Sustainability & Impact Summit 2026
The packaging industry is entering a new phase of transformation. Expectations around sustainability are rising, regulation is tightening and businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate real progress. In response to this shift, Packaging News has launched the Sustainability & Impact Summit and Awards, a refreshed and expanded evolution of the long-standing Environmental Packaging Summit and Awards.
Taking place on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at the Kia Oval in London, the one-day conference and awards ceremony will bring together leaders from across the packaging and waste value chain to explore the practical realities of sustainable packaging.
The Sustainability & Impact platform reflects a broad change in the industry itself. The conversation around packaging sustainability has matured, moving beyond environmental ambition toward measurable outcomes, commercial viability and system-wide change.
A platform built for real industry progress
For many years the Environmental Packaging Summit and Awards provided a respected forum for discussing sustainability challenges and recognising best practice. The new Sustainability & Impact Summit and Awards builds on this strong foundation while expanding its focus to better reflect the complexities facing the industry today.
While the core principles remain unchanged, including rigorous benchmarking, independent expert judging and practical industry insight, the scope of the programme has broadened significantly.
The new platform now explores key themes shaping the future of packaging, including circular economy solutions, carbon reduction strategies, regulatory reform, innovation in materials and design, and the real-world implementation of sustainable packaging systems.
Together, the Summit and Awards create a joined-up platform where the industry can share knowledge, recognise leadership and tackle the challenges that are reshaping packaging today.
Guided by leading voices across the packaging value chain
A key part of the programme’s development is the involvement of a dedicated Advisory Board, bringing together senior leaders from across the packaging supply chain.
Their role is to provide strategic input into the content of the Summit and ensure that discussions reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The Advisory Board currently includes:
- Jude Allan (OPRL)
- Margaret Bates (former head of the UK pEPR Scheme administrator)
- Martin Kersh (Packaging Federation)
- Gillian Garside-Wight (Aura)
- Roger Wright (Biffa)
- Adam Read (SUEZ)
Their combined expertise ensures the programme remains grounded in real industry experience, helping to guide conversations that drive meaningful progress across the packaging sector.
Recognising leadership and innovation
Alongside the conference, the Sustainability & Impact Awards will celebrate the organisations and individuals delivering tangible progress across the packaging landscape.
From breakthrough materials and circular packaging systems to innovative business models and collaborative initiatives, the awards recognise the work that is turning sustainability ambition into measurable impact.
The awards programme continues to maintain the credibility the industry expects, with independent judging and a robust benchmarking process that highlights genuine leadership and innovation.
A clearer, future-focused direction
According to Simone Broadhurst, event director and publisher of Packaging News, the new format reflects the growing complexity of the sustainability conversation.
“Together, the Summit and Awards provide a joined-up platform to recognise leadership, share best practice and help businesses navigate tightening regulation, rising costs and increasing scrutiny,” she said.
“The Sustainability & Impact Summit and Awards continue to offer the same credibility and rigour the industry trusts, delivered through a clearer, more future-focused lens.”
Join the conversation
The Sustainability & Impact Summit and Awards will bring together brands, retailers, packaging manufacturers, recyclers, policymakers and sustainability leaders for a day of discussion, collaboration and recognition.
If you are ready to be part of the conversation shaping the future of packaging, now is the time to get involved!
Visit their website here: https://q.me-qr.com/oomxac6i
Register your interest to stay in the loop of updates of the event here: https://sustainability.packagingnews.co.uk/sustainabilityandimpact2026/en/page/register-your-interest-for-2026