EVENT PREVIEW
ChemUK returns in May
The UK ' s dedicated exhibition for all parts of the chemical industry is back in Birmingham
ChemUK, the UK’ s largest B2B event for the chemicals, process engineering and formulated product industries, will return on 20-21 May in Hall 5 at the NEC in Birmingham. Opening hours are 9.30-17.00 on the first day and 9.30 – 16.00 on the second. As ever, the Speciality Chemicals Magazine team will be present throughout.
ChemUK, says the organiser, Easyfairs, covers“ 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.”
This year there will be a new record of over 550 exhibitors. Although the vast majority( 412 at the time of writing) are from the UK, ChemUK has also attracted companies from 19 more countries, headed by Germany( 16). There are also exhibitors from 13 other European countries and others from Taiwan, Turkey, China and the US. A full listing is on the dedicated website.
As in 2025, ChemUK 2026 will be spread across five dedicated‘ show zones’:
• Chemicals Supply and Chemicals Management, covering sourcing, distribution, logistics, storage, handling and regulatory compliance
• Process & Chemical Engineering, focusing on plant, equipment, automation and operational efficiency
• Chemicals Laboratory, covering analytical science, testing, scaleup and innovation
• Formulated Product Manufacture, showcasing downstream applications, contract manufacturing and product development
Last year’ s show attracted 5,200 total attendees and at last as many are expected this year. A matchmaking app, alongside expanded meeting areas, is designed to support more targeted engagement between visitors and exhibitors across the two days.
ChemUK 2026 will also have about 100 speakers at events across five stages on the show floor. These are headed by multi-session stakeholder programmes, with contributors including the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Chemical Business Association and the British Coatings Federation, among others. Complementing this will be keynote contributions from major international suppliers including Lanxess, Merck KGaA, Nouryon and BASF.
Several themes stand out during the programme, notably UK REACH, decarbonisation, the
energy transition, green chemistry, digitalisation and the growing role of AI in process industries. The agenda also addresses critical regulatory and risk challenges, including PFAS, plus broader compliance, safety and ESG considerations that are reshaping how organisations operate and invest. A full listing of events is also on the website.
Dedicated content themes will run throughout the show. There will be sessions focused on home and personal care, cosmetics and household and industrial cleaning products plus a downstream industries focus, spanning adhesives, lubricants, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. ●
Adam Gough
EASYFAIRS GROUP k + 44( 0) 20 3196 4300 J adam. gough @ easyfairs. com j https:// www. chemicalukexpo. com / en /
MAY / JUN 2026 SPECCHEMONLINE. COM
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