Rising waste packaging volumes, strict EPR regulations, and low recycling rates are forcing a shift in the packaging industry. By 2030, packaging waste is projected to exceed 1.3 billion tonnes globally and only 14% of plastic packaging is recycled, making business-as-usual untenable.
The pressure is on R&D teams to create solutions that are recyclable, scalable, functional, and compliant with global policies like the EU’s PPWR. Swapping materials isn’t enough. R&D must drive breakthroughs in mono-material structures, barrier technologies, reuse systems, and end-of-life design without compromising performance.
This article lists 10 must-attend sustainable packaging R&D conferences offering critical insights into regulation, spot material breakthroughs early, and turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Our 2025 Packaging Conference research report covers 60+ conferences and why they are important for innovation leaders.
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List of the Most Influential Sustainable Packaging R&D Conferences in 2025
| # | Conference Name | Dates | Location |
| 1 | Sustainability in Packaging Global 2025 | March 5-7, 2025 | Swissotel, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| 2 | WestPack 2025 | February 3-5, 2025 | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA |
| 3 | Sustainable Packaging Summit 2025 | November 10-12, 2025 | Jaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands |
| 4 | Packaging Waste & Sustainability Forum 2025 | March 25-27, 2025 | Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie, Brussels, Belgium |
| 5 | Recyclable Mono Material Packaging Solutions 2025 | March 11-12, 2025 | Hotel Novotel Brussels City Centre, Brussels, Belgium |
| 6 | Biodegradable Expo 2025 | June 4-6, 2025 | India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| 7 | Sustainable Packaging Innovation Forum 2025 | May 6-7, 2025 | Hotel Casa Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 8 | Sustainable Packaging and Recycling Innovation Summit 2025 | March 19-20, 2025 | Steigenberger Airport Hotel, Berlin, Germany |
| 9 | Packaging Recycling Summit 2025 | June 25-27, 2025 | The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Irving, Texas, USA |
| 10 | 3rd Europe Green Packaging Innovation Summit 2025 | May 20-21, 2025 | Frankfurt, Germany |
Let’s delve into the specifics of these conferences to assist you in identifying the ones that most align with your goals and interests –
1. Sustainability in Packaging Global 2025
| Date | March 5-7, 2025 |
| Location | Swissotel, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Website | https://www.sustainability-in-packaging.com/sustainability-in-packaging-us |
| Attendees | Brand owners, retailers, packaging converters, material suppliers, sustainability consultants, regulatory officials, waste management professionals, researchers, and NGOs. |
Why Attend: Sustainability in Packaging 2025 is a global event covering Europe, USA, Asia, Latin America, and MENA. It offers early insights into the latest material innovations, policy shifts, and circular economy strategies. Attendees gain actionable insights from global experts, explore real-world case studies, and discover scalable solutions that tackle pressing sustainability challenges, making it essential for teams driving next-gen packaging innovation.
Highlights: Welcome reception, conferences, workshops, social events, speaker sessions, and panel discussions.
Keynote Speakers:
- Charles Neal — General Manager – PVOH at Kuraray
- Filipe Vieira De Castro — Manager Recycling Intelligence at CIRCPACK by Veolia
- Thaxton Lipscomb — R&D Manager, Packaging Sustainability & Innovation at Ansell Healthcare
- Chris Schmidt — Value Proposition Strategy Manager, Circular and Low Carbon Solutions at LyondellBasell
- Gary Robinson — Fractional Advisor: Sustainability and Consumer Packaged Goods at Tetonia, LLC
- Nate McCrary — Director, Brand Owner Business Development at LyondellBasell
Exhibitors: Packaging machinery manufacturers, material and chemical suppliers, recycling technology providers, sustainable packaging developers, and environmental compliance providers.
Other Sustainability in Packaging Conferences:
- Sustainability in Packaging Latin America
Date: August 20–21, 2025
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Sustainability in Packaging Europe
Date: October 21–23, 2025
Location: Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, Barcelona, Spain
- Sustainability in Packaging MENA
Date: May 21–22, 2025
Location: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai, UAE
- Sustainability in Packaging Asia
Date: June 4-5, 2025
Location: Aloft Singapore Novena, Singapore
2. WestPack 2025
| Date | February 3-5, 2025 |
| Location | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA |
| Website | https://www.mdmwest.com/en/co-located-events/westpack.html |
| Attendees | Manufacturing professionals, healthcare specialists, pharmaceutical experts, sales and marketing professionals, founders and management executives, sustainability consultants, regulatory officials, and senior executives. |
Why Attend: WestPack 2025 will be co-located with the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, offering a unique opportunity to explore packaging solutions with a focus on sustainability. The event will showcase innovations in packaging, offering practical insights for Food and Beverage Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies and others in the industry.
