Ever thought about how much goes into that box, bottle, or bag your favourite product comes in? It’s not just about protection; it’s about making you pick it up, telling a story, and increasingly, being kind to our planet. The world of “packaging” is a powerhouse of design, engineering, and endless creativity. If you’re a brand owner, a packaging designer, a materials expert, a sustainability champion, or simply someone keen to see how products will look in the future, then London Packaging Week is the event you absolutely must attend. It’s not just a show; it’s the “major packaging industry event” in the UK, a place where “innovation across all sectors” comes to life!

Imagine stepping into a huge, vibrant space, split into different zones, each buzzing with amazing displays of packaging for perfumes, luxury drinks, everyday food, and beauty products. You’ll get to touch and feel new materials, see cutting-edge designs, learn about how companies are making packaging more sustainable, and chat directly with the people who create these incredible solutions. This show is all about connecting you with the ideas, products, and experts you need to make your packaging stand out and meet today’s challenges. It’s your chance to pick up practical tips, find reliable partners, and get truly excited about how thoughtful packaging can transform a product. Get ready to unbox the future!

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to dive into the world of packaging? Here are the key details for London Packaging Week:

• Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This huge, modern exhibition centre is located in London’s bustling Docklands. Its spacious, single-level halls make it easy to explore the multiple shows that form London Packaging Week.
• Dates: Mark your calendars for October 15th to October 16th, 2025. This is a focused two-day event, packed with opportunities to see, learn, and connect.
• Timings:
  • Wednesday, October 15th, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Often followed by networking drinks in the evening)
  • Thursday, October 16th, 2025: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (The second day typically closes a bit earlier)
• Cost: Access to London Packaging Week is generally free for trade professionals:
  • Free-to-Attend: The great news is that entry to London Packaging Week is usually FREE to attend for genuine trade professionals who pre-register online. This includes brand owners, packaging designers, buyers, specifiers, and anyone involved in making decisions about packaging for their products across various industries (beauty, personal care, luxury drinks, food, FMCG, etc.). You will need to provide your business details during registration to receive your complimentary trade pass.
  • On-Site Registration: While pre-registration is free and highly recommended to save time, you can usually still register on the day at the venue. There typically isn’t a cost for eligible trade visitors on-site, but always check the official website before you go.
  • Minimum Age: This is a professional trade event, and typically there is a minimum age restriction, often 16 years and above, due to the business focus and potentially busy environment.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a very well-connected venue, making your journey to London Packaging Week straightforward:

• By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest and most recommended way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located right at the venue’s doorstep, offering seamless access to the exhibition halls.
• By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Liverpool Street, Farringdon, and Paddington) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees, significantly speeding up your journey from various parts of London.
• By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
• By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and paid parking facilities are available on-site. However, driving in central London can be busy, and there are often charges like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Congestion Charge to consider. Public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
• By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

• Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the show. Look for popular choices like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel), and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel (a superyacht hotel docked at the venue).
• Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a lively atmosphere close to the venue.
• Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
• Booking Tip: London Packaging Week is a significant annual event, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official show website often partners with accommodation providers or offers advice on finding suitable hotels.

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The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for London Packaging Week? The advantages are immense for anyone wanting to push the boundaries of “packaging innovation”:

• Four Shows in One: London Packaging Week isn’t just one show; it brings together four highly focused events under one roof:
  • Packaging Première: Dedicated to luxury packaging for fashion, fine food, and high-end goods. Think elegant designs and premium materials.
  • PCD (Packaging of Perfume, Cosmetics & Design): The go-to for beauty and personal care packaging, focusing on design, materials, and innovation for fragrances, skincare, and makeup.
  • PLD (Packaging of Premium & Luxury Drinks): For the wine, spirits, and premium soft drinks sectors, exploring how packaging enhances brand identity and consumer experience.
  • Food & Consumer Pack: Highlighting “innovation” for everyday food, drinks, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – practical, efficient, and appealing solutions for the masses.
• Discover Cutting-Edge Innovation: This is your prime opportunity to explore the very latest in “packaging innovation across all sectors.” You’ll find everything from advanced materials, smart packaging features, and new manufacturing techniques, to revolutionary sustainable solutions and eye-catching designs.
• Connect with Leading Suppliers: Meet hundreds of top-tier packaging suppliers, manufacturers, and designers from across the UK and beyond. This is your chance to find new partners, discuss custom solutions, compare offerings, and build crucial relationships face-to-face.
• Unparalleled Learning & Inspiration: Benefit from a packed programme of free, expert-led seminars, workshops, and panel discussions on multiple stages. Learn from world-class speakers, leading brands, and industry experts on vital topics like:
  • Sustainability: The biggest trend in packaging – discover eco-friendly materials, circular economy models, and how to reduce your environmental footprint.
  • Design Trends: What’s new in aesthetics, colours, shapes, and brand storytelling through packaging.
  • Regulations & Compliance: Navigating the ever-changing landscape of packaging laws and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility).
  • Smart Packaging: How technology like QR codes, NFC tags, and augmented reality can enhance consumer engagement.
  • E-commerce Packaging: Solutions for effective, protective, and sustainable packaging for online sales.
  • Material Science: Deep dives into new plastics, papers, glass, metals, and composite materials.
• Hands-On Product Discovery: Online research only goes so far. At London Packaging Week, you can physically interact with samples, feel the textures, examine the finishes, and see live demonstrations. This is vital for making informed decisions about your next “packaging” project.
• Unrivalled Networking Opportunities: The event brings together thousands of packaging professionals. Meet fellow brand owners, designers, marketers, and suppliers. Build valuable partnerships, share experiences, and collaborate on future projects. Dedicated networking lounges and evening receptions (like the Prosecco Bar and Networking Drinks) offer relaxed environments for connecting.
• Inspiring Show Features: Look out for special attractions designed to spark your creativity:
  • Innovation Gallery: Showcasing the very best new products and award-winning designs from exhibitors.
  • Innovation Awards: Celebrating excellence in packaging design and sustainability across various categories.
  • Pentawards Gallery: See a curated display of global award-winning packaging designs, often with talks from the designers themselves.
  • Museum of Brands Partnership: Often, there are collaborations offering unique insights into packaging history and evolution.
  • Expert Clinics: Opportunities for one-on-one advice from specialists on specific packaging challenges.
• Market Insights: Understand the current challenges and future direction of the “packaging industry.” This insight is invaluable for strategic planning, resource allocation, and staying competitive. You’ll get the inside scoop on what competitors are doing and where the industry is headed.

Attending London Packaging Week isn’t just about sourcing new boxes; it’s about investing in your product’s appeal, its sustainability, and its connection with consumers. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to boost your brand, enhance your product presentation, and make a real impact in the market. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the “major packaging industry event” for “innovation across all sectors”!

To learn more and register for your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.londonpackagingweek.com/