UK Packaging Expo 2026, happening on 10-11 November at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, is the premier event for packaging professionals in the UK.
Dates
10–11 Nov 2026
City / country
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Venue
Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Hall C
Time
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Event overview
UK Packaging Expo 2026 is a focused event for packaging buyers and suppliers, taking place on 10 to 11 November 2026 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool.
It aims to facilitate commercial conversations and sourcing of packaging solutions across various sectors.
TL;DR
Visitors will gain insights into the latest packaging solutions, network with industry leaders, and attend valuable conference sessions tailored to current market needs. Dates and Venue: UK Packaging Expo runs from 10 to 11 November 2026 at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Hall C. Buyer Authority: Attendees include brand owners, manufacturers, and procurement professionals actively seeking packaging solutions.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of packaging buyers, enhancing visibility and generating leads. Scale and Focus: The event expects over 2,000 packaging buyers and 125 exhibiting suppliers across core packaging sectors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include brand owners, manufacturers, and procurement professionals actively seeking packaging solutions. Entry: Free registration is available for qualifying packaging.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1Liverpool, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
Parking: Parking availability should be confirmed on the venue or organiser site before travel.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Visitor Registration
Free registration for qualifying packaging professionals.
How the last edition performed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
UK Packaging Expo 2026 is a focused event for packaging buyers and suppliers, taking place on 10 to 11 November 2026 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. It aims to facilitate commercial conversations and sourcing of packaging solutions across various sectors. UK Packaging Expo is essential for connecting packaging suppliers with decision-makers in the industry, addressing current challenges and innovations in packaging.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Brand managers and packaging leads from food and beverage sectors, Procurement professionals looking for sustainable packaging solutions, Operations directors focused on packaging efficiency and compliance, Marketing teams seeking innovative packaging designs. Dates and Venue: UK Packaging Expo runs from 10 to 11 November 2026 at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Hall C. Scale and Focus: The event expects over 2,000 packaging buyers and 125 exhibiting suppliers across core packaging sectors.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of packaging buyers, enhancing visibility and generating leads. Scale and Focus: The event expects over 2,000 packaging buyers and 125 exhibiting suppliers across core packaging sectors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include brand owners, manufacturers, and procurement professionals actively seeking packaging solutions. Entry: Free registration is available for qualifying packaging. Exhibitor categories include Suppliers of.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending UK Packaging Expo on 2026-11-10 to 2026-11-11 in Liverpool lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Closest gateway to Exhibition Centre Liverpool. Arriva 500 and 82A/86A buses run to Liverpool ONE, then a 15-minute waterfront walk; taxis rank outside the terminal. Strong short-haul coverage of UK domestic and European routes.
~13 km (8 miles)
to venue
20–25 min off-peak
by car
The North of England's principal long-haul gateway. Direct trains leave the airport station for Liverpool Lime Street roughly every 30 minutes; from Lime Street take Merseyrail one stop to James Street (4 min) or a taxi for 8–12 minutes.
~55 km (34 miles)
to venue
45–60 min by road; ~1h 05m direct train to Liverpool Lime Street
by car
Useful alternative for Midlands-based teams and some European services. CrossCountry and West Midlands Trains connect Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street, then Merseyrail to James Street.
~155 km (96 miles)
to venue
1h 40m by road; ~1h 40m by direct train to Liverpool Lime Street
by car
Best for long-haul connections. Heathrow Express to Paddington, Underground to Euston, then Avanti West Coast to Liverpool Lime Street in about 2h 15m; continue by Merseyrail or taxi to the waterfront.
~330 km (205 miles)
to venue
3h 30m–4h by road; ~3h 15m by train via London Euston
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 70–115 / night
ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock and similar; book 6–8 weeks ahead, show week rates rise sharply. Confirm before travel.
USD 95–165 / night
Novotel, Crowne Plaza, Hilton Liverpool City Centre; good access to James Street Merseyrail station. Confirm before travel.
USD 140–220 / night
Pullman Liverpool; the only hotel directly connected to the venue, so rates spike during UK Packaging Expo. Confirm before travel.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
train
Fastest city-centre link to the waterfront; trains every few minutes. Confirm before travel.
train
Advance tickets are markedly cheaper booked online. Confirm before travel.
bus
Runs every 15–20 min; alight at Liverpool ONE and walk 15 min along the waterfront. Confirm before travel.
taxi
20–25 min off-peak via A561 and Docks; hackney cabs and pre-booked private hire rank at the terminal. Confirm before travel.
taxi
45–60 min by road; train alternative is often quicker at peak times. Confirm before travel.
walk
12–18 min on a lit, level waterfront route; practical for Pullman, ibis Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE hotels. Confirm before travel.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Irish citizens need no visa and no ETA under Common Travel Area arrangements. EU, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean, Singaporean and Gulf Cooperation Council nationals travel visa-free but must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding.
