F&B packaging is at a breaking point. New regulations, unsustainable plastic use, and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options are putting intense pressure on R&D teams. Yet only 9% of global plastic waste is recycled, and PFAS bans and extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws are accelerating.
R&D leaders must now solve three problems at once including material sustainability, regulatory readiness, and production scalability. That means identifying packaging that reduces waste, ensures shelf life, and meets compliance, without compromising cost or performance.
This article highlights 10 must-attend conferences for F&B packaging R&D in 2025, where the smartest ideas and actionable strategies are shaping the future. Our Packaging Industry R&D Conference 2025 research report discusses 60+ conferences and why they are important for innovation leaders.
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List of the Most Influential F&B Packaging R&D Conferences in 2025
| # | Conference Name | Dates | Location |
| 1 | Bioplastics 2025 | August 26-27, 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| 2 | Foodex Manufacturing Solutions 2025 | April 7-9, 2025 | NEC Birmingham, Birmingham, England |
| 3 | 53rd Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo 2025 | March 19-20, 2025 | Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon |
| 4 | Sustainability and Recyclability of Food Packaging 2025 | February 19, 2025 | Online Conference |
| 5 | India’s Food Pack Expo 2025 | July 2-3, 2025 | Codissia, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| 6 | Indusfood Packaging 2026 | January 6-8, 2026 | Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, India |
| 7 | Food Packaging Summit 2025 | June 25-26, 2025 | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA |
| 8 | ICFPTA 2025 | July 28-29, 2025 | Zurich, Switzerland |
| 9 | Food Pack Asia 2025 | February 12-15, 2025 | Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand |
| 10 | Warsaw Pack 2025 | April 8-10, 2025 | Ptak Warsaw Expo, Warsaw, Poland |
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. Bioplastics 2025
| Date | August 26-27, 2025 |
| Location | Crowne Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Website | https://www.ami-events.com/event/5e7218cb-45fb-4e84-bb42-8c3ca9fbcf6c/home |
| Attendees | R&D specialists, formulators, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the bioplastic sector. |
Why Attend: The Bioplastics 2025 event is a platform for sustainable solutions, focusing on bio-based materials as a step toward renewably sourced feedstocks and reduced carbon footprints.
It provides an opportunity to gain insight into industry trends and market developments, materials, and potential bioplastic applications, as well as address challenges with possible solutions for end-of-life strategies. Additionally, it enables companies to position their products and services in front of industry leaders, promoting their solutions and innovations to the bioplastics sector.
Highlights: Exhibition, panel discussions, and presentations led by industry experts.
Keynote Speakers:
- Jun Wang — Director of Global Packaging Innovation at Colgate
- Shilpa Manjure — Director of R&D at Natur-Tec
- Astrid Torres — Global R&D Packaging Principal Engineer at PepsiCo
- Jeanette Hanna — Senior Advocacy and Sustainability Manager-Biopolymers North America at BASF
- Kari Rolnick — Compliance Supervisor at Compost Manufacturing Alliance
- Leah Ford — Marketing Director at CJ Biomaterials
Exhibitors: North America’s bioplastics supply chain company, regulatory & compliance bodies, suppliers, and developers of the bioplastics sector.
2. Foodex Manufacturing Solutions 2025
| Date | April 7-9, 2025 |
| Location | NEC Birmingham, Birmingham, England |
| Website | https://www.foodex.co.uk/ |
| Attendees | Owners, directors, and managers from F&B, meat & poultry, dairy, bakery & confectionery, beverage, supermarkets, food ingredients & additives, and pet food industries. |
Why Attend: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions 2025 is co-located with the UK Food & Drink Shows- Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, and National Convenience Show.
The key topics of discussion at the conference will include advancements in F&B processing, packaging innovations, sustainability in manufacturing, automation and AI in production, and emerging trends in the UK grocery and convenience retail sector.
Highlights: 1500+ Exhibitors, speaker sessions, travel, and accommodation.
Exhibitors: Manufacturing equipment providers, packaging solutions providers, automation & software experts, food processing specialists, supply chain & logistics providers, hygiene & safety experts, ingredients & additives suppliers.
3. 53rd Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo 2025
| Date | March 19-20, 2025 |
| Location | Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon |
| Website | https://web.cvent.com/event/5e483c61-1bbe-4fc9-9a0e-8e2073630a5d/summary |
| Attendees | Professionals from fresh, dry, packaged, canned, frozen, beverage, dairy, bakery, seafood, meat, produce, and specialty foods sectors. |
Why Attend: The 2025 Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo, in its 53rd year, is the largest regional food manufacturing trade show in the U.S.
