Packaging Innovations & Empack launches inaugural Startup Zone to spotlight disruptive packaging innovations

For the very first time, Packaging Innovations & Empack is proud to announce the launch of its Startup Zone, a dynamic new feature designed to showcase the brightest and most disruptive packaging innovations from emerging companies. This exciting addition to the event will amplify the role of startups in transforming the packaging industry by providing them with a dedicated space to connect with top brands, showcase their solutions, and engage with industry leaders. The Startup Zone will be a key destination for those looking to discover the next big thing in sustainable packaging and cutting-edge technology.

The Startup Zone, located at stand A10, is strategically placed next to The PackHubs stand and the Innovation & Design Stage, where the Startup Awards will be held on Day 2 of the event. Attendees can expect to see cutting-edge solutions and products developed by a curated group of startups reshaping the packaging landscape. The zone will host five standout startups, each with its pod, where they will share the space and network with industry professionals.

“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the Startup Zone at Packaging Innovations & Empack,” said Paul Jenkins, Founder of ThePackHub. “This is a unique opportunity for startups to showcase their innovative solutions, connect with leading brands, and be part of a community driving positive change in the packaging industry. We believe this zone will become a hub of collaboration, inspiration, and growth.”

Among the startups featured in the zone are:

• HUID: Founded in Oban in 2021, HUID is revolutionising packaging by converting onion skins into sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. HUID has developed 100% onion fibre cardstock, paper, and onion-skin-based moulded fibre products that are both recyclable and compostable. The company is working on creating compostable transparent flexible films with shelf-life extension capabilities – addressing both plastic and food waste issues.
• Cauli: Cauli powers circular packaging with innovative technology. As the UK’s largest food-service reuse system provider, Cauli works with major clients like Heathrow Airport, BT, the Bank of England, and the NHS. The Cauli Reuse System helps catering operators reduce up to 92% CO2 emissions and 40% in costs compared to single-use compostable packaging, with an industry-leading return rate of 98.7%.
• PulpaTronics: Aiming to unlock the next generation of RFID tags for a circular economy, PulpaTronics has developed sustainable, chipless, and metal-free RFID tags. Using laser technology to create conductive circuits from paper substrates, PulpaTronics has eliminated the need for metal antennas, making their tags more affordable, eco-friendly, and perfect for integration into circular systems through paper recycling. The company is seeking commercial pilots in the retail, packaging, and hospitality sectors.
• One Good Thing: Home to the world’s first snack bars with no plastic wrapper, One Good Thing uses a fully natural, edible coating based on beeswax. This coating provides all the protective and barrier properties needed for a viable bio-packaging alternative. Behind the product and coating technology is novel in-house manufacturing machinery that enables the coating application. The company is now developing this technology for use across other food types, aiming to eliminate as much plastic as possible from the food sector.
• Searo Labs: Searo Labs develops natural polymer materials from seaweed that are plastic- and bioplastic-free, completely biodegradable, and provide unique properties such as extending shelf life. The company’s patented technology offers flexible, transparent, strong, and heat-sealable films that can run on existing packaging infrastructure. Searo’s tunable formulations allow products to be engineered for various applications, including sachets, flow wraps, cling films, bags, and even edible films that biodegrade in fresh water or soil in under 28 days.

The Startup Zone promises to be a key attraction at Packaging Innovations & Empack, bringing together innovators who challenge traditional packaging methods and offer scalable, sustainable alternatives.

“We’re thrilled to see these forward-thinking companies join us for the launch of the Startup Zone. It’s an exciting moment for the packaging industry as startups bring fresh, innovative ideas that will significantly shape the future,” said Paul Jenkins.