The UK accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of exhibition goods, machinery, samples and professional equipment. Arrange through your national Chamber of Commerce and present the carnet at the port of entry.
Official visa pageWeather
November in Liverpool is cool, damp and breezy, with daytime temperatures of 8–11°C and nights falling to 4–7°C. Expect roughly 80 mm of rain across 15–18 wet days, usually as short heavy showers driven in off the Mersey, plus wind chill on the waterfront. Pack a waterproof overcoat, layers, a compact umbrella and comfortable waterproof shoes for the walk between the docks hotels and Hall C; daylight fades by about 16:15.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies — confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service charges
Restaurants and bars in Liverpool often add a 10–12.5% discretionary service charge to the bill; otherwise 10% in cash or on card is customary. Round up taxi fares to the nearest pound.
Business dress
Smart casual or business casual is standard at UK trade shows — chinos, shirt and jacket work for daytime meetings, with a suit reserved for senior or contract-signing sessions. A warm overcoat is essential for November.
Meeting etiquette
Punctuality matters, and brief small talk about weather or football is normal before business. UK buyers prefer direct, evidence-based pitches with clear pricing and lead times over hard selling, and first names are used from the outset.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LPL
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Liverpool; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Most European, North American, Gulf and East Asian visitors do not need a visa for a short business trip to the UK but must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (GBP 16) before boarding, usually decided within three working days. Nationals of India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey and much of Africa and Asia need a Standard Visitor Visa (GBP 127), which takes around three weeks and requires a biometric appointment. Irish citizens need no permission at all under the Common Travel Area. ATA Carnets are accepted for temporary imports of machinery, samples and stand equipment.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
GBP 16 per traveller, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, with multiple entries of up to 6 months each. Apply through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk before booking flights. GBP 127 application fee. Permits business meetings, conferences, negotiations and permitted activities, but no paid employment. Biometric appointment required at a visa application centre.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): 20–25 min off-peak; Manchester Airport (MAN): 45–60 min by road; ~1h 05m direct train to Liverpool Lime Street; Birmingham Airport (BHX): 1h 40m by road; ~1h 40m by direct train to Liverpool Lime Street; London Heathrow Airport (LHR): 3h 30m–4h by road; ~3h 15m by train via London Euston. Allow road or rail time to Exhibition Centre Liverpool; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Exhibition Centre Liverpool: King's Dock waterfront, adjacent to Exhibition Centre Liverpool: Pullman Liverpool; Hanover Street, Liverpool city centre (~1.5 km, 12-min taxi): Novotel Liverpool Centre; Princes Dock / St Nicholas Place (~1.2 km, 10-min taxi): Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Liverpool; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Exhibition Centre Liverpool sits on the King's Dock waterfront, an 8–10 minute walk from Merseyrail's James Street station on the Wirral Line. From Liverpool Lime Street, take Merseyrail one stop to James Street for £2.60–£4.20, or a taxi for £7–£10 in 8–12 minutes. Arriva buses 500, 82A and 86A link Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Liverpool ONE with the city centre every 15–20 minutes for £2.40 single. From Manchester Airport, direct trains reach Liverpool Lime Street in about 1h 05m. Waterfront promenade walking routes are level and lit, making hotels at Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE easy to reach on foot.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Exhibition Centre Liverpool; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs of 8–11°C and night-time lows of 4–7°C across 10–11 November; the Mersey waterfront adds wind chill that makes it feel several degrees colder.
Seasonality: November is one of Liverpool's wettest months, with around 80 mm of rain spread over 15–18 wet days, often as short, sharp showers. Daylight ends by roughly 16:15, so plan evening walking between the venue and docks hotels with a waterproof coat.
Packing: November 2026
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 10 November 2026 (Day 1)
The two-day format concentrates activity on the opening day: registration, keynote and seminar sessions, press briefings and first-day machinery demonstrations all run on 10 November, and exhibitor teams are at full strength with senior technical staff on the stand. Aisles are at their busiest, so pre-book morning meetings and leave the second afternoon for follow-ups and price confirmation.
Check passport validity and UK entry requirements — Confirm whether you need a UK Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
Register a free visitor pass — Complete visitor registration at ukpackagingexpo.co.uk for the 10-11 November 2026 show at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Hall C.
