Empack 2027 – ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

What to expect

Empack Den Bosch is the leading trade fair for the future of packaging technology in the Netherlands, organized by Easyfairs Netherlands. The event brings the entire Dutch packaging chain together in one location, from material suppliers and machine builders to brand owners, retailers, and recycling specialists.

Full packaging chain: The exhibition covers packaging materials, machinery, automation, printing, labelling, coding, and circular solutions.

Trade only focus: The show is exclusively for professional visitors from the packaging industry, ensuring highly relevant business contacts and qualified leads.

Knowledge and innovation: Alongside the exhibition floor, a renewed and expanded knowledge programme focuses on sustainability, smart packaging, circular economy, and new legislation.

Co-location advantage: In Brabanthallen, Empack is traditionally co-located with Packaging Innovations, creating a combined platform where production technology meets packaging design and branding.

Networking efficiency: Through the Easyfairs NL App, visitors can access the fair map, programme, and schedule appointments with exhibitors and other visitors in advance.

You can register for a free visit via the official website https://www.empack.nl/. For general enquiries contact info-empack@easyfairs.com or call +31 183 680 610.

Event dates

Event name: Empack 2027 – ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Event dates: 14 & 15 April 2027

Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM both days, with standard hours for Brabanthallen Den Bosch trade fairs. Badge collection opens before hall opening.

Registration period: At the beginning of March the registration form for Empack will go live. Pre-registration is mandatory for free access.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Venue name: Brabanthallen Den Bosch

Address: Diezekade 2, 5222 AK ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Phone 073 629 3911. Venue website www.brabanthallen.nl.

Site characteristics: Brabanthallen is one of the largest event complexes in the south of the Netherlands, offering wide, modular halls with direct loading access, ample exhibition space, and integrated conference theatres. The Empack concept alternates locations, with even years at Evenementenhal Gorinchem and odd years at Brabanthallen Den Bosch, making Den Bosch the flagship edition for the Benelux region.

Exhibition infrastructure: Easyfairs supervises the entire construction, dismantling and service, with one contact person before, during and after the show. The sustainable, modular beMatrix stand system is widely used, aligning with the call for sustainable use of materials. Loading docks 31 to 35 are designated for exhibitor logistics, with warehouse opening hours communicated via the exhibitor manual.

Visitor facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Business Terrace for workshops, Knowledge Theater and Pitch-Pack-Square stages integrated into the hall, catering areas, and bicycle parking.

Full industry programme

The Empack Den Bosch knowledge programme is designed to share knowledge, discover new insights and accelerate sustainable innovations.

The Knowledge Theater – for deepening and inspiration: The heart of the knowledge programme, where leading experts and innovators from the packaging industry share their vision. Topics covered include sustainability in packaging, smart packaging, circular economy, and legal and social trends.

The Pitch-Pack-Square – innovation in action: At this stage, start-ups, companies and knowledge institutions present their groundbreaking ideas and solutions in short, powerful pitches. From new materials to automation techniques, meet the pioneers of the sector.

Workshops on the Business Terrace: Participate in interactive sessions where professionals from different links in the packaging chain come together. Discussion topics include collaboration within the chain for more sustainable packaging, innovative packaging designs and their impact on recycling, and reducing packaging waste in production processes.

Partner collaborations: The programme is made possible by Empack’s partners such as NRK Verpakkingen and VNV with a focus on new legislation and making plastic packaging more sustainable, HAS Green Academy for education and talent development, L’atarimae for packaging design and circularity, and The Dutch Packaging Center NVC with the Packaging Innovation Competition De Gouden Noot.

Featured companies & exhibitors

Empack Den Bosch 2025 attracted over 200 exhibitors and Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026 at NEC Birmingham is confirmed with over 450 exhibitors, indicating the scale expected for 2027.

Machinery and processing: Pattyn Packaging Lines, Ishida Europe, GKS Packaging, Berlin Packaging, and other suppliers of filling, sealing, wrapping, palletizing, and end-of-line automation.

