IN Brief:
- More than 110 delegates attended BCMPA Conference 2026 at the Oxford Belfry.
- Speakers covered economic conditions, packaging reforms, digitalisation, automation, cyber security, and workforce engagement.
- EPR payments, recycling labelling, machinery investment, and renewable energy were among the operational themes.
BCMPA used its 2026 conference to put the operating environment for contract manufacturers, co-packers, fulfilment specialists, and logistics providers under close scrutiny, with more than 110 delegates and sponsors gathering at the Oxford Belfry. The programme combined economic outlook, packaging reform, technology adoption, and employee engagement in a single agenda aimed at the pressures now shaping outsourced operations.
Professor Trevor Williams, former Chief Economist for Lloyds Bank, outlined the impact of conflict in the Middle East on growth expectations and longer-term business planning, while Professor Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at MTC, addressed the role of robotic automation in manufacturing. Cyber security also featured prominently, with Victoria Speight, Founder of Cyberfit, warning delegates that UK organisations now face 23,506 known cyber-attacks each day and arguing for stronger procedures and preparedness.
Packaging reform formed another major strand of the event. Esther Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at PackUK, told delegates that initial EPR payments across the four nations totalled £1.4 billion, while Louisa Goodfellow, Policy Manager at Ecosurety, examined the financial and data obligations attached to the scheme. Jude Allan, Managing Director at OPRL, also addressed the current position on recycling labelling, with government plans for mandatory labelling paused as the UK is expected to align with EU proposals.
The afternoon sessions turned to practical operating questions, including the role of co-packers in managing brand risk, approaches to talent retention, machinery selection, digitalisation, quality and traceability, and investment in renewables. Emma Verkaik, Chief Executive Officer of the BCMPA, said: “While our Conference highlighted the many challenges that lie ahead, what is clear is that our members have the solutions and innovative thinking to help.” The programme also included a Nulogy-led panel with DHL Supply Chain and Complete Co-Packing Services, alongside sessions from Autopack, Touchstone, Wallace Hind, The Wellbeing Focus, and HSEnergy Group.