Key topics included the impact of the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (SB 54) on manufacturers, as well as the role of packaging in sustainable product design. The event will provide insights into regulatory changes, material advancements, and strategies that are shaping the future of packaging.
Highlights: 1700+ exhibitors, 13,500+ verified attendees from 52+ countries, and 100+ educational sessions.
Exhibitors: Medical device manufacturers, packaging solutions providers, electronics and automation firms, material suppliers, and industrial equipment suppliers.
3. Sustainable Packaging Summit 2025
| Date | November 10-12, 2025 |
| Location | Jaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Website | https://www.packagingsummit.earth/2025/7061591 |
| Attendees | Brand owners, retailers, non-profits, solution providers, packaging specialists, r&d experts, sustainability leads, business development, material scientists, F&B reps, printing & packaging tech, and recycling advocates. |
Why Attend: The Sustainable Packaging Summit 2025 is organized by Packaging Europe. It’s a leading international event focused on packaging in a changing world. It brings decision-makers from across the supply chain together to stay informed on industry developments, regulations, and innovations.
Designed as a ‘Davos’ for packaging, it fosters impact-driven discussions, strategic alignment, and collaboration. Unlike traditional conferences, attendees actively engage in shaping the industry’s future.
Highlights: 700+ Delegates, 100+ Speakers, 55+ Exhibitors, and Awards Dinner.
Keynote Speakers:
- Jeremy Blake — Director of Circular Economy at Berry Global, Inc.
- Olga Kachook — Director at Sustainable Packaging Coalition
- Tom Pollock — Director, Strategic Partnerships at GreenBlue
- Rob Buurman — General Director at Fair Resource Foundation
Exhibitors: Sustainable packaging providers, material suppliers, recycling technology specialists, design and innovation experts, logistics and supply chain providers, regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, and research institutions.
4. Packaging Waste & Sustainability Forum 2025
| Date | March 25-27, 2025 |
| Location | Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie, Brussels, Belgium |
| Website | https://informaconnect.com/packaging-waste-sustainability/ |
| Attendees | Regulators, packaging designers, manufacturers, end users, waste management companies, and packaging recovery organizations. |
Why Attend: The Packaging Waste & Sustainability Forum 2025, running for 32 years, focuses on sustainable packaging in Europe. The event will cover PPWR implementation, market access, EPR evolution, circular economy, net zero, carbon reduction, reuse targets, and food safety.
Discussions will include smart packaging, investment frameworks, recycling infrastructure, regulatory compliance, labelling, enforcement, and digital product passports. The forum provides policymakers, manufacturers, and waste management experts’ perspectives on sustainability challenges, technological advancements, and evolving industry standards.
Highlights: Workshop, panel discussion, presentation, conference, and speaker sessions.
Keynote Speakers:
- Oscar Gómez-Prieto — Team Leader – Circular Economy and Waste Statistics, Eurostat at European Commission
- Hans van Bochove — Head of EU Affairs at The Heineken
- Sophia Chrysopoulou — Senior Director, Public Policy, Europe at Coca-Cola
- Olivier Adam — Head of Primary Packaging Europe at ExxonMobil
- Can Buharali — Senior Director, Global Public Affairs at Mondelēz International
- Juan Manuel Banez Romero — Head of EU Sustainability Policy at Amazon
Exhibitors: Packaging recycling consortium, glass packaging manufacturers, steel packaging suppliers, bioplastics manufacturers, deposit return system operators, and waste management providers.
5. Recyclable Mono Material Packaging Solutions 2025
| Date | March 11-12, 2025 |
| Location | Hotel Novotel Brussels City Centre, Brussels, Belgium |
| Website | https://www.cmtevents.com/aboutevent.aspx?ev=250306& |
| Attendees | Packaging manufacturers, polymer producers, recycling technology providers, waste management companies, coatings & adhesives suppliers, caps & sealing solutions, brand owners, regulatory bodies, and packaging design consultancies. |
Why Attend: The 4th edition of Recyclable Mono Material Packaging Solutions 2025 dives deep into the regulatory, material, and technical challenges of mono-material packaging. With a focus on PPWR compliance, food contact safety, and EU recycling trends, this conference is essential for R&D teams advancing circularity.