Materials and converting: Suppliers of flexible films, cartons, corrugated, plastics, bio-based materials, and shelf-ready packaging solutions, including companies presenting alternatives to disposable plastic cups and meal packaging.

Smart and connected packaging: Providers of RFID, QR, NFC, track-and-trace, and data-driven packaging that informs and connects.

Design and branding: Agencies and technology firms including Sun Branding, Elopak, Taghleef, and Hazel 4D showcasing innovative packaging approaches that drive growth and sustainability.

Recycling and circularity: Specialists in recyclable packaging solutions, including Convex Europe supported by Sirane, OPRL, and organizations focused on reuse and recycling within the chain.

The full exhibitor list is published on empack.nl with hall and stand numbers and the ability to schedule meetings via the app.

Industry sectors & technologies

Packaging materials: Paper, board, corrugated, flexible plastics, rigid plastics, glass, metal, bioplastics, and mono-materials designed for recycling.

Packaging machinery: Filling machines, form-fill-seal, vertical and horizontal packaging machines, cartoning, case packing, palletizing, and robotics.

Automation and intralogistics: Logistics and automation solutions co-located through Easyfairs’ Logistics & Automation brand, strengthening the connection between packaging, intralogistics and supply-chain performance.

Printing, labelling and coding: Digital printing, flexographic solutions, labelling systems, coding and marking, and embellishment for brand differentiation.

Sustainable technologies: Materials, processes and technologies that make the difference for sustainability, including lightweighting, recyclable laminates, compostable solutions, and reusable systems.

Smart packaging: The rise of connected packaging and the use of data for consumer engagement, supply chain visibility, and authenticity.

Regulatory and compliance: Innovations addressing new regulations and changing consumer expectations, including EPR, PPWR, and plastic tax implications.

Products, machinery & innovations

New product launches: At the show, companies introduce new machinery generations, such as compact packaging systems for limited floor space and modular lines tailored to specific products.

Innovation showcase: The Pitch-Pack-Square highlights new materials, automation techniques, shelf-ready boxes, and recyclable packaging solutions.

Sustainable innovations: Solutions for moving from disposable plastic to practical reuse systems, with case studies on cups and meal packaging measures discussed at national policy level.

Packaging design: The Packaging Innovations side focuses on creative packaging design, luxury and retail packaging, and brand storytelling through structural design.

Circular economy products: Mono-material pouches, paper-based barrier packaging, reusable transport packaging, and systems promoting reuse and recycling.

Live innovation tours: Curated routes through the hall focusing on sustainability, automation, and smart packaging to accelerate discovery.

Demonstrations & technical presentations

Live machine demonstrations: Exhibitors demonstrate filling, sealing, and packing lines in operation, allowing trade visitors to evaluate speed, changeover times, and integration capabilities.

Technical theatres: In-depth presentations on sustainability in packaging, which materials, processes and technologies make the difference, and practical examples of companies that have successfully implemented sustainability and innovation.

Pitch sessions: Short, powerful pitches from start-ups and knowledge institutions, providing a glimpse into the future of packaging from new materials to automation techniques.

Workshops: Interactive sessions on collaboration within the chain for more sustainable packaging, innovative packaging designs and their impact on recycling, and reducing packaging waste in production processes.

Packaging Innovation Competition: Presentation of entries for De Gouden Noot, organized by NVC, showcasing gold-standard innovations in packaging.

All sessions are free for registered visitors and seating in theatres is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ticket types & registration

Empack operates a free visitor policy for qualified trade professionals.

Visitor ticket: $0.00 USD. Visiting Empack is free. However, pre-registration is mandatory via the official website. At the beginning of March the registration form goes live. You will receive a badge via email after approval.

Student ticket: $0.00 USD. Students from relevant packaging, design, and engineering programmes can register for free with proof of enrollment, subject to organizer approval.

Exhibitor and partner tickets: Exhibitors receive an invitation service through Easyfairs’ unique Invitation Service to invite clients and prospects. Exhibitors can invite contacts using the service and manage appointments via the Easyfairs NL App.

Easyfairs NL App: Free for all registered visitors. Contains the fair map, programme, exhibitor list, and meeting scheduler. Search Empack in your app store.

