On 22 and 23 October 2025,the Empack Mechelenpackaging fair will set an innovative course with a series of initiatives that will take the fair experience to the next level. With the ambitious growth plan as its foundation, this edition will be a milestone for the Belgian packaging sector.
Belgian Packaging Festival: where brands, design and packaging innovation come together
Empack 2025 proudly presents the very first Belgian Packaging Festival, a dedicated zone on the exhibition floor where iconic Belgian brands take centre stage, together with their packaging partners. This festival is the meeting place for marketeers, designers and suppliers around primary and secondary packaging.
“Our country is home to exceptionally strong brands and know-how. With this festival, we put those assets firmly in the spotlight,” says Nadine Francus, Group Event Director at Easyfairs.
Packathon: young talent tackles real packaging challenges
In cooperation with AP Hogeschool, Arteveldehogeschool and LUCA colleges, a Packathon is also taking place this year: a hands-on competition where packaging design & branding students work in teams on realistic packaging issues. At the end of the day, they present their solution to a professional jury. This formula strengthens the connection between industry and education, and provides fresh insights.
Live podcast ‘PakPraat’ on the show floor
Also new at Empack is the live podcast PakPraat, a collaboration between NowNewNext and L’Atarimae. Three Dutch hosts – each from a different generation (Gen X, Y and Z) – will have a live conversation with industry experts about trends and challenges in packaging. The recordings will take place live on the exhibition floor.
Content programme with strong industry partners
Experience once again takes centre stage with an extensive content programme that thoroughly highlights current topics within the packaging world. In cooperation with an impressive list of knowledge partners – including Green Deal Anders Verpakt, Pack4Food, Fost Plus, Robovision, UGent, NowNewNext and the Folding Carton Platform – visitors will be immersed in insights on sustainability, digitalisation, European legislation, consumer behaviour, design for e-commerce and more. The sessions are spread over three seminar zones on the show floor and are free to all visitors.
Pavilions & themed zones
“In order to make the offer even clearer, this year we have created several zones with a clear thematic focus,” explains Nadine Francus. “The Folding Carton Pavilion (in collaboration with Folding Carton Platform) focuses on the power of cardboard, as both a sustainable and creative packaging material.
The Pack Studio offers exhibitors the opportunity to present their packaging and materials in an attractive way. In a separate zone, we will also display a selection of award-winning designs from the Pentawards.
In the Service Pack Pavilion, we then bring together everything around fulfilment, logistics and support services. Finally, in the Partner Village and the Knowledge Corner, we gather our knowledge and network partners and universities and colleges that guide companies in innovation and sustainable growth. In this way, we help visitors navigate in a targeted way as well as discover new solutions.”
Wider focus and strong partnerships
With over 130 exhibitors and more than 3,000 expected visitors, Empack Mechelen remains the largest packaging fair in Belgium. What is new is the broadening of the target audience thanks to collaborations with catering and food service federations, among others.
Empack is not just aiming for growth in numbers, but above all relevance: “We don’t just want to show machines, but also inspire. Visitors should leave here with concrete ideas and new contacts,” says Francus.
Practical information
Empack Mechelen 2025
Wednesday 22 October: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday 23 October: 10.00h – 17.00h
Nekkerhal-Brussels North
More info
You still want to be part of this (networking) event for the packaging industry?
Contact us at empack-be@easyfairs.com.
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Contact
Karen Rammeloo
Marketing Event Manager
