CHEMUK 2026 will again bring together some of the most influential voices across the chemicals, process engineering and formulated product sectors, as organisers unveil a comprehensive programme of keynote presentations, technical sessions and stakeholder-led forums. As the UK’s largest gathering of suppliers, industry bodies and technical experts from across the chemical industries chemistry sector, visitors can tap into some 50+ hours of lively debate, critical latest intelligence, best practice guidance, technology insight and much more across the five integrated stages, forming a crucial component of the CHEMUK experience.
Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on May 20 to 21, the event will once again bring together over 600 specialist exhibitors and more than 150 expert speakers and panelists as part of a multi-stage conference designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
At the heart of this year’s programme are a series of keynote presentations from major international chemical companies, including Lanxess, Merck, Univar, Nouryon and BASF. These sessions will offer strategic insights into innovation, sustainability, and the future direction of global chemical and chemical product manufacturing.
Complementing the keynote agenda, CHEMUK 2026 will host a wide range of embedded, multi-session stakeholder programmes in collaboration with organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), IChemE, IMechE, Innovate UK Business Connect (IUKBC), the Henry Royce Institute and key industry associations including the Chemical Business Association (CBA) and British Coatings Chemicals Association (BCA). Supported by UK Government partners, these programmes are designed to facilitate cross-sector collaboration and informed discussion around sector priorities, policy, innovation, and industrial strategy.
The conference will also tackle a number of highly specific and urgent industry issues. Dedicated sessions will explore UK REACH, decarbonisation and the energy transition, green chemistry, digitalisation and AI, risk assessment and Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulation —ensuring attendees gain practical insights into navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory and technological landscape.
Reflecting the diversity of the sector, the programme will feature segmented content themes tailored to key application areas. These include dedicated streams for home and personal care, cosmetics and household, industrial and institutional (HI&I) and biocidal chemistries. A comprehensive regulatory, compliance and ESG ‘Regulatory/EHS/ESG/Risk & Compliance’ track will also provide essential guidance for organisations adapting to increasingly complex environmental and legislative requirements.
Innovation will be a central theme throughout the event, with focuses on lab R&D, the innovation ecosystem and disruptive technology all highlighting emerging technologies and research developments from across academia and industry. In parallel, a downstream industries and formulated products track will showcase applications across adhesives, lubricants, personal care, pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals, demonstrating the real-world impact of chemical innovation across the value chain.
With government support for the chemicals industry prevalent throughout the event, Defra will give a presentation that will outline the future direction for chemicals management and regulation, aiming for a system that is effective, proportionate and responsive to emerging evidence. This presentation will outline the work underway and the opportunities for industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other partners to engage as this work progresses.
In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will provide an update on the latest developments to GB classification, labelling and packaging, biocidal products regulation and prior informed consent.
The show’s much anticipated interactive big debate sessions bring something new to 2026, encouraging open discussion on challenging topics such as sector resilience, future skills and more.
“CHEMUK 2026 is set to deliver one of our most comprehensive and relevant conference programmes to date,” said Ian Stone, Conference Director at CHEMUK. By bringing together leading global suppliers, industry bodies and technical specialists, we are creating a platform that reflects the full breadth of the chemicals sector.
“Whether attendees are focused on regulatory change, sustainability, innovation or commercial growth, the conference provides the insight and connections needed to move forward with confidence. With more than 30 curated panel sessions, attendees will gain some unmissable takeaways.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with expert speakers, attend tailored conference sessions and connect with peers across five dedicated show zones, making CHEMUK 2026 a must-attend event for industry professionals. Register for a free ticket here.
