Redacción Alabrent
Developed as a joint venture between FESPA and Brunton Publications, the inaugural event will bring together manufacturers of corrugated packaging and point-of-sale (POS) displays with suppliers of machinery, print technology, workflow software and materials. The aim is to provide a focused platform where converters, producers and technology partners can explore the latest innovations shaping the future of corrugated production. At the event, corrugated packaging technologies and applications will be showcased.Corrugated packaging landscape
Packaging is in a period of exciting change. As brand owners respond to tightening sustainability legislation, changing consumer expectations and increasing economic pressure across supply chains, packaging design is being reassessed from the ground up. As a result of this, packaging is being designed to be more efficient, recyclable and circular – and corrugated serves as an ideal solution.
These elements align with the strengths of corrugated – and this is why it is increasingly being used across retail, ecommerce and display applications.
Simpler materials, smarter design
Brands are actively reducing the number of substrates in each pack by designing solutions that can move seamlessly through recycling streams and meet extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements.
As a fibre based, recyclable material, corrugated offers a clear route to compliance and consumer reassurance. Importantly, advances in structural design and board engineering allow corrugated to replace solutions that previously relied on combinations of board, plastics and foam.
At Corrugated 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to see how converters can redesign packaging from the inside out by eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining strength, protection and visual impact.
Redefining premium through lightweighting
For luxury and premium packaging, weight and material mass are no longer reliable indicators of value. Lightweighting is now as much about brand perception as it is about logistics and carbon reduction.
Advancements in flute profiles, hybrid boards and die cutting precision support designs for corrugated packaging that is lighter without compromising on performance. This creates opportunities for premium brands seeking packaging that reflects environmental consciousness while delivering shelf presence and a refined unboxing experience.
Corrugated 2026 will highlight how structural engineering, creative print and finishing techniques can elevate corrugated packaging into higher value applications and challenge outdated assumptions about what premium packaging looks and feels like.
Packaging as a storytelling tool
Packaging is an important brand touchpoint and material choice plays a central role in storytelling. Brands are increasingly using visible fibres, natural finishes and understated printing techniques to demonstrate authenticity, transparency and environmental consciousness.
Corrugated fits naturally into this packaging design element and digital print technologies are expanding what is possible to enable short runs and personalised packaging without the waste traditionally associated with mass production.
At Corrugated 2026, exhibitors will demonstrate how corrugated packaging can balance storytelling with scalability and deliver solutions that engage consumers while remaining commercially viable.
Designed for circularity
Increasingly, corrugated packaging is designed for repeat use, easy breakdown and efficient recovery. This is particularly relevant in direct to consumer models, where packaging must work hard to protect the product, depict branding and maintain circularity – often all at once.
Corrugated 2026 will explore how converters are adapting their designs and production workflows to support circular business strategies and longer packaging lifecycles.
Corrugated’s capability to deliver low-impact, efficient and versatile designs make it an increasingly important and sought after material in the packaging marketspace. Overall, corrugated is set to play a central role in the next phase of packaging innovation.
To learn more about Corrugated and to register for the event, visit https://europe.fespa.com/corrugated. Register before 20 April using code CRGM617and save €30 on your entry!