SPECIAL REPORTS 42 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Manufacturers across the processing and packaging sectors are having to respond to change on multiple fronts. New sustainability requirements, evolving legislation and greater production flexibility are all influencing how factories invest and operate. Those pressures are driving demand for new machinery, smarter automation and packaging materials that can meet both regulatory requirements and commercial expectations. They will also shape much of the conversation at PPMA Show 2026, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22–24 September. More than 350 exhibitors representing over 1500 brands are expected to showcase the latest developments in processing, packaging, robotics, automation and vision systems, giving manufacturers the opportunity to assess technologies designed to address today’s production challenges. Sustainability Sustainability is likely to be a recurring theme throughout the exhibition. New materials continue to emerge, including seaweed-based bioplastics and fibre-based packaging developed to improve recyclability while maintaining product protection. At the same time, regulatory change is accelerating. Under EU packaging and waste regulations, all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030, while consumer expectations continue to influence product development. Between 40% and 80% of consumers across the US and Europe have said they would be prepared to pay more for sustainable packaging. For manufacturers, those developments have implications well beyond material selection. New substrates can affect machine performance and compatibility, while shorter production runs, expanding SKU ranges and evolving compliance requirements all place additional demands on packaging operations. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are among the issues many businesses are continuing to address. Against that backdrop, visitors to PPMA Show 2026 will be looking for practical solutions rather than concepts. The exhibition is expected to feature equipment and systems aimed at helping manufacturers adapt to new materials, manage multiple formats, improve production flexibility and respond to changing regulatory requirements. Live demonstrations will provide an opportunity to see the latest processing and packaging machinery, robotics, automation and vision systems in operation, while technical specialists will be available to discuss integration, applications and performance. Seminar programme The exhibition’s seminar programme will complement the technology on display. The sessions are expected to explore topics including sustainable packaging development, changing legislation and the Keeping pace with processing and packaging innovation PPMA Show 2026 will bring together the latest processing, packaging and automation technologies as manufacturers respond to changing regulations, new materials and evolving production demands. H&P reports. growing use of AI within manufacturing. The programme is intended to provide practical insight into some of the issues currently influencing investment and operational decision-making across the sector. Alongside the exhibition and seminar programme, networking will remain an important part of the event, with the reception following the opening day offering manufacturers, suppliers and industry specialists an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss shared challenges. As manufacturers continue to balance productivity, sustainability and compliance, PPMA Show 2026 is expected to provide a timely snapshot of the technologies, materials and ideas shaping the future of processing and packaging. For further information and to register please visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk/
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