CHEMUK returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on 20 May and 21 May as the UK’s largest event dedicated to the full chemical supply chain. With the sector undergoing rapid transformation driven by innovation, evolving regulation and the pressure to deliver more resilient, sustainable operations, it is vital for manufacturers, suppliers, formulators and logistics leaders to use this rare opportunity to access every part of the industry ecosystem under one roof.
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 creativity, collaboration and innovation. What really makes the event special is its community. It has a unique ability to bring together the whole chemical supply chain, combining a strong exhibition with a high-quality conference programme and keeping people at the heart of the experience.
Across its expanding show zones, CHEMUK presents over 600 specialist exhibitors representing raw materials, ingredients, intermediates, specialty chemicals, process technologies, engineering solutions, packaging, handling, distribution, waste management and regulatory compliance. This breadth is what sets the event apart: it is not just a marketplace for products, but a cross-section of the UK’s chemical value chain. Whether you are sourcing critical inputs, improving production efficiency, reviewing safety solutions or exploring the latest in green chemistry, the event provides direct access to the partners and technologies shaping the sector’s future.
For operations, supply chain and compliance professionals, CHEMUK offers clear and immediate value. The Chemicals Management and Process & Chemical Engineering zones provide practical insights into improving safety, reducing operational risk and meeting tightening regulatory requirements. Exhibitors demonstrate advancements in hazard mitigation, labelling, transport, storage, automation, data management, emissions monitoring and waste-to-resource processes.
Upstream and downstream players benefit equally. Raw material suppliers connect with formulators and brand owners through the Chemicals Supply Show and the Formulated Product Manufacture Show, enabling efficient sourcing, faster product development and stronger supplier–customer integration. For R&D teams and analytical specialists, the Chemicals Laboratory Show brings together the latest laboratory technologies, instrumentation, testing services and analytical solutions.
Alongside the exhibition, the CHEMUK 2026 conference programme brings together expert speakers from across industry, government, academia and the wider chemicals.
ecosystem to address the most pressing strategic and technical issues facing the sector. Spanning multiple theatres across the two days, sessions will cover themes such as regulatory change, chemicals management, decarbonisation, digitalisation, circularity and innovation in formulated products. Case studies, panel discussions and technical talks will help attendees benchmark strategies, learn from peers and take away practical ideas they can apply in their own organisations.
CHEMUK 2026 will take place in Hall 5 at the NEC and is free to attend for industry professionals. Running from 09:30–17:00 on 20 May and 09:30–16:00 on 21 May, the format is designed to maximise networking while allowing delegates to combine supplier meetings with conference sessions and feature areas.
In a sector where efficiency, safety and innovation are inseparable, CHEMUK has become a cornerstone event and a catalyst for collaboration. For leaders across the full supply chain, it is where the industry unites to solve today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s opportunities.