It features discussions on advancements in food processing technologies, innovations in packaging solutions, enhancements in food safety protocols, and strategies for improving supply chain efficiency and sustainable practices within the food industry through world-class education by food processor members.
Highlights: Education sessions, speaker sessions, and exhibition hall.
Exhibitors: Processing equipment manufacturers, packaging solutions providers, ingredient suppliers, quality control and testing services, logistics and supply chain solutions, sustainability, and waste management.
4. Sustainability and Recyclability of Food Packaging 2025
| Date | February 19, 2025 |
| Location | Online Conference |
| Website | https://www.akademie-fresenius.com/events/detail/4th-online-conference-sustainability-and-recyclability-of-food-packaging-95193 |
| Attendees | Quality assurance professionals, product safety experts, raw material specialists, regulatory professionals, analysts, researchers, toxicologists, retailers, packaging firms, inspection offices, laboratories, research institutes, authorities, and professional associations. |
Why Attend: The 4th conference of Sustainability and Recyclability of Food Packaging 2025 will be held online and will explore the recyclability of PET and other packaging materials, focusing on safety assessment challenges in the circular economy.
Discussions include developments in the carton industry, sustainability in aluminum packaging and adhesives, design for recycling and deinking, and the CosPaTox approach for evaluating post-consumer plastic recyclates (PCR).
Exhibitors: Cosmetic specialists, packaging ink providers, plastics manufacturers, food and beverage companies, research firms, carton packaging providers, adhesive makers, and recycling firms as speakers.
5. India’s Food Pack Expo 2025
| Date | July 2-3, 2025 |
| Location | Codissia, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Website | https://foodpackexpo.com/ |
| Attendees | Agro-industries, beverage & brewing, consultancy, consumer goods, contract packagers, dairy, fish & seafood, food export/distributors, frozen food, industrial manufacturers, machinery importers/dealers/distributors, cold storage providers, and retail packagers. |
Why Attend: The India Food Pack Expo 2025 connects industry leaders, showcasing innovations in packaging, labelling, and food processing. The event provides valuable insights into automation, sustainability, and market trends while connecting attendees with global suppliers and industry experts. Explore advanced machinery, AI-driven solutions, and eco-friendly packaging to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving food and beverage packaging industry.
Exhibitors: Sealing & wrapping, cartooning & palletizing, AI & robotics, specialty machinery, hygiene tech, printing & labelling, conveyors, adhesives & coatings, recycling & safety, and package design consultants.
Others in Food Pack Expo 2025:
- Food Pack Expo, 2025
Date: January 20–22, 2025
Location: Palace Ground, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
6. Indusfood Packaging 2026
| Date | January 6-8, 2026 |
| Location | Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, India |
| Website | https://indusfoodmanufacturing.co.in/ |
| Attendees | Dairy, F&B, edible oil, bakery & confectionery, snacks, drinking water processors, industry specialists, food processing consultants, government agencies, restaurant chains, trade associations, and food service institutions. |
Why Attend: Indusfood Packaging 2026 is Asia’s premier packaging technology trade show, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in design, materials, and innovative packaging solutions.
The event’s strong focus on sustainability and global trade connects businesses with India’s evolving packaging sector.
The exclusive B2B format ensures high-quality meetings through pre-screened buyers and a matchmaking app while also fostering partnerships and unlocking new business opportunities.
Highlights: 500+ exhibitors, 15,000+ visitors, and participants from 10+ countries
Exhibitors: Processing machinery providers, packaging technology specialists, food ingredient suppliers, and hospitality equipment providers.
7. Food Packaging Summit 2025
| Date | June 25-26, 2025 |
| Location | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA |
| Website | https://food-packaging-summit.com/ |
| Attendees | Industry professionals, government agencies, academic researchers, food packaging experts, sustainability consultants, petrochemical and plastics specialists, F&B manufacturers, and automation experts in the food packaging industry. |
Why Attend: The Food Packaging Summit 2025 will address today’s toughest packaging challenges, including material shortages, regulatory pressure, rising costs, and sustainability demands. The event features in-depth presentations on market trends, regional projects, and technological advancements.
Attendees will gain insights into actionable innovations in biodegradable materials, compostables, smart packaging, digital traceability, tech-driven packaging strategies, and advancements in food safety, shaping the future of eco-friendly and intelligent food packaging.
Key Highlighted Topics:
- Tracking consumer demands and market trends for eco-friendly packaging
- Sustainable, safe, and consumer-driven food packaging innovations
- Reviewing global compliance and regulations in food packaging
- Investigating smart packaging advancements and new materials
- Innovating with advanced edible, and automated packaging technologies
- Showcasing cutting-edge technologies and designs in food packaging
Highlights: 100+ industry topics, 8+ networking events, 50+ leading experts, and 20+ Q&A sessions.
