The Future Trailblazer Awards, launched in 2024 in partnership with the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3), are calling on innovators across the packaging sector to put themselves or a colleague forward before the Tuesday, 4 November 2025 deadline.

The awards celebrate rising stars driving innovation across sustainability, artwork, engineering, and more. Individuals in their first ten years in the industry who are already making an impact are encouraged to apply, joining a community of bold thinkers shaping the future of packaging.

Gregory Bentley, Packaging Director at Suntory Beverage and Food Europe and judge of this year’s awards, explains why the initiative is unique: “The packaging industry is full of awards, but they’re usually about judging the output. They don’t judge the effort that goes into a project or the individual talent behind it. What really struck me about the Future Trailblazer Awards is that this is about the people – those who are going above and beyond, putting themselves out there, and challenging the way things have historically always been done.”

He adds: “The fact that it focuses on younger people entering the industry is genuinely exciting. I love seeing other people with that same level of passion. These are the people who will be highlighted as Future Trailblazers – the ones who keep challenging and pushing.”

Past winner Aden Newbury shares his perspective on the impact of the award: “It was a massive surprise… being shortlisted and then finding out I won was incredible. It looks great on the mantelpiece, and every time someone asks about it, I tell them the story. Winning the award kind of validates that journey. It gives you confidence to make decisions. I’ve done pricing, I’ve done operations, all the analytical kind of things, but I’ve moved over into packaging sustainability. That journey has been transformative, both professionally and personally. If you never try, you’ll never know. That applies to building systems and taking on new challenges.”

The winners of the Future Trailblazer Programme 2025 were celebrated at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, recognising outstanding young professionals shaping the industry’s future. Highlights included Aden Newbury (Kingfisher) for operational excellence, Jade Capp (Kingfisher) for problem-solving, Hope Fletcher (Unilever) for sustainability leadership, Robert Rigby (Mailway) for delivery management, and Josephine Cooper (The No7 Beauty Company) for innovative design.

Josephine Cooper, Packaging Technologist at The No7 Beauty Company and part of the Future Trailblazer class of 2025, described her experience of the initiative, saying: “Before last year, I was working in a small team and didn’t have many industry connections. Winning the Trailblazer Award put me out there. I’ve met incredible people, like Jude Allan from OPRL, who now comments on my LinkedIn posts. Having support from key figures in the packaging world is hugely helpful.”

The initiative is supported by IOM3, which connects packaging professionals from designers to suppliers and brand owners, sharing knowledge and best practices to support sustainable packaging and reduce food waste. Winners of the Future Trailblazer Awards will receive IOM3 Affiliate Membership, providing access to an expert network and exclusive resources.

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 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 the Packaging Innovations show, where the winners will be revealed on 11 February 2026, receiving industry recognition and exclusive networking opportunities.

Don’t miss your chance to be recognised, celebrated, and connected with the next generation of packaging innovators. Nominate yourself or a colleague today and join the ranks of the trailblazers shaping the future of packaging.

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