The Sustainable Packaging Summit 2026

The Sustainable Packaging Summit 2026 is a three-day international packaging sustainability event taking place from 10 to 12 November 2026 at the Beatrix Theatre, Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, Netherlands. The event brings together 1,000 expected delegates, 130+ speakers, and 90+ partners, including major brands, retailers, packaging suppliers, recyclers, policymakers, investors, scientists, and startups from across the packaging value chain. The 2026 edition focuses on moving beyond sustainability commitments toward practical business models and technologies that can meet environmental requirements while supporting commercial performance.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of the summit is to examine how the packaging industry can scale practical sustainability solutions while responding to environmental requirements and business pressures. The event focuses on improving packaging systems, advancing circularity, supporting innovation, and connecting decision-makers across the value chain to develop approaches that can deliver measurable environmental and commercial outcomes.

Key Activities

The summit features three days of panels, breakout sessions, networking, innovation showcases, and industry discussions. The programme brings together brands, retailers, suppliers, recyclers, policymakers, investors, and scientists to examine current packaging challenges and emerging solutions. The event also includes the Sustainability Awards and Dinner and the International Block Party, combining industry recognition and informal networking.

You’ll explore

• Sustainable packaging business models and technologies
• Circular packaging and recycling solutions
• Regulatory and environmental obligations
• Innovation across the packaging value chain
• Strategies for combining sustainability with commercial performance
• Collaboration between brands, suppliers, recyclers, and policymakers

Speakers

• Archana Jagannathan - Chief Sustainability Officer for Europe, PepsiCo
• Paul Polman - Ex-Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
• Emmanuelle Maire - Head of Unit, DG Environment, European Commission

Significance

The summit is significant because it brings together the full packaging value chain at a time when companies are facing increasing pressure to improve environmental performance while maintaining commercial results. Its focus on implementation, technology, regulation, and collaboration creates a dedicated platform for examining how packaging sustainability can be integrated into business and supply-chain decisions.

Expected Outcomes

Participants can expect practical insight into sustainable packaging strategies, emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and circular economy approaches. The event is intended to support new partnerships, technology discovery, knowledge exchange, and collaboration between brands, retailers, suppliers, recyclers, investors, and policymakers working to improve packaging systems.

Explore more ESG events and opportunities on our events page.