RECOUP Circular Packaging Forum

The RECOUP Circular Packaging Forum 2026 is a premier UK conference dedicated to advancing sustainable packaging, circular economy practices, and innovative recycling solutions. Organised by RECOUP, the UK's leading authority on plastics resource efficiency, this event brings together professionals from across the packaging and recycling industries to discuss the future of responsible material use and waste reduction.

As sustainability becomes a business priority, organisations are under increasing pressure to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and meet ambitious environmental targets. This forum provides an ideal platform to explore emerging technologies, practical strategies, and collaborative initiatives that support a more circular approach to packaging design and resource management.

Hosted in Birmingham, one of the UK's major business hubs, the event offers delegates an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, network with industry leaders, and discover innovative products and services that are shaping the next generation of sustainable packaging.

Explore the Latest Industry Trends

The conference programme focuses on the most important developments influencing packaging and recycling today. Expert speakers from industry, government, academia, and environmental organisations will share practical insights into creating packaging systems that minimise waste while maximising resource recovery.

Attendees will learn about:

• Circular packaging design principles
• Recyclable and reusable materials
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• UK packaging legislation
• Plastic Packaging Tax updates
• Material innovation
• Consumer recycling behaviour
• Digital product passports
• Supply chain sustainability
• Future packaging technologies

Each session is designed to provide practical solutions that businesses can implement immediately to improve environmental performance.

Keynote Presentations from Industry Experts

Leading specialists from the packaging, manufacturing, retail, and recycling sectors will present real-world examples demonstrating how organisations are successfully transitioning towards circular business models.

Delegates will gain valuable knowledge from presentations covering:

• Packaging redesign success stories
• Recycling infrastructure improvements
• Sustainable product development
• AI applications in waste sorting
• Closed-loop manufacturing systems
• Carbon reduction strategies
• Eco-design best practices

These keynote sessions offer actionable guidance supported by measurable business outcomes and industry experience.

Innovation Exhibition

Alongside the conference programme, delegates can explore an exhibition featuring companies showcasing the latest sustainable technologies and packaging solutions.

The exhibition includes:

• Recyclable packaging materials
• Compostable alternatives
• Smart labelling systems
• AI-powered recycling technology
• Material recovery innovations
• Sustainable manufacturing equipment
• Environmental consultancy services
• Circular economy software solutions

Visitors can engage directly with exhibitors, compare products, and identify technologies that support their sustainability goals.

Networking Opportunities

One of the forum's greatest strengths is its collaborative environment. Dedicated networking breaks, business matchmaking sessions, and informal discussions provide opportunities to connect with professionals from across the plastics and packaging value chain.

Participants can network with:

• Packaging manufacturers
• Brand owners
• Retailers
• Recycling operators
• Waste management companies
• Environmental consultants
• Government agencies
• Universities
• Technology providers
• Investors

These conversations often lead to new partnerships, collaborative projects, and innovative business opportunities.

Regulatory and Policy Updates

Understanding evolving environmental legislation is essential for organisations involved in packaging production and recycling.

Special sessions will cover:

• UK environmental regulations
• Recycling targets
• Packaging compliance
• Plastic Packaging Tax
• Circular Economy Action Plan
• Future legislative changes
• Sustainability reporting requirements

Experts will explain how businesses can prepare for regulatory developments while improving operational efficiency.

Practical Workshops

Interactive workshops allow delegates to apply the knowledge gained throughout the day. Sessions encourage discussion, problem-solving, and collaboration around common sustainability challenges.

Workshop topics include:

• Designing recyclable packaging
• Reducing plastic waste
• Selecting sustainable materials
• Improving recycling rates
• Measuring environmental performance
• Developing circular business models

These workshops provide practical skills that attendees can implement within their organisations.

Benefits of Attending

By attending the RECOUP Circular Packaging Forum 2026, delegates will:

• Stay informed about industry developments
• Discover innovative technologies
• Understand future legislation
• Improve sustainability strategies
• Meet leading experts
• Expand professional networks
• Explore new business opportunities
• Gain practical solutions for packaging challenges
• Learn from successful case studies
• Support the transition to a circular economy

The knowledge and connections gained during the event can help organisations enhance competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future.

RECOUP

RECOUP is the UK's trusted independent authority on plastics resource efficiency and recycling. Through research, collaboration, education, and consultancy, the organisation supports businesses, local authorities, and policymakers in improving plastics recycling and promoting sustainable resource management.

Its events provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration across the entire plastics value chain, helping organisations work together towards a cleaner, more resource-efficient future.