Registration is handled by Easyfairs Netherlands BV, Beneluxweg 49, 4904 SJ Oosterhout. Contact info-empack@easyfairs.com for ticketing support.

Trade visitor & professional access

Admittance type: Traders only. The event is exclusively for business visitors active in the packaging industry, including brand owners, packaging technologists, purchasing, operations, R and D, sustainability managers, designers, and supply chain directors.

Visitor profile: Expected number of attendees 2000 to 3500 per edition, with 269 to 500 exhibitors depending on location. The Den Bosch edition draws national coverage with strong representation from food, beverage, pharma, personal care, and industrial sectors.

Professional verification: Organizers reserve the right to verify professional status. Students must show student ID. Suppliers not exhibiting may be asked to visit as trade visitors rather than soliciting on the floor.

Business terrace access: All registered visitors have access to workshop areas and networking zones on the Business Terrace for peer-to-peer discussions.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

Brabanthallen Den Bosch offers multiple interconnected halls with a clear zoning strategy.

Hall layout: Empack occupies Hall 1 and adjacent halls, with Packaging Innovations in linked halls when co-located. Hall 1 hosts machinery and large equipment, including stands such as Hall 1 – Stand E09 used by Pattyn in previous editions.

Theatres and squares: Knowledge Theater located centrally as the heart of the programme, Pitch-Pack-Square near the innovation zone, and Business Terrace for workshops.

Services: Information desk at entrance, cloakroom, catering points, and business services. Floor plan is available via empack.nl and the Easyfairs NL App, where you can view timesheet and list views of the programme.

Sustainable stand building: Exhibitors are encouraged to use modular systems and reusable materials. Easyfairs supervises construction and dismantling.

Business meetings & networking

Easyfairs NL App: Your ultimate networking tool for Empack. Find the fair map, programme, and schedule appointments with exhibitors and other visitors. Use the app to plan your visit efficiently and avoid missing key demonstrations.

Invitation Service: Exhibitors can invite their contacts using the official invitation service. Together, you create a successful trade fair experience with personalized invitations and tracked registrations.

Business Terrace: Interactive sessions and informal meeting tables where professionals from different links in the packaging chain come together to discuss challenges.

Matchmaking: AI-powered recommendations in the app suggest relevant exhibitors and visitors based on your profile and interests.

Evening networking: While Empack Den Bosch is a day-time trade fair, many exhibitors organize private customer events in ‘s-Hertogenbosch city centre, known for its hospitality venues.

Event rules & visitor information

Free access with registration: You can easily register for a free visit to Empack via the Empack website. Pre-registration is mandatory. Without a valid badge you cannot enter.

Badge policy: Badges are personal and must be worn visibly. They provide access to all open areas, theatres, and workshops.

Photography: Photography for personal use is allowed on the exhibition floor with permission from exhibitors. Official photography and video are conducted by the organizer.

Age and access: The event is for trade visitors aged 18 and above. Children are not permitted on the exhibition floor during build-up and breakdown.

Logistics: All courier shipments must be sent Delivery Duty Paid. Marking on packages must state Empack 2026 c/o Exhibitor name + Hall / Stand number. Warehouse opening hours are communicated in the exhibitor manual. Contact easyfairs@valverde.nl for transport and logistics services at Prestwickweg 50, 1118 LA Schiphol Airport.

Sustainability policy: Exhibitors and visitors are encouraged to minimize waste, use reusable stand materials, and use public transport. The organizer provides recycling stations across the halls.

How to get there

Brabanthallen is located at Diezekade 2, 5222 AK ‘s-Hertogenbosch, directly accessible from the A59 and A2 motorways.

By car: From Utrecht, follow A2 to ‘s-Hertogenbosch. From Eindhoven, follow A2 north. From Tilburg or Nijmegen, follow A59. Follow signs Brabanthallen. The venue has extensive on-site parking managed by Brabanthallen.

By train: ‘s-Hertogenbosch Central Station is approximately 5 km from Brabanthallen. From the station, continue by bus, taxi, or bicycle.

