Future Trailblazers: Meet the rising voices changing the packaging industry

Packaging Solutions

At first glance, packaging might seem like the supporting act to the main event – a protective shell, a piece of branding, a fleeting layer that serves its purpose and then disappears. But in truth, packaging is infrastructure. It underpins trade, enables sustainability, communicates intent, and influences consumer behaviour in ways few industries can rival. And like every industry at a turning point, its future will be defined not just by technologies or regulations, but by people.

People who bring new energy. People who ask difficult questions. People who don’t accept the old answers.

Future Trailblazers, now entering its third year in 2026, is an initiative that exists to champion those individuals – the emerging talent within the packaging world who are already making waves, innovating across functions, and bringing new perspectives to the table. Created in partnership with IOM3 and supported by leading names across the sector, the programme has grown into a vital platform for recognising impact, ambition, and promise across the packaging ecosystem.

‘Future Trailblazers is an incredibly important initiative for the UK packaging industry,’ said Joanna Stephenson, managing director of Think B2B Marketing. ‘We desperately need to showcase young talent and recognise those breaking moulds, making headway, driving change and delivering innovation.’

She continued, ‘We are an industry with an ageing workforce, combined with a poor perception by the general public. Packaging equals waste for many. In contrast, the sector is delivering technologies that protect, preserve and present goods so the global economy keeps moving, backed by a huge focus on sustainability and innovation.’

For her, Future Trailblazers is one answer to a larger question: how do we reshape the narrative?

It starts, she says, with visibility. By making the work of early career professionals visible and valued, the initiative helps others imagine their own path into the field.

‘There is no clear educational pathway into the industry,’ she continued, ‘and those who have entered often find themselves in roles they never imagined or knew existed. 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.’

This idea of representation as transformation is echoed by Greg Bentley, packaging director and SMEE COO at Beam Suntory Europe, a new addition to the Trailblazer panel. For Greg, championing new voices isn’t just a nice to have – it is a necessity if the sector is to meet the challenges ahead.

‘The packaging industry is only ever as strong as the people within it,’ he said. ‘To shape a sustainable and forward thinking future, we must attract and empower passionate new talent.’

That future is becoming increasingly complex. Circularity, climate regulation, supply chain disruption and AI are changing the rules in real time. In this context, Bentley believes early career professionals bring exactly the kind of energy and adaptability that’s needed.

‘Spotlighting early career talent is vital for two key reasons: it allows us to celebrate the brightest minds of the next generation, and it showcases the exciting opportunities available in this dynamic and innovative industry. By highlighting emerging professionals, we not only reward excellence but also inspire others,’ Greg said.

He is keen to see entries from across the board – not just those in traditionally creative roles, but also the technical thinkers, the materials experts, the problem solvers in operations, logistics and production.

‘For me, the defining quality of a Future Trailblazer is passion,’ he said. ‘I am looking for individuals who genuinely love what they do – those who think beyond the obvious and bring creativity to the table.’

He adds a note of realism, too. Passion alone isn’t enough. It has to be paired with impact, with a genuine desire to move things forward.

‘While AI may take over certain tasks, true disruptive change in packaging will come from people – those who can bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s needed, and who aren’t afraid to challenge convention,’ he said.

That human centred lens is something Peter Macqueen, associate head – Sheffield Creative Industries at Sheffield Hallam and fellow judge, believes is what sets this award apart.

‘The whole sector is grappling with attracting talent,’ said Peter. ‘Recognising early career professionals not only helps them feel seen, it adds visibility to the wide range of exciting opportunities that exist for people in our diverse and vibrant industry.’

He continued, ‘A trailblazer is someone who looks to learn from and support their colleagues or organisation. But more than that, they have ambition not just for themselves, but for the impact of their work on others. A Trailblazer isn’t just looking to get themselves ahead. They are looking to make the world of packaging a better place through what they do.’

That collaborative spirit is just as vital in manufacturing and co-packing, says Emma Verkaik, CEO of BCMPA – The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment and Logistics. The initiative is an opportunity to highlight the often overlooked parts of the packaging process — and the people driving them forward.

‘The packaging sector thrives on innovation and attracting new talent is key to delivering this,’ she said. ‘Future Trailblazers celebrates the individuals helping to drive that change. BCMPA members are a key part of the packaging process and it’s a fantastic platform to spotlight those shaping the future of our industry, especially in areas like contract packing which is so integral to the product journey and increasingly seen as a vital part of the process.’

‘Those starting their professional careers in our industry bring fresh energy and new ideas,’ she explained. ‘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.’

Future Trailblazers returns for its third edition at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, where this year’s finalists will be celebrated on stage, connected with mentors, and given a platform to help shape the narrative of what packaging can be.