Key Highlighted Topics:
- Updates on regulations – PPWR, safety in food contact packaging
- Design for Recycling- trends and drivers in Europe
- Multilayer mono-material film developments
- Barrier improvements and high barrier film developments
- Mechanical & chemical recycling
- Developments in materials and processing technology
- Use of recycled grades in mono material packaging
- Game changing high density PE grades specifically for the biaxially oriented film process
Exhibitors: Feed ingredient suppliers, additive manufacturers, animal nutrition specialists, feed processing equipment providers, grain & oilseed suppliers, premix & supplement producers, packaging & logistics providers, sustainability firms, and research firms.
6. Biodegradable Expo 2025
| Date | June 4-6, 2025 |
| Location | India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Website | https://biodegradableexpo.com/ |
| Attendees | Wholesalers & distributors, hotels, cloud kitchens, online delivery, eco product manufacturers, packaging buyers, government, municipalities, agriculture, pharma, paper, plastic, automobile, and textile industries. |
Why Attend: Biodegradable Expo 2025 is the only global exhibition dedicated to biodegradable and compostable products, packaging solutions, and allied industries. This B2B platform showcases innovative designs, technology, and sustainability to manufacturers, machine providers, and raw material suppliers. It serves as a hub for fostering eco-friendly advancements and supporting a resource-efficient society through cutting-edge products and packaging innovations.
Highlights: Concurrent events – National Seminar on Compostable Packaging Solution and Biodegradable Excellence Awards (2025), shuttle services, buyer’s pavilion, live machines demonstration, industry magazine launch, and exhibitor-only buyer meetings.
Exhibitors: Biodegradable & compostable products, materials, plastics, making machines, innovation & technology, and raw material suppliers.
7. Sustainable Packaging Innovation Forum 2025
| Date | May 6-7, 2025 |
| Location | Hotel Casa Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Website | https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/sustainable-packaging-eu |
| Attendees | Consumer goods & retailers, packaging & material suppliers, consulting, research, NGOs, financial & investment firms, technology & industrial companies, and F&B brands. |
Why Attend: The Sustainable Packaging Innovation Forum 2025 explores how brands can adapt to evolving legislation and leverage sustainability for commercial advantage. The event will focus on packaging solutions, circular economy principles, regulatory compliance (PPWR, Global Plastics Treaty), and material innovation.
The sessions will cover AI-driven insights, supplier partnerships, financing, consumer behaviour, and climate action. Discussions will assess reuse, refill models, flexible plastics, feedstocks, and collaborative efforts to drive impactful, scalable, and sustainable packaging solutions.
Highlights: 100+ attendees, 20+ practical sessions, 40+ speakers, debates, and workshops.
Keynote Speakers:
- Jodie Roussell — Global Public Affairs Lead – Packaging & Sustainability at Nestlé
- Dries Van Aerde — Sustainability Director – Sustainable Packaging Office at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Dave Lütkenhaus — Global Sustainability and Innovation Director at Diageo
- Flávio Ferreira — Global Packaging Sustainability Director at Reckitt
- Alexander Cramwinckel — Global Circularity Strategy Lead at Heineken
- Vanessa Harrer — Head of Sustainability & Mindful Snacking Europe at Mondelēz International
- Davide Braghiroli — Director of Packaging Sustainability Solutions at Tetra Pak
Exhibitors: Industry & packaging associations, sustainability & innovation organizations, circular economy & environmental groups.
8. Sustainable Packaging and Recycling Innovation Summit 2025
| Date | March 19-20, 2025 |
| Location | Steigenberger Airport Hotel, Berlin, Germany |
| Website | https://www.leadventgrp.com/events/sustainable-packaging-and-recycling-innovation-summit/details |
| Attendees | Senior executives in sustainable packaging, (Bio)plastics, sustainability, (Bio)polymers, net zero, circular economy, R&D, innovation, recycling, bioeconomy, materials, and waste & environmental industries. |
Why Attend: The Sustainable Packaging and Recycling Innovation Summit 2025 is a premier platform addressing achievements and challenges in sustainability. It will explore the role of packaging in reducing environmental impact, the principles of a circular economy, and the evolving expectations of consumers.
