# Event Details - **Event Name**: Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 09:30 am – Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 02:00 pm - **Event Description**: develop cross sector innovation in packaging and materialsAbout this EventInnovation in sustainable materials and packaging within the food sector has accelerated rapidly in recent years, driven by advances in biopolymers, smart technologies, and the circular‑economy. New biodegradable materials such as PLA, PHA demonstrates strong mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties. Another example is the production of plastic free packaging materials manufactured from seaweed.Innovation in the food sector offers opportunities for the life sciences sector, where the need for sterile, stable, and environmentally responsible packaging is growing. Advances such as bio‑nanocomposite coatings, antimicrobial films, and improved barrier materials have clear relevance for pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices. Circular‑economy business models, driven by regulatory pressure and consumer expectations, can reduce waste and lifecycle impact for life science companies.This workshop will explore the drivers and explore how cross‑sector innovation can accelerate the development of sustainable products in the health and life science sector and how advances in bio-inspired materials can be used in the food sector.Connecting the Food and Drink Sector to the Health and Life Science SectorJoin us for an exciting in-person event where we bring together the food and drink industry and the health and life sciences community. It’s a great chance to network, share ideas, and explore how these two dynamic sectors can collaborate for a healthier future. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!____________________________________________________________________________________________________P R O G R A M M E09.30 Registration10.00 Welcome and introduction10.10 Why the NHS needs innovation in sustainable materials– Logan Ryan, West of England Health Innovation10.40 The regulatory driver to the adoption of sustainable materials– Richard Marriot, Ecosurety11.10 Refreshment break11.30 Plastic free packaging from seaweed- Kim Lees, Notpla12.00 The big ask of new sustainable materials and packaging for the food sector- Charlotte Keenan, Yeo Valley12.30 Q&A, ask the panel and next steps13.00 Networking lunch14.00 Close______________________________________________________________________________________________________Kim Lees : Senior National Account Managervisit | follow us @notplaKim Lees at Notpla: Kim has spent the last nine years in the packaging industry, specializing in sustainable packaging, though she has experience with all materials. Kim has worked with Notpla for nearly 2 years, focusing on innovation and plastic free solutions without greenwashing and offering advice on how businesses can adopt truly sustainable options.Kim has experience working alongside waste collectors to build a network and solution enabling consumers to implement the best end of life solution for packaging.Notpla won the Earthshot Prize in 2022. They focus on researching and engineering materials to solve the problem of plastics. They engineer packaging that will naturally disappear in nature, the core material for this is seaweed. They have a portfolio of products, including food packaging, edible packaging and seaweed paper.____________________________________________________________________________________________________Richard Marriott : Refill Project Managervisit Richard is head of refill and reuse at Ecosurety, a Bristol-based packaging compliance scheme and B Corp that helps businesses comply with environmental regulations and collaborate on take-back and recycling schemes.Richard has implemented reusable packaging solutions across multiple sectors and channels, including home delivery, in-store and on-the-go and has a deep knowledge of what’s needed to deliver circular packaging systems.____________________________________________________________________________________________________Why attendThis Workshop Will ExploreTechnology transfer opportunities between sectorsCase studies of material and packaging innovationsCircular-economy models for healthcare logisticsCollaboration pathways between industry, academia, and innovatorsWhy Life Science Organisations Should AttendGain an insight into innovation pipelines developed in the food sector.Lower‑carbon materials aligned with sustainability and ESG frameworks.Understand key challenges in the food sector:Packaging sterilityStability and shelf-lifeWaste reductionCold-chain integrityChance to build partnerships and broaden relationships.Why Food‑Sector Organisations Should AttendExplore high‑value markets (pharma, diagnostics, med‑tech).How can biopolymers, sensors, and smart coatings have direct transferability to life sciences.Help to identify partnerships, licensing, and co‑development pathways.Life sciences face strong regulatory pressure and need sustainable solutions. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/bristol/connecting-the-food-and-drink-sector-to-the-health-and-life-science-sector/100001982002322300 - **Event Categories**: health-wellness, workshops, business, entertainment - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Bristol - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: University of the West of England - **lat**: 51.50292959999999 - **long**: -2.5525405 - **full address**: University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/549f805659068250788ad1ff3fd0f4a9c54bf7fce01918fc5fbb745bace246fd-rimg-w535-h534-dcffffff-gmir.jpg?v=1769800062 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector being held? - **A:** Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector takes place on Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 09:30 am to Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 02:00 pm at University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector? - **A:** Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector is organized by Medilink South West. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Connecting the food and drink sector to the health and life science sector is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Bristol, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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