Keynote Speakers:
- Jason Bergquist — Vice President of US Operations at RecycleMe
- Kimberly Kovacs — CEO of RENW
- Jamie Stone — Leader in the design, sustainability, and innovation business at PA Consulting
- Ian Lifshitz — Head of sustainability and public affairs for the APP Group
Exhibitors: Packaging material suppliers, automation and robotics specialists, digital traceability solution providers, sustainability consultants, food safety experts, recyclability advocates, and sustainability advocates.
8. International Conference on Food Packaging Technologies and Applications (ICFPTA) 2025
| Date | July 28-29, 2025 |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Website | https://waset.org/food-packaging-technologies-and-applications-conference-in-july-2025-in-zurich |
| Attendees | Industry professionals, packaging specialists, material engineers, sustainability consultants, regulatory experts, and food technologists. |
Why Attend: The International Conference on Food Packaging Technologies and Applications 2025 will be co-located with the International Conference on Food Packaging and Safety of Food. The conference focuses on biodegradable materials, active and intelligent packaging, regulatory standards, recycling innovations, and nanotechnology in food safety.
Attendees will gain insights into sustainability trends, supply chain optimization, and strategies for a circular economy. Technical sessions delve into research on material advancements, smart packaging, automation, AI integration, and industry-led sustainability initiatives that are shaping the future of food packaging.
Highlights: Co-located with the International Conference on Food Packaging and Safety of Food, exhibitions, peer-reviewed research papers, and speaker sessions.
Exhibitors: Academic scientists, researchers, research scholars, practitioners, and educators.
9. Food Pack Asia 2025
| Date | February 12-15, 2025 |
| Location | Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand |
| Website | https://foodpackasia.com/ |
| Attendees | Agro industries, food processing & packaging enterprises, semi-finished & frozen food producers, beverage, dairy, confectionery, cosmetics, consumer goods & pharmaceutical manufacturers, hotels & restaurants. |
Why Attend: Food Pack Asia 2025 showcases F&B machinery, packaging, and logistics innovations. It offers critical updates on emerging trends in food and beverage trends, scalable packaging innovations, and sustainable production practices. And, solutions focus on environmental management and carbon tax compliance.
Attendees can gain hands-on exposure through technical workshops, learn directly from experts in over 50 seminars, and explore technologies that bridge the gap between lab-scale innovation and commercial execution.
Highlights: Digital industry zone, open trade markets with China and India, and 50+ seminars.
Exhibitors: Logistics providers, machinery & equipment manufacturers, packaging & printing specialists, plastic & industrial packaging suppliers, premium product & condiment suppliers, industrial glove & machine knife specialists.
10. Warsaw Pack 2025
| Date | April 8-10, 2025 |
| Location | Ptak Warsaw Expo, Warsaw, Poland |
| Website | https://warsawpack.pl/ |
| Attendees | Manufacturers of packaging and labeling machines, suppliers of packaging materials and foils, companies specializing in packaging quality testing, designers and producers of innovative packaging, packaging process automation service providers, companies offering marking and coding systems, specialists in logistics and warehousing, and distributors of packaging inspection equipment. |
Why Attend: Warsaw Pack 2025, in its 10th edition, is Poland’s largest packaging technology fair, focusing on industry advancements and practical solutions. The event covers modern packaging technologies, sustainability, automation, and material innovations.
The Warsaw PackTech Conference brings together experts for lectures, workshops, and panel discussions on emerging trends and technical developments. It provides insights into evolving packaging techniques and their impact across industries, fostering discussions on efficiency and sustainability in packaging.
Highlights: Co-located with Future Energy Week Poland and the Warsaw Bus Expo and Exhibition, 600+ exhibitors from 17 countries, 26400+ visitors from 46 countries,
Exhibitors: Representatives of the food packaging industry, manufacturers and distributors of packaging machines, logistics and warehousing specialists, packaging and graphic designers, product quality and safety managers, production process engineers, representatives of the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, and distributors of packaging materials.
Conclusion
Whether you’re tackling shelf-life challenges, reducing packaging waste, switching to mono-materials, or preparing for EPR and PFAS regulations, 2025 offers a crucial lineup of conferences to support your R&D goals. These events cover everything from biodegradable and compostable materials to smart packaging, digital traceability, and automation, all vital to meeting evolving consumer demands, regulatory expectations, and sustainability targets.
Don’t fall behind in this fast-moving landscape. Download our complete list of 60+ Packaging R&D Conferences for 2025 and ensure your team is plugged into the trends shaping the future of food packaging.
