Empack Mechelen 2027 – Packaging Technology Event Belgium

What to expect in 2027

Empack Mechelen 2027 will bring together packaging professionals, manufacturers, technology providers, designers, suppliers, buyers and decision-makers at Nekkerhal – Brussels North in Mechelen, Belgium, on 27 and 28 October 2027. The event is positioned as a specialist meeting place for the Belgian packaging industry, with the organiser describing Empack as a platform where professionals can discover packaging solutions, technologies and trends and connect with suppliers and industry peers.

The Mechelen edition is held biennially, with the official locations page confirming 27 and 28 October 2027 as the next Mechelen edition. The event is expected to provide a concentrated overview of packaging technologies and services rather than a general consumer exhibition.

The latest official Empack Mechelen information indicates that the event brings together more than 130 exhibitors and thousands of professionals. The organiser highlights solutions ranging from raw materials through to finished packaging, allowing visitors to investigate different parts of the packaging chain in one location.

Visitors can expect to discover areas such as:

• Primary and secondary packaging
• Packaging machinery
• Industrial and transit packaging
• Labelling, printing and traceability
• Contract packaging and fulfilment
• Packaging design and development
• Sustainable packaging materials
• Packaging logistics
• Automation and digital technologies
• Recycling and circular packaging solutions
• Packaging software and AI solutions
• Industry services and consultancy

Empack is particularly relevant to professionals looking for practical solutions that can be evaluated directly with suppliers. The exhibition format allows visitors to compare technologies, discuss projects with manufacturers and identify solutions for production, logistics, branding, compliance and sustainability.

The 2027 edition is also expected to continue the event’s broader focus on education, inspiration and networking. Previous programming has included conferences, live demonstrations, themed pavilions, podcasts, creative packaging activities and networking areas.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is one of the central purposes of Empack Mechelen. The event brings together suppliers, buyers, packaging specialists, decision-makers and professionals from different parts of the value chain, making it suitable for both existing business relationships and new commercial contacts.

The organiser promotes Empack as a place to meet decision-makers, buyers and innovation seekers looking for new packaging solutions and reliable business partners. Exhibitors can use the event to showcase products, generate leads and establish relationships with potential customers.

Visitors can use the exhibition floor to arrange discussions with:

• Packaging manufacturers
• Machinery suppliers
• Material producers
• Printing and labelling specialists
• Logistics providers
• Contract packers
• Packaging designers
• Technology companies
• Sustainability specialists
• Research and knowledge partners

Previous Empack programming has also included a co-working space, partner areas, knowledge partners, networking activities and a networking drink. These formats are intended to make the exhibition useful for professionals who want to combine business meetings with industry learning.

For visitors with specific purchasing or development projects, preparing a list of target exhibitors before arriving can make the two-day exhibition considerably more productive.

Industry sectors & highlights

Empack covers a wide range of packaging-related sectors. The official exhibitor platform categorises companies into areas including contract packaging and fulfilment, design and development services, federations and media, industrial and transit packaging, labelling, printing and traceability, packaging machinery, and primary and secondary packaging.

Important sectors represented across the Empack platform include:

• Food and beverage packaging
• Industrial packaging
• Transport and logistics packaging
• Consumer packaging
• Primary packaging
• Secondary packaging
• Packaging machinery
• Printing and labelling
• Coding and marking
• RFID and identification
• Track-and-trace systems
• Packaging materials and raw materials
• Protective packaging
• Fulfilment services
• Packaging software
• AI and digital packaging solutions

The exhibition is also relevant to industries where packaging plays an important role in production, distribution and brand presentation. Food, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics and industrial companies can all benefit from examining new packaging technologies and services.

A major highlight is the combination of technical packaging solutions with creative and design-focused content. The Belgian Packaging Festival introduced a dedicated environment for primary and secondary packaging, bringing together brands, packaging designers, materials and innovative concepts.

Event rules & visitor information

Empack Mechelen is a professional trade event, so visitors should plan their visit around business, technology discovery, networking and industry learning. The organiser recommends registering in advance, and the official practical information confirms that admission is free.

Visitors should follow the instructions of Nekkerhal and Empack staff throughout the exhibition, particularly in areas containing operating machinery, demonstrations or technical equipment.

Important visitor considerations include:

• Register before attending where possible
• Carry your registration confirmation or digital admission information
• Follow all venue safety instructions
• Respect exhibitor demonstrations and restricted areas
• Do not operate machinery without permission
• Follow photography or recording restrictions where exhibitors apply them
• Allow sufficient time to visit different exhibition areas
• Check the official programme before attending scheduled sessions

The organiser may introduce additional practical instructions closer to the 2027 event. Visitors should therefore check the official Empack website shortly before travelling.

How to get there

Empack Mechelen 2027 will take place at Nekkerhal – Brussels North, Plattebeekstraat 1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium. The venue is situated in Mechelen, between Brussels and Antwerp, making it accessible from several major Belgian cities.