Book flights — Fly into Liverpool John Lennon Airport or Manchester Airport, then transfer by train or taxi to the Liverpool waterfront.
Reserve a hotel — Book a property near Exhibition Centre Liverpool or Liverpool city centre for 9-12 November 2026.
Download the floor plan and programme — Review the exhibitor list and the 39 conference programme slots and mark priority stands.
Request B2B meetings — Message target packaging suppliers and contract packers to pre-book on-stand meetings.
Plan local transport — Exhibition Centre Liverpool is a short taxi or bus ride from Liverpool Lime Street station; buses cost roughly GBP 5-12.
Arrange travel budget — Entry is free; budget for travel, accommodation and meals over the two show days.
Pack for wet November weather — Expect 6-11C and frequent rain; bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
Prepare meeting documents — Print or download the show guide, product shortlists and business cards for supplier meetings.
Arrive and collect badge — Travel to Liverpool, collect your badge at Hall C and orient yourself with the show floor.
Registration and guided floor orientation in Hall C, Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Pre-booked supplier meetings across Hall C machinery and materials stands
Lunch and informal networking in the waterfront B2B lounge
Seminar sessions and final-round negotiations before close
Chester — Roman walls and the Rows
Manchester — Northern Quarter and industrial heritage
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · trade_registration
—
hotel_night
visitor · mid_range_4_star
GBP 95–165 / per room per night
per_diem
visitor · standard
GBP 45–85 / per person per day
visa_fee
international_visitor · standard_visitor_visa
GBP 127 / per application
exhibitor_stand
exhibitor · shell_scheme_9sqm
GBP 2500–5500 / per 9 sqm stand
visa_fee
visitor · Entry visa
USD 20 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | trade_registration | — | confirmed | — |
| hotel_night | visitor | mid_range_4_star | GBP 95–165 / per room per night | estimate | — |
| per_diem | visitor | standard | GBP 45–85 / per person per day | estimate | — |
| visa_fee | international_visitor | standard_visitor_visa | GBP 127 / per application | confirmed | — |
| exhibitor_stand | exhibitor | shell_scheme_9sqm | GBP 2500–5500 / per 9 sqm stand | estimate | — |
| visa_fee | visitor | Entry visa | USD 20 / per application | organiser_published |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a packaging specification review, sustainability or PPWR compliance project, or supplier re-tender scheduled within the next 12–18 months.
Best for
Packaging technologists, brand owners, FMCG and e-commerce supply-chain teams, co-packers and retail buyers who need to shortlist UK and Irish suppliers and benchmark materials, machinery and labelling for 2027 specifications.
Min. budget
$550.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks to book hotels and travel; allow 3+ weeks for a UK Standard Visitor Visa or ETA before booking non-refundable fares.
Risks
Waterfront hotel rates in Liverpool climb sharply on show week — book 8–12 weeks ahead.
UK visa and ETA decisions can take three weeks or longer in peak season, so travel plans must not be confirmed first.
Two show days compress supplier meetings into a very short window; diary clashes in Hall C are common.
exhibit
You have UK and Ireland pipeline targets, a new machine, material or labelling line to launch, and a stand budget of roughly GBP 2,500–5,500 plus travel.
Best for
Machinery OEMs, materials converters, labelling, coding and end-of-line automation suppliers, and packaging service providers targeting UK and Irish food, drink, pharma and e-commerce buyers.
Min. budget
$5,200.00
Timeline
6–9 months for space selection, stand build, freight and customs, plus visa processing for overseas stand staff.
Risks
Stand build, freight and UK customs clearance need firm deadlines — artwork and rigging cut-offs fall 6–8 weeks before opening.
Machinery and sample imports require an ATA Carnet or full customs declaration to avoid duty and delays.
Premium waterfront positions in Hall C are limited and sell out months ahead of the show.
skip
Packaging procurement is centralised outside the UK and no specification review, compliance deadline or supplier change is scheduled in the next two years.
Best for
Teams with no UK or Irish packaging spend, no specification or machinery changes in the next 18 months, or buyers already locked into a multi-year supplier framework.
Timeline
No planning required — re-evaluate for the following edition if UK sourcing priorities change.
Risks
Misses direct price and lead-time benchmarking against UK converters during a volatile materials market.
No face-to-face access to machinery demonstrations that cannot be replicated by video call.
Sustainability and packaging compliance suppliers are easier to assess in person than through remote quotes.
Book with
Recommended providers
FAQs & glossary
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
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References
3
Publishers
0
Date checked
UK Packaging Expo
Food & Drink Manufacturing UK
FMCG CEO Magazine
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