Due to overwhelming interest, the Future Trailblazer Awards have extended their entry deadline, giving young packaging innovators more time to showcase their talent.
Ambitious early-career professionals across the packaging sector now have until November 14 to put forward their entries for the Future Trailblazer Awards after unprecedented interest prompted a deadline extension.
Launched in 2024 in partnership with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the Future Trailblazer Awards celebrate young professionals who are already making an impact across the packaging ecosystem, from sustainability and artwork to engineering, design, and operations. Now in its third year, the programme shines a spotlight on emerging talent, rewarding those who push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives on industry challenges.
The programme’s two newest categories, Brand Storytelling and Circularity, reflect a commitment to recognising the full packaging journey. Entries are encouraged from across the supply chain, from design and production to operations and sustainability, highlighting how innovation and creativity touch every stage of the packaging lifecycle.
The awards recognise outstanding young professionals across seven categories: Design for the Future, Production Delivery, Sustainable First Thinking, Operational Excellence, Brand Visionary, The Packaging MVP, and Circularity Champion. Entries have already exceeded 60 submissions, with just under 100 more still in the process of being completed, demonstrating the growing excitement and engagement across the sector.
“It’s truly inspiring to see so many young professionals stepping forward, showcasing their creativity, passion, and commitment to shaping the future of packaging,” said Casey McHugh, Conference & Community Manager – UK & Global. “With such talent on display, it’s the perfect moment to encourage others to come forward, share their ideas, and seize the chance to be recognised as the next generation of industry trailblazers.”
Past winners showcase the transformative potential of the programme. Aden Newbury, a Future Trailblazer alumnus from Kingfisher, recalls: “Winning the award kind of validates that journey. It gives you confidence to make decisions. If you never try, you’ll never know. That philosophy has guided me from my first analytical role to the cutting edge of packaging sustainability. There’s still so much to do, but this award motivates you to keep pushing forward.”
Josephine Cooper, Packaging Technologist at The No7 Beauty Company and part of the Future Trailblazer class of 2025, also highlights the impact of the programme: “It started conversations and helped me stand out in interviews, too. Winning awards publicly recognises your skills, which is a big confidence boost. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and to continue innovating. Packaging is so dynamic. Every day brings something new. Whether it’s new materials, evolving sustainability challenges, or legislation changes, it’s a field where continuous learning is essential.”
Gregory Bentley, Packaging Director at Suntory Beverage and Food Europe and judge for the awards, emphasises the human element of the programme. “The packaging industry is only ever as strong as the people within it. To shape a sustainable and forward-thinking future, we must attract and empower passionate new talent. By highlighting emerging professionals, we not only reward excellence but also inspire others.”
Joanna Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing and fellow judge, adds: “Future Trailblazers is an incredibly important initiative for the UK packaging industry. We desperately need to showcase young talent and recognise those breaking moulds, making headway, driving change and delivering innovation. To be able to spotlight early-career talent has a double benefit. It shows those individuals that their contributions are recognised. But even more importantly, it showcases to others what joining the industry could look like and enables the creation of role models for others to aspire to.”
Emma Verkaik, CEO of BCMPA, adds: “Those starting their professional careers in our industry bring fresh energy and new ideas. In contract manufacturing and packing, where speed of response and adaptability matter, their input can have a real impact, bringing the latest skills to the process. Celebrating their success, through awards like this, will help us all attract and retain the next generation of industry professionals.”
2026’s Future Trailblazers is set to be the biggest and best yet, with a revamped list of criteria and new categories covering brand storytelling and circularity, inviting entries from a broader audience of young talent. The initiative is designed to shine a spotlight on tomorrow’s innovators today, highlighting those breaking down barriers and offering exciting new perspectives on industry challenges.
The Future Trailblazer entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts from organisations spanning the packaging sector. The finalists will be announced ahead of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, where the winners will be revealed on 11 February 2026, receiving industry recognition and exclusive networking opportunities.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting movement – enter the Future Trailblazer Awards now and grab your free tickets to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 to see the next generation of industry leaders in action.
