer. Whether that is printing only what you need or creating more robust formats from downgauged materials, equipment has an essential role to play when sustainability is viewed holistically.

For us, that equates to precision-built equipment that reduces waste, minimises rejects, and extends production uptime, which contributes directly to a lower environmental impact.

While our machinery is an enabler of sustainability, exhibiting alongside others who share that commitment reinforced our belief that packaging sustainability must be a joint journey, driven by manufacturers, brand owners, and equipment suppliers alike.

Momentum and visibility

Beyond the leads generated, enquiries logged, and demonstrations delivered, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 accelerated our momentum.

We have had a strong start to the year, and this is set to continue. As I’ve already detailed, 2026 is set to be a big year for Sovereign Labelling Machines. Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 confirmed this.

We made a statement about the heritage of UK engineering and our commitment to manufacturing excellence. Visitors responded in a resounding and positive way to that authenticity.

The show reminded us just how dynamic and interconnected the UK’s packaging industry is.

Coming out of the exhibition, our team carried a clear sense of optimism and renewed confidence in the value we bring to customers.

It’s clear this event is an accelerator for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

In a market defined by demand for agility, compliance, and visual impact, our role as a solution provider is stronger and more important than ever.

As we look ahead to 2027 and beyond, the insights, partnerships, and inspiration gained from our two days in Birmingham will continue to shape how we engineer and deliver the next generation of labelling and sleeving technology.

We are already anticipating Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027, where we will greet you on Stand U60 as the show grows and relocates to Halls 6-9 of the NEC.