EXHIBITOR INNOVATION GALLERY
Discover the year’s most innovative, sustainable and forward-thinking packaging products in one curated showcase at Packaging Innovations & Empack
What is the Exhibitor Innovation Gallery?
The Exhibitor Innovation Gallery brings together a shortlist of the most forward-thinking, sustainable and creative innovations in packaging and processing, selected from our exhibitors by a panel of judges. From groundbreaking materials and packaging designs to the latest machinery and automation technologies, it’s the simplest way to discover what’s new across the event floor.
Ideal for brand owners, packaging developers, designers, engineers, manufacturers and sustainability leaders looking for a snapshot of the most exciting innovations at the event.
This year, 27 finalists were shortlisted, with the winner and runners-up voted for by our visitors!
Join twice-daily guided tours of the Innovation Gallery and get inspired by shortlisted products from exhibitors across the event floor.
Tours will by hosted by Paul Jenkins from ThePackHub, live from the gallery:
- Day 1: 11:30 and 14:00
- Day 2: 11:00 and 13:00
See a hand‑picked selection of the most innovative packs and materials at the event.
Use the Gallery as a launchpad to plan which stands to visit next.
Quickly identify which ideas are most relevant to your categories and challenges.
Winner crowned by you
Don’t just browse the Gallery – help decide the winning innovation!
Cast your vote by tapping your badge on the solution you believe is the most innovative and help crown this year’s winner.
The winner and runner-ups will be revealed live on the FMCG stage at 13:45 on Day 2.
This year's judging panel
Greg Bentley,
Packaging Director and SMEE COO,
Suntory
Paul Jenkins,
Founder & CEO,
ThePackHub
Ian Stapleton,
Technical Packaging Manager CMO EU Packaging Engineering,
Haleon
Zoe Price,
Senior Packaging Development Engineer,
Mars Wrigley
2026 Innovation Gallery winners and finalists
Huhtamaki & Xampla Bring Plastic-Free Morro™ Coating to New Folded Cartonboard Range
A high-performance folded cartonboard solution coated with Morro™, a plant-based, plastic-free barrier material. Validated as plastic-free and designed for fibre recycling and composting where infrastructure allows, it enables brands to significantly reduce plastic use without compromising grease resistance or pack integrity.
Embalagem do Futuro® – Intelligent Sustainable Fish Transport System with PetriTag®
A reusable cold-chain transport system combining insulated EPP boxes made with recycled fishing-industry waste and PetriTag®, a paper-based visual bacterial detection label. Supported by IoT monitoring, the system improves food safety, reduces waste and delivers a fully circular approach to seafood logistics.
One.five – Glassleaf
The world’s first translucent, heat-sealable barrier paper offering exceptional visibility alongside strong oxygen, water vapour and grease barriers. With over 90% paper content, CEPI-confirmed recyclability and excellent runnability on standard packaging lines, Glassleaf provides a viable alternative to plastic films.
eGreen International – Atera – Reusable Tableware & Food Containers
A reusable packaging and tableware range made using Oryzite®, a bio-based material derived from rice husk agricultural waste. Delivering high heat resistance, food-contact compliance and a 72% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional plastics, Atera supports circular, low-impact foodservice systems.
Futamura UK – Compostable Liquid Sachet
A fully compostable sachet structure for liquid products such as sauces and personal care, developed using NatureFlex™ cellulose film technology. Certified for both industrial and home composting, the solution runs at full commercial speeds on standard machinery while delivering required barrier performance and shelf life.
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ – Food-Safe POP rPP Pellet
A world-first food-safe recycled polypropylene certified to European standards, unlocking circularity for one of the least recycled plastics globally. Collected through controlled coastal networks, the material enables food-grade packaging applications while preventing hundreds of millions of plastic items from entering the ocean.
PilloPak – Microflute Tray – LockWell – Pastry Packaging
A lightweight, glue-free corrugated paper tray designed to securely hold pastries using a patented locking mechanism. Made from FSC-certified paper with integrated grease barriers, the tray improves baking airflow, reduces material use and remains fully recyclable and oven-safe.
Croxsons | B Corp™ – Rightweight® Mountain Bottle
A reduced-weight glass bottle range developed to support sustainability and EPR objectives without compromising strength or aesthetics. Suitable for still and carbonated drinks, the Rightweight® Mountain bottles deliver material efficiency alongside classic glass design.
Westpak Group Limited – GrabLok™ Linerless Tamper-Evident Bag Closure
A linerless, tamper-evident closure designed to secure takeaway and delivery bags quickly and consistently. By reducing waste, speeding up packing and protecting order integrity, GrabLok™ helps QSR brands cut complaints and refunds while adding a new branding touchpoint.
Trakya Pack – UniGlass Bottle Protection
A moulded fibre tray system engineered to provide universal protection for glass bottles across wine, spirits and premium beverages. Featuring an adaptive 3D structure with integrated buffer zones, UniGlass reduces breakage while offering a fully fibre-based alternative to conventional protective packaging.
