London Packaging Week 2025 Recap

Paramount Global returned to the UK for London Packaging Week held October 15-16, 2025, at ExCel London. 2025 marked the event’s fifteenth anniversary, and brought together more than 190 exhibitors, over 70 speakers, and upwards of 5,000 packaging professionals, making it one of the largest shows yet.

Key Takeaways

• London Packaging Week celebrated its 15th anniversary and marked one of the largest shows to date.
• New features included the PackUK / DEFRA Clinic for regulatory guidance, the Best of British Gallery showcasing top designs, and the Museum of Brands installation highlighting packaging history.
• Sustainability was a major focus, with innovations in compostable products, reusable e-commerce packaging, and plant-based biopolymers.
• Smithers new report identified four major trends shaping packaging: sustainability, e-commerce-driven design, consumer demand for convenience, and evolving regulations.
• Networking was stronger than ever, with new lounges, bars, and galleries creating space for connections and collaboration.
• Paramount Global used the event to connect with partners, showcase full-service packaging solutions, and highlight its value-added services like inventory management and sustainable product offerings.

Organized by Easyfairs, the show was hailed a real success with initial indications suggesting a significant increase in visitor turnout. The show had strong industry engagement and innovative displays and was abuzz with discussions that will pave the way for growth and sustainability. 

 

London Packaging Week again combined four co-located shows: Packaging Première (luxury/fashion/fine food), PCD (beauty & personal care), PLD (premium drinks), and Food & Consumer Pack (everyday consumer goods). 

 

Each event establishes an environment where packaging designers, developers, buyers, and suppliers can connect to do business efficiently and cost-effectively. The ultimate goal is to drive innovation and shape the future of packaging. 

What Was New in 2025

London Packaging Week 2025 showcased new and expanded offerings to highlight packaging and provide opportunities for learning and networking. New offerings at this year’s show included:

• PackUK / DEFRA Clinic: For the first time, attendees could consult with regulatory experts to get up to speed on UK packaging regulations, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and compliance. 
• Best of British Gallery, led by Pentawards, highlighting 50 excellent British packaging designs. 
• Museum of Brands installation: offering a historical perspective on packaging design evolution. 
• Supplier Gallery innovations: The top innovations in the Supplier Gallery included:
  • A fully recyclable & compostable tea tube 
  • A reusable, customizable e-commerce package that cuts waste by 98%
  • A plant-based, conductive biopolymer as a PP alternative
• More curated content & networking formats: New speaker stages (Luxury Stage; Beauty & Drinks; Food & Consumer Pack), cocktail and networking bars, best of British design showcase, and happy hour mixers set the stage for a great show.  

Four Trends Shaping the Future of Packaging

To celebrate 15 years of London Packaging Week, Smithers released a white paper identifying four major forces that will shape packaging through 2028: sustainability, e-commerce, consumer expectations, and regulation.

 

Sustainability Is Now the Standard

Sustainable packaging has moved from niche to necessity. Europe is leading the way with fiber-based materials like molded pulp, which now account for nearly 40% of global packaging. While plastics still dominate in Asia and North America, new regulations are pushing companies toward more circular, eco-friendly solutions.

 

E-Commerce Is Reshaping Packaging

Online shopping now makes up more than 20% of global retail sales. This shift has changed packaging priorities, with durability and efficiency taking precedence over shelf appeal. Corrugated materials are widely used, and the growth of meal delivery services has increased demand for recyclable and compostable containers.

 

Consumers Expect Convenience

Urban living and rising incomes are changing how people interact with packaging. Today’s consumers prefer formats that are easy to open, resealable, and minimal. Millennials, in particular, expect fast delivery and less waste, driving a move from bulk packaging to compact, user-friendly designs.

 

Regulation Is Driving Accountability

New policies like the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are setting stricter standards. By 2030, packaging must be recyclable and include more recycled content. These rules are shifting responsibility for waste back to producers and encouraging innovation across the industry.

 

Looking Ahead, the global packaging market is expected to grow steadily, with innovation led by high-income regions and volume driven by emerging markets. Success will depend on balancing growth with responsibility — integrating smart design, sustainability, and compliance into every layer of packaging.

 

London Packaging Week Trends & Themes

The trends highlighted in the Smithers report were echoed throughout London Packaging Week, with exhibitors and speakers showcasing how these trends are actively shaping the industry.

Sustainability & Circular Design

Sustainability was a clear priority. Exhibitors presented packaging formats that are compostable, reusable, or made with high recycled content. Many designs focused on reducing waste, aligning with the growing emphasis on circular systems. Regulatory pressures, especially extended producer responsibility (EPR), were a key driver behind these innovations.

 

Regulation & Compliance

Policy changes and compliance challenges were front and center. Sessions like the PackUK clinic addressed updates from DEFRA and material regulations, offering attendees practical guidance on how to stay ahead of evolving standards.

 

Material & Functional Innovation

Suppliers introduced new materials and features that support both sustainability and performance. Biopolymers, plant-based packaging, and smart components like desiccants were on display. E-commerce demands also inspired clever secondary packaging solutions that balance protection with environmental responsibility.

 

Design & Brand Experience

Packaging design focused on storytelling and consumer engagement. Premium and luxury brands emphasized the unboxing experience, while beauty and beverage sectors blended elegance with usability. Competitions and showcases like the Pentawards Best of British celebrated standout design work.

 

Technology & Consumer Behavior

Emerging technologies and shifting consumer needs were recurring themes. AI-driven design tools, inclusive packaging for accessibility, and fiber-based innovations were discussed widely. The influence of e-commerce continued to shape packaging formats and delivery expectations.

Looking Ahead

London Packaging Week 2025 wrapped up with a strong sense of momentum and purpose. Beyond feeling inspired, attendees also gained practical knowledge about upcoming regulations, new materials, and sustainable packaging options that can be applied right away.

For suppliers, the event was a valuable platform to present their latest innovations, including compostable materials, plant-based polymers, and reusable solutions. It also gave them a chance to hear directly from brand owners and gather feedback that could shape future products.

Networking was a major highlight this year. With new lounges, bars, clinics, awards, and galleries, there were plenty of ways for people to connect in both casual and more structured settings. The event made it clear that London continues to be a key center for packaging innovation, especially in areas like sustainability, design, and regulatory leadership.

Looking ahead, regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility and updates from DEFRA will play a big role in determining what types of packaging are acceptable. Brands and suppliers will need to stay informed and ready to adapt. Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. It is now expected. That includes being transparent, using recyclable or compostable materials, and designing for circular use.

Innovation will also come from new areas like materials science, digital tools, and artificial intelligence. Packaging will need to do more than protect products. It will need to create a better experience for customers, including how it feels to open and use. As online shopping continues to grow, packaging will need to be lighter, use less material, and support returnable or reusable systems.

Carrying the Momentum Forward

The Paramount Global team made some meaningful connections with both new and familiar faces at London Packaging Week. These in-person conversations led to real discussions about how we can help strengthen partnerships and support growth. It was also a great chance to highlight our full-service packaging and supply chain capabilities, showing how we support businesses across a wide range of industries.

Our approach to packaging stood out, especially our value-added services like warehousing and inventory management. These programs give customers the flexibility to grow without worrying about storage or supply delays. Many of our partners shared how these services have helped them simplify operations, improve cash flow, and free up their own warehouse space.

We left the show energized by the conversations and inspired by the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. If you’re looking for a packaging and supply chain partner who can help you stay ahead, we’d love to connect. Contact us today to start the conversation.