When CHEMUK returns to the NEC Birmingham on May 20–21, 2026, the exhibition will again bring together the full breadth of the UK’s chemicals, process engineering and formulated products sectors. With the entire industry ecosystem under one roof, the event goes beyond a broad overview, offering a clear alignment between policy and practice across the sector.
With more than 600 exhibitors and over 100 expert speaker sessions, the event offers a comprehensive view of the industry, structured across five dedicated show zones spanning chemicals supply, chemicals management, process and chemical engineering, laboratory R&D and formulated product manufacture.
Described by Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association (CBA), as the “go-to event of its kind in the UK, and arguably even in Europe, for the complete chemical supply chain”, CHEMUK brings delegates from across the UK and further afield for two days centred on the most pressing challenges the industry faces today.
From discussion to joined-up thinking
A defining development for 2026 is the introduction of multi-session stakeholder programmes. Moving beyond standalone presentations, these coordinated content streams create a more cohesive agenda, enabling deeper exploration of key issues across multiple sessions.
Contributors include the Royal Society of Chemistry, Institution of Chemical Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Chemical Business Association and British Coatings Federation, alongside UK Government participation and input from the Henry Royce Institute. Together, they bring a more joined-up perspective, linking policy, regulation and real-world implementation.
Complementing this, keynote contributions from major international suppliers including Lanxess, Merck, Nouryon and BASF will connect high-level strategy with day-to-day operational challenges, providing both strategic context and practical insight.
The issues shaping the sector
Across the programme, several themes stand out. UK REACH remains a central concern, alongside decarbonisation, the energy transition and green chemistry, all of which continue to influence both long-term strategy and operational decision-making.
At the same time, digitalisation and the growing role of AI in process industries are gaining momentum, reflecting a wider shift towards efficiency, automation and smarter use of data across manufacturing environments.
The agenda also addresses critical regulatory and risk challenges, including PFAS, alongside broader compliance, safety and ESG considerations that are reshaping how organisations operate and invest.
CHEMUK: A structured, navigable event
This focus is reflected across the exhibition floor, where the five show zones provide a clear framework for navigating the event.
The Chemicals Supply and Chemicals Management zones cover sourcing, distribution, logistics, storage, handling and regulatory compliance, ensuring that core supply chain functions are fully represented. The Process and Chemical Engineering zone focuses on plant, equipment, automation and operational efficiency, while the Chemicals Laboratory zone highlights advances in analytical science, testing, scale-up and innovation. Completing the picture, the Formulated Product Manufacture zone showcases downstream applications, contract manufacturing and product development.
Alongside these zones, dedicated content themes will run throughout the show. Sessions focused on home and personal care, cosmetics, and household and industrial cleaning products underline the continued importance of formulation-led sectors. A strong downstream industries focus, spanning adhesives, lubricants, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals further highlights how innovation is increasingly driven by end-use application.
For visitors, this level of segmentation provides a practical way to navigate the event, enabling buyers, formulators, engineers and decision-makers to prioritise the sessions, suppliers and technologies most relevant to their work.
Designed for meaningful connections
Beyond the conference programme, the exhibition itself continues to span the full chemicals supply chain, with exhibitors aligned across supply, technology and application. A dedicated matchmaking app, alongside expanded meeting areas, is designed to support more targeted engagement between visitors and exhibitors across the two days.
As Eleanor Gravette, Marketing Manager for CHEMUK, explains: “Whether you are sourcing critical inputs, increasing production efficiency, reviewing safety solutions or investigating cutting-edge green chemistry, CHEMUK can connect you directly with the partners and technologies to help you drive success in your field.”
Where to focus
With even greater depth, structure and integration, CHEMUK 2026 is less about breadth and more about relevance, connecting policy with practice, innovation with application, and suppliers with end users.
Secure your free event ticket here.
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