UKPackaging Expo, set to debut at Manchester Central on 3rd–4th September 2025, has officially reached 95% floorplan capacity, confirming its place as the must-attend packaging industry event of the year. The response from exhibitors and brands has been nothing short of phenomenal—highlighting a clear and long-overdue appetite for a world-class packaging show rooted in the North of England.
Created to address the regional imbalance in access to industry events, UKPackaging Expo brings innovation, insight, and opportunity closer to the doorstep of thousands of northern businesses. From automation to sustainability, the show is tailored to serve the North’s vast packaging supply chain and its diverse industries, from FMCG to pharma, e-commerce to manufacturing.
With over 70 exhibitors already confirmed – including names such as Sun Branding, Unilever, Markem Imaje, Toly, Fibrestar, Valpak, Avery Dennison, Lil Packaging, and Webpac – UKPackaging Expo is set to showcase a dynamic cross-section of the industry.
Pre-registered attendees include representatives from top-tier brands such as Starbucks, Harrods, Diageo, Holland & Barrett, Best Buy, Reckitt, Charlotte Tilbury, and Asda, reflecting the Expo’s growing national significance.
A Northern powerhouse takes centre stage
As outlined in a recent feature on why the North needs its own packaging expo, the event directly addresses the geographical disconnect that has traditionally left northern businesses underserved.
“The North is home to a thriving manufacturing and logistics network, but the packaging industry’s biggest shows have always been too far away,” says Jordan Bamford, Managing Director at UKPackaging Expo. “UKPackaging Expo is a smarter, more accessible platform, rooted in place, but national in impact.”
Manchester Central, a venue that sits at the heart of the North’s commercial and transport infrastructure, provides the perfect stage for this new era in packaging exhibitions. The show is also aligned with the wider Levelling Up agenda, supporting regional economic growth, SME visibility, and talent retention.
Future-focused content line-up
In addition to the exhibitor showcase, UKPackaging Expo will deliver a cutting-edge speaker programme exploring themes of:
- Sustainability, EPR, RAM and disposal fees – led by Beyondly
- Packaging apprenticeships – in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University
- Smart packaging and AI – featuring Claire Gusko from One.Five
- Packaging careers and talent attraction – from Holly Hobbs of Early Careers Talent Attraction
- Greenwashing, Top-Trumps & Packaging Community building – with Sarah Greenwood of the North of England Packaging Society
- Innovation shaping the UK packaging sector – from Sally Beken, UK Circular Plastics Network
This is just a snapshot, with more thought leaders and sector innovators are expected to be announced in the following weeks.
Secure the final space
With just 5% of floorplan remaining, the opportunity to be part of the UK’s most exciting new packaging platform is rapidly closing. Businesses looking to exhibit, sponsor, or attend are encouraged to act now.
Join the movement. Shape the future of packaging.
For exhibition enquiries and visitor registration, visit www.ukpackagingexpo.co.uk