Sustainable Packaging Summit 2026 Unites Industry Leaders in Utrecht

The Sustainable Packaging Summit is set to take place at the Jaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre in Utrecht from 10 to 12 November 2026. The three-day event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss key topics in sustainable packaging. Highlights include high-profile speakers, networking sessions, and the annual Sustainability Awards ceremony. Each day of the summit will focus on a different theme. The first day will explore the strategic landscape and business mobilisation, while the second will address the transformation of packaging materials. The final day will centre on innovation opportunities in the sector.

A panel discussion featuring the European Commission and EUROPEN’s Francesca Stevens will examine the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Meanwhile, the main stage will host a session on how artificial intelligence can improve the management of post-consumer waste.

Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever, will take part in a fireside chat and a discussion with Michelle Gibbons of the European Brands Association (AIM). The event will also include keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, such as themed lunches and a VIP session with Polman and other business leaders.

On 11 November, the Sustainability Awards ceremony will recognise industry achievements, followed by a celebration with food, drink, and live music. The next day, finalists from the awards will participate in a Q&A session.

Major brands, including PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, and Bel Group, are expected to attend the summit. The Sustainable Packaging Summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the packaging industry. With a mix of expert discussions, networking events, and the Sustainability Awards, the gathering will provide a platform for advancing sustainable solutions. The outcomes of these talks could shape future policies and business strategies in the sector.