Visitors travelling by car can approach Mechelen using Belgium’s motorway network. The venue’s location provides convenient access for visitors travelling from Antwerp, Brussels, Leuven and other parts of Flanders.

The official venue address for the 2027 edition is:

• Nekkerhal – Brussels North
• Plattebeekstraat 1
• 2800 Mechelen
• Belgium

International visitors can travel to Brussels Airport and continue towards Mechelen by train, taxi or other local transport. Mechelen’s central position within Belgium makes it a practical destination for visitors travelling from neighbouring countries as well.

Visitors should check current road conditions and any temporary traffic arrangements before travelling because large events can affect local traffic and parking availability.

Public transport & parking

Mechelen is well connected to Belgium’s railway network, making train travel a practical option for visitors attending Empack. From Mechelen railway station, visitors can continue to Nekkerhal using local transport or taxi services.

The exhibition venue is situated within the Mechelen urban area, so visitors should check the current De Lijn public transport timetable before travelling. Routes and frequencies can change, particularly during weekends or special events.

Visitors arriving by car should follow the official parking instructions provided for the exhibition. Because Empack attracts thousands of professionals, parking can become busier around opening and closing times.

Useful travel considerations include:

• Allow additional time for parking
• Follow temporary event signage
• Consider arriving by train during busy periods
• Check public transport schedules before travelling
• Use official venue directions rather than relying solely on old navigation information
• Plan return journeys in advance if attending networking activities

The official Empack information identifies Nekkerhal – Brussels North as the 2027 venue and provides Plattebeekstraat 1, 2800 Mechelen as the exhibition address.

Accommodation areas

Visitors staying overnight can choose accommodation in Mechelen city centre, around the railway station or in areas with convenient road access to Nekkerhal.

Mechelen is particularly convenient for business visitors because it is located between Brussels and Antwerp. Staying near Mechelen railway station can be useful for visitors arriving by train, while accommodation closer to the venue may reduce daily travel time.

Suitable accommodation areas include:

• Mechelen city centre
• Mechelen railway station area
• Nekkerhal and surrounding districts
• Areas close to major roads entering Mechelen
• Brussels for visitors combining the exhibition with a wider business trip
• Antwerp for visitors travelling from the north

International visitors may also choose Brussels accommodation because of its extensive hotel selection and international transport connections. However, staying in Mechelen generally makes it easier to attend both exhibition days without a longer daily commute.

Business travellers should consider booking accommodation well in advance, especially if other conferences, trade fairs or major events are taking place in the region at the same time.

Official registration & tickets

Admission to Empack Mechelen 2027 is listed as free, with pre-registration recommended by the organiser. The official practical information for the Mechelen edition confirms free access and encourages visitors to register before attending.

The registration system is designed primarily for professional visitors. Advance registration can help attendees receive their access details and prepare for the exhibition before arriving at Nekkerhal.

Visitors should use the official Empack website for registration rather than relying on third-party ticketing websites.

The official event contact is:

• Email: marketing-empack@easyfairs.com
• Venue: Nekkerhal – Brussels North
• Address: Plattebeekstraat 1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
• Dates: 27 and 28 October 2027
• Admission: Free after registration

The organiser may update registration requirements, visitor categories and event information closer to October 2027.

Event dates

Empack Mechelen 2027 will take place on Wednesday, 27 October and Thursday, 28 October 2027 at Nekkerhal – Brussels North in Mechelen. The official locations page confirms that the Mechelen edition takes place biennially and lists 27 and 28 October 2027 as the next edition.

The currently published opening information gives the following schedule:

• Wednesday, 27 October 2027: 10:00–18:00
• Thursday, 28 October 2027: 10:00–17:00

An after-work networking event is scheduled to begin at 17:30 on the Wednesday.

This makes Wednesday particularly suitable for visitors who want to combine exhibition visits with evening networking, while Thursday provides a shorter final exhibition day for meetings and technology discovery.

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Venue & exhibition site

The 2027 edition will be held at Nekkerhal – Brussels North, Plattebeekstraat 1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium. The venue is a major event and exhibition centre capable of hosting large professional trade fairs.

Empack uses the venue to create an environment dedicated to packaging technologies, products, services and professional activities. The exhibition floor is expected to include exhibitor stands alongside themed areas and visitor activities.

The exhibition format is designed to bring different stages of the packaging chain together in one place. Visitors can therefore move from machinery and industrial packaging suppliers to material manufacturers, labelling specialists, design companies and service providers.

The organiser describes the Mechelen edition as a meeting point for the packaging sector, with more than 130 exhibitors and thousands of professionals involved in the event.

Full event programme

The detailed 2027 programme is being developed, but the official Empack Mechelen programme framework already indicates the types of activities visitors can expect. The organiser describes the programme as combining substantive sessions, live demonstrations, themed pavilions, conferences and opportunities for interaction with experts and industry peers.

