Future Trailblazers 2026: 26 finalists set to shine at Packaging Innovations & Empack

Jan 16, 2026 Warehousing Ireland Awards, Materials Handling, Materials Handling, News, Warehousing Comments Off on Future Trailblazers 2026: 26 finalists set to shine at Packaging Innovations & Empack

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The Future Trailblazer initiative, in partnership with IOM3, celebrates the next generation of packaging talent. From a longlist of 78 entrants, 26 finalists across seven categories will go head-to-head at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, with the winners set to be revealed during the event.

 

Packaging Innovations & Empack is proud to announce the finalists of the 2026 Future Trailblazer initiative, in partnership with IOM3, celebrating the brightest young talent shaping the future of the packaging industry. From innovative design and brand vision to operational excellence and sustainability, this year’s finalists represent the next generation of leaders pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible.

 

The Future Trailblazer initiative exists to spotlight and celebrate the next generation of packaging professionals, providing a platform for those within the first ten years of their careers to showcase their creativity, innovation, and impact. The awards recognise individuals who are pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and introducing fresh perspectives across all aspects of the packaging industry—from sustainability and design to operational efficiency and brand storytelling. By highlighting these rising stars, the programme not only rewards exceptional talent but also inspires others to pursue careers in packaging and supports the ongoing growth and innovation of the sector.

 

This year, the initiative attracted a longlist of 78 young professionals, which has now been whittled down to 26 finalists across seven distinct categories. The selection reflects the breadth and diversity of talent across the industry, showcasing those driving innovation, sustainable thinking, operational improvements, creative design, and brand vision.

 

The finalists are:

 

Production Delivery

• Isobel Duignan, Nestlé
• William Majoram, Nestlé
• Behnoz Razzaq, Packaging Mart Ltd

 

Packaging MVP

• Yaseed Chaumoo, GreyParrot AI
• George Fowles of Unilever
• Lucy Langley from Nestlé

 

Operational Excellence

• Alice Kirkham, Nestlé
• Dhruvi Thakkar, Sleeve Office Ltd
• Genevieve Scullion, James Cropper

 

Sustainable First Thinking

• Rob Allen, Opovate,
• Jayne Cunningham, McCain,
• David Oriazowan, Convatec
• Jamie Riley, Robinson Packaging

 

Design for the Future

• Richard Harlow, Elddir
• Lucy Hughes, MarinaTex
• Jess Morgan-Butler, Carlton Packaging
• Angus Milne, Carlton Packaging
• Inna Lucas, Sheffield Hallam University
• Meg Styles, Halfords

 

Brand Visionary

• Claire Summersby, Alexir
• Jordan Scott, James Cropper
• Joshua Webster, Croxsons
• Ceyda Yilmaz, Studio Wino

 

Circularity Champion

• Nicola Bartlett, Samworth Brothers
• Huseyin Demir, PackNiche
• Olivia Tomlinson, Nestlé

 

The Class of 2026 will be revealed at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 on the Circular Economy Stage at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. It has been chosen by leading industry voices, including Jude Allan, Managing Director at OPRL and Chair of IOM3; Greg Bentley, EU Packaging Director at Suntory; Martin Kersh, Co-CEO at The Packaging Federation; Peter Macqueen, Associate Head at Sheffield Hallam University; Jo Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing; and Emma Verkaik, CEO at BCMPA.

 

Gregory Bentley, EU Packaging Director, Suntory, said: “I was impressed by the number of entries and the quality of talent coming through the ranks within the industry. Reading the stories and hearing the true passion from this group of people was inspiring and motivating. There were entries from across the supply chain, from academia to brand owners, and everything between, all contributing towards this incredible, exciting and diverse industry.”

 

Jude Allan, Managing Director at OPRL & Chair of IOM3, added: “I was absolutely delighted to have the challenging job of reviewing this year’s entries, the quality was incredibly high, and the entries were inspiring and create a reassurance that the future will be in great hands.”

 

Emma Verkaik, CEO, BCMPA, said: “The depth of passion and talent that shines out from all the Trailblazers entries, and the star quality of the finalists, makes me think that our industry is in good hands going forward – there were so many excellent submissions that it made our job very difficult.”

 

Jo Stephenson, Managing Director at Think B2B Marketing, said: “It was fascinating to see the breadth and depth of skills the candidates were demonstrating. It makes me excited for the future of the packaging industry with so much talent and innovation coming through.”

 

Many of the Future Trailblazer alumni will also be in attendance, including Josephine Cooper, Packaging Technologist at The No7 Beauty Company; Hope Fletcher, Packaging R&D Degree Apprentice at Unilever; Emily Murphy, Packaging Designer at Mars; and Abigail Sawyer-Parker, Senior Product Development Engineer, Sustainable Paper Packaging at ProAmpac. Together, speakers and alumni will celebrate the achievements of the finalists, discuss innovation, circular economy principles, and sustainability in action, and inspire the next generation of packaging professionals.

 

Casey McHugh, Conference & Community Manager – UK & Global at Easyfairs, said: “The calibre of talent this year is phenomenal. Each finalist demonstrates creativity, innovation, and a drive to make a difference. Future Trailblazers are the professionals shaping the future of packaging, and this list gives us a window into tomorrow’s trends and ideas.”

 

Nominations for the Future Trailblazer initiative are free and open to anyone within the first ten years of their packaging career. To register your interest for 2027, visit www.packagingbirmingham.com/future-trailblazer.

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