By air: Eindhoven Airport is 35 minutes by car. Schiphol Airport is approximately 90 minutes by train with one change at Utrecht Centraal.

By bicycle: The city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch is highly bicycle-friendly, with dedicated cycle paths to the venue and bicycle parking at the entrance.

Public transport & parking

Public transport: Bus lines connect ‘s-Hertogenbosch Central Station with Brabanthallen. Use 9292.nl for journey planning for trains, buses, metro, trams and boats. The bus stop Brabanthallen is a short walk from the entrance. Taxis are available at the station and via local services.

Parking: Brabanthallen offers large on-site parking areas adjacent to the halls. Parking fees apply and are managed by the venue, not the organizer. Payment can be made at machines or via the Brabanthallen parking app. During large events, follow traffic management signs for overflow parking.

Shuttle services: For major editions, Easyfairs may arrange shuttle connections between the venue and the station. Check the official website closer to the event for shuttle details.

Accessibility of transport: Low-floor buses and accessible taxi services operate in the region. The venue entrance is step-free.

Accommodation areas

‘s-Hertogenbosch offers a range of accommodation within close proximity to Brabanthallen.

City centre: Best for restaurants and evening networking. Hotels in the historic centre are 5 to 10 minutes by taxi from Brabanthallen and provide easy access to the station.

Near Brabanthallen: Hotels along Diezekade and Pettelaarpark offer walking distance or one bus stop to the venue, ideal for exhibitors with early build-up.

Business districts: Hotels near the A2 motorway and Paleiskwartier offer convenient car access and parking.

Regional options: Vught, Rosmalen, and Waalwijk provide additional capacity during peak periods, all within 15 minutes by car.

Book early, as Brabanthallen hosts multiple events and city hotels fill quickly during trade fair weeks.

Accessibility

Brabanthallen Den Bosch is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with step-free access to all halls, accessible toilets, elevators, and wide aisles for equipment demonstrations. Assistance dogs are permitted. Reserved parking spaces for disabled visitors are located close to the entrance. If you require specific support, contact info-empack@easyfairs.com in advance. The Easyfairs NL App includes accessibility information and floor plans to plan your route.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2025 edition took place on 2 and 3 April 2025 at Brabanthallen Den Bosch as Empack and Packaging Innovations, welcoming packaging professionals across two halls with four thematic pillars.

Exhibition highlights: Ishida Europe presented the future of packaging with processing, printing, labelling, and recycling solutions. Berlin Packaging showcased industrial and healthcare packaging solutions. Pattyn Packaging Lines demonstrated best possible packaging technology tailored to specific products at Hall 1 – Stand E09. Sirane supporting Convex Europe presented recyclable packaging solutions.

Programme highlights: The Knowledge Theatre covered sustainability in packaging, smart packaging and connected packaging, circular economy innovations, and legal and social trends including new regulations and changing consumer expectations. Practical examples from companies that successfully implemented sustainability were central to the agenda.

Innovation focus: The Pitch-Pack-Square featured start-ups and knowledge institutions presenting groundbreaking ideas from new materials to automation techniques. Collaborations with NRK Verpakkingen, VNV, HAS Green Academy, L’atarimae, and NVC brought regulatory expertise and talent development perspectives.

Community feedback: Exhibitors rated the Den Bosch edition highly for quality of contacts, with testimonials highlighting four packaging professionals, four exhibitors, four innovations, and four connections as core values.

Scale: The Dutch packaging industry meets every year, alternating between Gorinchem in even years and Den Bosch in odd years, ensuring national coverage and fresh audiences each edition.

Official tickets & registration

Official registration for Empack Den Bosch is available via https://www.empack.nl/. Registration is free for trade visitors with mandatory pre-registration. You will receive your e-badge after approval. For exhibitor enquiries, stand construction, invitation services, and sponsorship, contact info-empack@easyfairs.com or call +31 183 680 610. Organizer is Easyfairs Netherlands BV, Beneluxweg 49, 4904 SJ Oosterhout, Netherlands. For stand building support in Den Bosch, contact local partners such as King of Exhibition Stands and beMatrix sustainable system providers.