The packaging industry is undergoing a profound evolution, driven significantly by the vision, dedication, and ingenuity of its female leaders. Recognizing this critical contribution, the highly anticipated Women in Packaging Excellence Awards has announced an extension to its nomination window, providing a crucial final opportunity for industry stakeholders to formally acknowledge the unsung heroes and trailblazers shaping the future of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. This extension comes hot on the heels of the resounding success of the inaugural event, which last summer captivated the sector by filling the prestigious Hilton Bankside in London with an impressive gathering of over 350 influential professionals.
The inaugural ceremony was not merely a celebration; it was a dynamic showcase of the sector’s evolving landscape. It spotlighted instances of groundbreaking technological innovation, amplified powerful narratives of resilient leadership, and provided a much-deserved platform to celebrate the diverse achievements of women spanning the entire packaging supply chain—from raw material sourcing and design conceptualization to manufacturing execution and end-of-life management. Born from a deeply felt imperative to illuminate the often-overlooked yet vital female talent embedded within this traditionally male-dominated industry, this landmark event transcended simple recognition. It was an affirmation of courage in the face of systemic challenges, a testament to unwavering perseverance through complex regulatory and material hurdles, and a powerful acknowledgment of tangible, positive impact on global sustainability goals and consumer experience.
The previous year’s gala illuminated the symbiotic relationship between major consumer-facing brands and the innovative packaging companies that serve them. Major corporate entities and revered retailers secured significant accolades, underscoring how diversity at the strategic level translates into market-leading performance. L’Oréal, for instance, was rightly honored as the Sustainability Champion, recognizing their aggressive targets and successful implementation of circular economy principles within their global product lines. Suntory Global Spirits clinched the award for Best New Product, a testament to packaging that successfully marries aesthetic appeal with advanced barrier technology and recyclability. In a moving tribute to long-term influence, Waitrose & Partners was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement award, acknowledging decades of commitment to responsible sourcing and pioneering efforts in reducing unnecessary material use. Furthermore, the operational backbone of the industry was recognized, with Kingfisher receiving the award for Packaging Operations Excellence, highlighting efficiency gains and safety standards within large-scale manufacturing environments.
The manufacturing and service segments of the supply chain were equally well-represented, demonstrating the breadth of expertise being honored. Leading packaging converters and material specialists such as Coveris and Faerch UK were recognized for their significant investment in advanced material science and high-speed, low-waste production techniques. Specialist firms like Carlton Packaging and Colpac earned recognition for design ingenuity and bespoke solutions tailored to niche markets. Large-scale producers like Plastipak were acknowledged for their commitment to increasing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content across their portfolio. Crucially, the industry associations and advocacy groups—the vital connective tissue of the sector—also received their due. OPRL (On-Pack Recycling Labelling), the Food and Drink Federation, and the innovative consultancy GoUnpackaged were celebrated for their roles in driving unified industry standards, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, and championing educational initiatives that demystify recycling for the public.
The sentiment among the organizers regarding the ongoing nomination period is overwhelmingly positive, coupled with a clear urgency to capture the remaining deserving candidates. Simone Broadhurst, the Head of Events, passionately articulated the value proposition for potential nominators. "If you haven’t yet seized the opportunity to submit a nomination, this extended period offers the perfect, final moment to act," Broadhurst stated. She emphasized the accessibility of the process, noting, "The submission journey is entirely free of charge, requires a minimal investment of your time—taking just about two minutes to complete—yet the impact it can generate is profound. It provides an invaluable spotlight, permanently documenting and celebrating an individual’s significant achievements within the industry’s historical narrative."
Broadhurst continued, reflecting on the foundation laid by the first year’s success. "The inaugural edition of these awards garnered exceptional feedback across the board, confirming the appetite for this dedicated recognition platform. We are highly confident that the scope and stature of the event will continue to expand significantly this year, attracting even broader industry participation." She reassured potential entrants about the integrity of the evaluation process: "We eagerly anticipate receiving the influx of compelling submissions, and following the closing date, we will hand the crucial task of assessment over to our esteemed expert judging panel—a collective of seasoned, highly respected professionals deeply embedded in the nuances of the packaging world."
The extension serves as a vital lifeline for those who may have missed the initial deadline due to demanding project schedules or internal approval processes. It allows HR departments, executive teams, and peers to formally recognize the often-invisible labor involved in driving sustainability transitions, navigating complex material restrictions, and leading diverse teams through periods of rapid technological change. The awards aim to capture contributions across all facets: the scientist developing bio-based polymers, the engineer streamlining a production line to save thousands of tonnes of material, the marketing director championing clear on-pack communication, and the frontline manager fostering an inclusive and high-performing team culture.
The significance of this recognition extends beyond the prestige of a single evening. These awards function as a powerful recruitment and retention tool. By publicly celebrating the successes of women in roles ranging from technical design and procurement to senior executive positions, the awards actively dismantle outdated perceptions of who belongs at the helm of the packaging industry. They provide tangible role models for the next generation of engineers, chemists, and business leaders currently studying or entering the workforce, signaling clearly that packaging is a dynamic, forward-thinking, and equitable career destination.
The logistical details for the upcoming celebration remain fixed, promising another landmark evening of networking and acknowledgment. The industry is firmly directed toward the 18th of June, when the Hilton Bankside in London will once again host the sector’s most influential figures. This date is set to be the culmination of months of dedicated submissions, meticulous judging, and industry anticipation.
The call to action remains clear: industry professionals are urged not to let this final opportunity pass. Nominating a colleague, mentor, or team member is an act of investment in the industry’s collective future, ensuring that the dedication, innovation, and leadership demonstrated daily by women across the packaging value chain are formally acknowledged on the most prominent stage available. The extension ensures that the narrative of excellence shaping the packaging sector will be as comprehensive and reflective of its true talent pool as possible.