The programme is expected to include several complementary formats:

• Conferences and expert sessions
• Inspiration sessions
• Live demonstrations
• Packaging innovation activities
• Networking opportunities
• Themed pavilions
• Packaging design showcases
• Live podcast recordings
• Creative challenges
• Sustainability-focused activities
• Knowledge-sharing sessions

Previous editions featured the Belgian Packaging Festival, Packaging & Label Awards, Packathon, live PakPraat podcast recordings, Start2Pack, Belgian Brewery Experience, a Sustainability Track, co-working space and specialist pavilions.

The exact 2027 programme should be checked once the organiser publishes the final session schedule.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

The confirmed 2027 speaker list has not yet been published in full. Visitors should therefore avoid treating previous speakers as confirmed participants for 2027.

Empack’s conference programme traditionally brings together packaging experts, industry representatives, technology specialists, sustainability professionals, researchers and business leaders. Previous content has covered subjects including artificial intelligence, sustainability, European packaging legislation, EUDR, PPWR, consumer behaviour, packaging design and e-commerce.

The 2027 speaker programme is expected to address practical issues affecting packaging businesses, including:

• Packaging regulation
• Sustainable materials
• Circular economy
• Digitalisation
• Automation
• Artificial intelligence
• Packaging design
• Supply-chain efficiency
• Consumer expectations
• Recycling and resource efficiency

The organiser has previously promoted more than 30 speakers for its Mechelen programme, demonstrating the scale of the conference and educational component that can accompany the exhibition.

Session times & schedule

The main exhibition is currently scheduled to open from 10:00 to 18:00 on Wednesday, 27 October 2027, followed by a 10:00 to 17:00 opening on Thursday, 28 October. The Wednesday programme includes an after-work event beginning at 17:30.

Individual conference and keynote times for 2027 have not yet been fully released. Once published, visitors should check the official programme before travelling because some sessions may take place at specific stages, pavilions or seminar areas.

A useful visit strategy is to divide the day between three activities: pre-arranged exhibitor meetings, technical or educational sessions, and open exploration of new products.

Visitors who want to maximise business opportunities should schedule their highest-priority meetings earlier in the day and leave time for unexpected supplier discussions and demonstrations.

Ticket types & registration

Empack Mechelen 2027 is currently promoted with free admission for visitors following registration. The organiser specifically states that free registration is available and recommends registering in advance.

There is therefore no standard paid visitor ticket currently published for the 2027 Mechelen edition.

Registration is particularly useful for professionals who want to:

• Secure access before arriving
• Receive event information
• Prepare meetings with exhibitors
• Explore the exhibitor directory
• Plan sessions and themed areas
• Participate in networking activities

Exhibitors and special participants may have separate registration arrangements from ordinary visitors.

Registration deadlines

No specific final registration deadline has been published for Empack Mechelen 2027. The organiser recommends pre-registration, so visitors should complete the process as early as practical rather than waiting until the event dates.

Early registration can also be useful for professionals who want to coordinate meetings with exhibitors. Empack is designed as a business-focused exhibition, and advance planning can help visitors make better use of the two available days.

Visitors should monitor the official website for:

• Registration opening announcements
• Final visitor registration requirements
• Conference registration details
• Networking opportunities
• Programme publication
• Any changes to access arrangements

Because admission is free after registration, there is little reason for professional visitors to delay registering once the official system is available.

Exhibitor list & major companies

Empack’s official exhibitor platform provides a searchable database of companies and categorises exhibitors according to their area of expertise. The current platform demonstrates the breadth of companies participating in the Empack ecosystem, including packaging machinery companies, material suppliers, labelling specialists, logistics providers and design businesses.

Current exhibitor categories include:

• Primary and secondary packaging
• Packaging machinery
• Industrial and transit packaging
• Labelling, printing and traceability
• Contract packaging and fulfilment
• Design and development services
• Federations and media

The current online exhibitor database also includes companies such as Akwazi and Alpac, alongside many other packaging specialists. However, the final 2027 exhibitor list should be checked separately because exhibitor participation can change between editions.

Empack’s official information indicates more than 130 exhibitors for the Mechelen edition, representing a broad cross-section of packaging suppliers and technology companies.

Visitors should use the official exhibitor directory to identify companies relevant to their purchasing requirements before the event.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

A definitive 2027 floor plan has not yet been published. The final layout is expected to be made available closer to the event as exhibitor locations, themed areas and programme zones are confirmed.

Based on the established Empack format, visitors can expect the exhibition environment to combine conventional exhibitor stands with specialist zones and interactive areas.

The event has previously included areas such as:

• Belgian Packaging Festival
• Pack Studio
• Pentawards Expo
• Packathon
• Partner Village
• Knowledge Corner
• Service Pack Pavilion
• Folding Carton Pavilion
• Sustainability Track
• Co-working space
• VIP area

These zones are designed to help visitors navigate specific packaging themes rather than simply presenting exhibitors in one undifferentiated exhibition area.

The final 2027 floor plan should be checked through the official Empack website or event app once published. Visitors with limited time should use the floor plan to group exhibitors by location and avoid unnecessary movement between halls or zones.