The key topics to be discussed in the event include regulatory updates, biodegradable materials, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of packaging materials, consumer trends, brand growth, recycling technologies, circular economy packaging strategies, AI, IoT, and smart solutions.
Highlights: 35+ speakers, 150+ attendees, 5+ sponsors, strategic panel discussions, networking drinks receptions, content-focused roundtables, and case study presentations.
Exhibitors: Packaging engineers, sustainability professionals, brand owners, material experts, regulatory bodies, logistics and supply chain managers, and consumers.
9. Packaging Recycling Summit 2025
| Date | June 25-27, 2025 |
| Location | The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Irving, Texas, USA |
| Website | https://www.packagingrecyclingsummit.com/ |
| Attendees | CPG companies, packaging specialists, sustainability manager/director, sustainable packaging specialist, procurement/purchasing manager/director. |
Why Attend: Packaging Recycling Summit 2025 examines the circular supply chain, focusing on materials, partnerships, and policies. Key topics will include package design for recyclability, circularity in action, material innovations, consumer behavior, policy and regulation, and case studies on Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and reprocessors.
Discussions will cover legislative updates, brand strategies, and industry collaborations aimed at enhancing recycling efficiency. The event addresses challenges in packaging sustainability, emphasizing practical solutions for waste reduction and resource optimization.
Highlights: Accommodations, one-on-one meetings, roundtable discussions, and networking receptions.
Keynote Speakers:
- John Hewitt — Senior Vice President, Packaging & Sustainability and State Affairs at Consumer Brands Association
- Kurt Kurzawa — Senior Director, Sustainability & Packaging at Plastics Industry Association
- Kory Nook — VP, R&I Packaging at Danone
- Shira Abel — CEO at Hunter & Bard
- Brandon Barr — VP/GM of Front-End Innovation at Duracell
Exhibitors: Packaging manufacturers, industry associations, recycling & waste management firms, material suppliers, technology providers, sustainability consultants, logistics & supply chain companies, retailers & consumer brands, and government & regulatory bodies.
10. 3rd Europe Green Packaging Innovation Summit 2025
| Date | May 20-21, 2025 |
| Location | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Website | https://www.ecv-events.com/the-3rd-europe-green-packaging-innovation-summit-2025?cci= |
| Attendees | Senior executives of sustainability, packaging procurement, packaging technology, marketing, business development, sales, packaging design, packaging R&D, and packaging sustainability. |
Why Attend: The Europe Green Packaging Innovation Summit 2025 brings together key players from across the packaging value chain, brands, recyclers, and regulators to tackle the region’s evolving sustainability landscape. The summit covers EU packaging laws, EPR, Scope 3 emissions, and PLCA. It will explore innovations like bio-based e-commerce packaging, chemical recycling, and generative AI in rigid packaging, equipping attendees to align design choices with regulation, recyclability, and profitability.
Key Highlighted Topics:
- Navigating EU Packaging Regulatory Landscapes
- EU Plastics Strategy and SUPD Targets for Plastic Bottles
- How Will EPR Help Circular Packaging
- PLCA Approach to Reduce and Quantify Scope 3 Emissions
- Bio-based Materials for Reusable E-commerce Packaging Solutions
- How CSRD will Help Drive Development of Circular Packaging
- Generative AI for Rigid Packaging Design
- Chemical Recycling Driven a Circular Plastics Economy
- PCR for Food Contact Packaging Applications
- Fireside Talk: Assessing Recyclable Materials for Packaging Innovation — How the Future Sustainable Packaging will Evolve?
Highlights: 20+ speakers, 100+ companies, 150+ tickets, roundtables and workshops.
Exhibitors: Packaging material manufacturers, recycling and waste management providers, consumer goods manufacturers, technology providers, regulatory and compliance experts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re leading packaging R&D, driving sustainability initiatives, navigating regulatory changes, or exploring next-gen materials, 2025 offers a powerful lineup of packaging conferences. These events spotlight cutting-edge research, circular design strategies, scalable eco-friendly material innovations, and the regulatory shifts redefining packaging sustainability.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. Download our complete Packaging Industry Research Conference list for 2025, featuring 60+ global events that will shape the future of packaging innovation.
