The packaging industry is witnessing a pivotal moment as the call for submissions for the second annual Women in Packaging Excellence Awards intensifies, coinciding powerfully with the global observance of International Women’s Day. This timing is no accident; it underscores the sustained commitment required to elevate and celebrate the indispensable contributions of women across the entire packaging value chain. As the deadline for the 2026 awards rapidly approaches, industry stakeholders are urged to nominate the trailblazers, innovators, and leaders whose work is actively reshaping the future of sustainable, efficient, and inclusive packaging.
The inaugural awards ceremony, held last July, served as a landmark event, marking a significant step toward recognizing the often-overlooked yet crucial roles women play in driving progress within this dynamic sector. Far more than a simple recognition ceremony, the awards were conceived from a deep-seated industry need to illuminate the achievements, resilience, and transformative impact of female professionals whose careers span raw material sourcing, design, manufacturing, brand stewardship, and retail execution. The inaugural cohort demonstrated exceptional courage in challenging established norms, fostering environments of mentorship, and championing innovative solutions that address the packaging sector’s most pressing environmental and operational hurdles.
The structure of the awards, encompassing categories from the nascent "Rising Star" to the esteemed "Industry Champion," was meticulously designed to capture the full spectrum of female influence. These accolades serve not only to honor past achievements but also to inspire the next generation of female talent to pursue leadership roles in what remains, in many areas, a male-dominated field. The focus on breaking down systemic barriers and advocating for a more equitable, forward-thinking industry was central to the event’s ethos.
The success of the first iteration was vividly demonstrated by the caliber of the winning organizations and individuals. Major global brands and leading retailers secured prestigious honors, signaling that commitment to female leadership translates directly into operational excellence and market success. L’Oréal, for instance, was recognized as the Sustainability Champion, a testament to their advanced efforts in circular economy integration within their packaging strategy. Suntory Global Spirits took home the award for Best New Product, highlighting how diverse perspectives drive consumer appeal and innovation. The Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to enduring, profound impact, was fittingly presented to Waitrose & Partners, acknowledging their long-standing commitment to responsible packaging practices. Furthermore, Kingfisher was recognized for Packaging Operations Excellence, underscoring efficiency gains driven by inclusive leadership.
The supply chain itself—the core engine of the industry—saw substantial recognition flow to key packaging manufacturers and crucial industry associations. Companies such as Coveris, Faerch UK, Carlton Packaging, Colpac, and Plastipak were among the celebrated entities, alongside influential bodies like OPRL (On-Pack Recycling Label), the Food and Drink Federation, and GoUnpackaged. Their victories underscore the fact that progress in packaging sustainability and innovation is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of the women leading these organizations.
A closer examination of the individual winners from the first year reveals the breadth of talent being recognized:
Pioneers in Leadership and Vision:
The coveted Woman of the Year awards celebrated two exceptional figures: Angela Morris of Woolcool and Karen Graley of the Food and Drink Federation. Their dual recognition highlighted leadership excellence both within specialized material innovation (Woolcool) and high-level industry advocacy (FDF).
Driving Technological Advancement:
Innovation in Packaging Excellence was awarded to Ruth Price of Faerch UK, whose work exemplified how cutting-edge technology, guided by female leadership, can revolutionize material science and production efficiency in packaging.
Cultivating Future Talent:
The Inspirational Mentor Awards were shared by Rachel Watkyn of Tiny Box Company and Olena Kudriashova of Univest. This shared recognition powerfully emphasized the importance of active mentorship—the act of deliberately cultivating and guiding junior colleagues—as a critical component of long-term industry health and diversity goals.
Mastery in Specific Segments:
Polly Bartynek of Suntory Global Spirits secured the Luxury & Premium Packaging Award, proving that high aesthetic standards and consumer desirability are being driven by expert female leadership. Talia Goldman of Colpac earned the Packaging Leadership Award, signaling recognition for strategic vision and effective management in a competitive landscape.
Operational and Commercial Acumen:
Operational excellence was acknowledged through the Packaging Operations Excellence Awards, jointly presented to Laura Miller (Kingfisher) and Joanne Grundy (Contact Originators). Simultaneously, the Sales & Business Development Leader Awards recognized the commercial drive of Ruth Price (Faerch UK, securing a second honor) and Jennifer Burley (Easyfairs), proving that excellence spans both the factory floor and the boardroom.
The Sustainability Imperative:
In an era defined by ecological responsibility, the Sustainability Champion Awards were highly contested. Natalie Agathou of L’Oréal and Kinza Sutton of Plastipak were recognized for their impactful initiatives, showcasing that sustainability leadership is thriving across both major consumer-facing brands and large-scale manufacturing operations.
Championing Inclusivity:
Boma Krijgsman of JDO Global was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Award, a crucial category that spotlights those actively working to build a more representative industry structure beyond their immediate professional roles.
Legacy of Impact:
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognized the monumental career of Denise Mathieson of Waitrose & Partners, whose decades of influence have set benchmarks for ethical and progressive practices within the sector.
These exemplary achievements from the inaugural event underscore the high stakes and high caliber of the competition for the 2026 awards. The approaching deadline serves as a final call to action for companies and individuals across the global packaging community to formally recognize the women who are not just participating in the industry, but actively steering its course toward greater sustainability, technological sophistication, and social equity.
The ongoing relevance of the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards, particularly when amplified by global events like International Women’s Day, is rooted in the persistent need to address structural imbalances. While progress is evident, statistics still indicate gaps in representation at senior management and board levels. Awards like these function as vital mechanisms for visibility, providing necessary role models and quantifiable evidence that diverse teams deliver superior results.
Industry leaders are now encouraged to review the comprehensive list of categories available for the 2026 awards—ranging from technical innovation and design to commercial success and mentorship—and ensure that the deserving women within their spheres of influence are nominated. Submitting an entry is more than a formality; it is an active investment in fostering a culture where merit, irrespective of gender, is publicly celebrated, ensuring the momentum gained from the first awards continues to accelerate the packaging industry’s evolution into a truly inclusive and exemplary global sector. The time to secure recognition for the next wave of packaging excellence is now.
