CHEMUK 2026 puts regulation, resilience and innovation at the heart of the UK chemicals industry

CHEMUK 2026 brought together the chemicals, process engineering and formulated product sectors at the NEC Birmingham on May 20 and 21, welcoming thousands of professionals from across the UK and international supply chains. Across two packed days, the show spotlighted the technologies, policies and partnerships shaping the future of UK chemicals. With senior representatives from Defra and the Health and Safety Executive taking to the stage alongside global manufacturers, trade bodies and technical specialists, this year’s event placed regulatory policy and industrial strategy firmly at the centre of discussion.

With more than 600 exhibitors and over 150 speakers and panellists across five dedicated show zones, this year’s edition delivered one of the event’s most comprehensive conference programmes to date.

A defining theme was navigating regulatory change and challenges. Sessions led by Hibiscus’s Andrew Bedford examined dangerous goods safety advisers (DGSA) compliance and best practice in dangerous goods handling and transport, while the Chemical Hazards Communication Society discussed the importance of accurate classification and effective hazard communication, and the key changes proposed to the CLP regulations. These topics remain critical as companies work to keep products moving safely and legally through increasingly complex UK and international supply chains.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were another major focus, with Dr Martyn Shenton of Blue Frog Scientific discussing UK regulation, Environment Agency thresholds and the Defra PFAS Plan. The subject gained further weight during the UK Government Briefing, where Defra Minister Emma Hardy MP set out a more proportionate and internationally aligned approach to chemicals regulation, including plans to use EU decisions as the starting point for UK REACH where appropriate. 

Industry resilience and competitiveness also ran through the programme. Tim Doggett of the Chemical Business Association delivered the State of the Nation keynote and contributed to sessions on sector recognition and the changing global order’s impact on chemical supply chains. Meanwhile, UK-ASCM explored growth, investment and sustainable supply chains, reflecting the urgent need to strengthen UK capability and attract long-term investment.

Sustainability and decarbonisation were equally prominent. The British Adhesives and Sealants Association’s (BASA) Lorna Williams discussed adhesives, sealants, digitisation and electrification, while other panel discussions examined financing net-zero capital projects and carbon performance, product carbon footprints, clean energy and bio-based materials. For an industry under pressure to cut emissions without compromising performance or productivity, these sessions showed how commercial and environmental priorities are becoming increasingly connected.

Innovation was another core strand. CPI’s Jude Huggan and Jenny Readman addressed bio-based innovation and the challenge of moving R&D into commercial reality, while Innovate UK Business Connect’s Chris Hawkins explored the UK chemicals innovation ecosystem, including funding, strategy and scale-up support.

CHEMUK 2027 will take place on 19 and 20 May. Companies already planning to exhibit at the UK’s largest gathering of chemicals experts can register their interest by visiting the show’s website.

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