The inaugural London Packaging Week Innovation Awards have been introduced to celebrate UK market disruptors and their use of innovation to reshape the packaging landscape.

Time is running out for those looking to submit their branded products and packs into the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards 2024, with Friday, 17 May the deadline to have entries put before the judges.

Event organiser Easyfairs introduced the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards to highlight those businesses shaping and reshaping the packaging landscape. Open to both up-and-coming businesses and established brands, these awards are intended to inspire the next big idea and to encourage advancements in sustainability and performance across four industry sectors – Premium & Luxury Drinks; Beauty Cosmetics & Perfume; Food Beverages & Personal Care; and Fashion Accessories & Jewelry. These correlate to the four focus areas that make up London Packaging Week: Packaging Première, PCD, PLD and Food & Consumer Pack.

The latest and greatest branded products and innovations that have been available in the UK public market over the past year, between 25 May 2023 and 24 May 2024, are invited to be submitted. Entries could include, but are not limited to: transformative, technical or process driven innovations; innovations linked to the consumer experience; those that promote an emotional connection and brand expression; perceived quality of the packaging; and sustainable and environmental adherence.

Entries can be made online and are free of charge. Entries are invited from brands, design agencies and suppliers. Commercialised packs submitted for the award will be judged by an expert judging panel, who are: Michael Carroll, Senior Packaging Specialist at Nestlé; Saul Johnstone, Senior Director, Product Management at Bacardi; Cain Hayward-Hughes, Senior Global Creative Manager - Prestige at Beam Suntory; Alfredo Ruiz Pose, Head of Purchasing at Glenmorangie; Chris Allinson, Group Packaging Leader at PZ Cussons; Sue Berry, Senior Manager Technical Packaging, R+D at Molton Brown; Jim Bligh, Corporate & Public Affairs Director & Communications Leader at The Food and Drink Federation; Tanguy Pellen, Partner at Skarbek; Lisa Meade, Head of Structural Packaging at Kingfisher; and renowned packaging expert, Raphael Ferri.

They are accompanied by the awards’ co-chairs, Paul Jenkins, Founder and Managing Director at ThePackHub, and Christelle Anya, Community & Content Director at Easyfairs.

Christelle said: “In the pursuit of excellence from within the packaging value chain, our search for packaging innovations of the year is heading towards its first major landmark – the deadline for entries. With May 17 coming up fast, we implore all those considering submitting their branded products and packaging innovations to do so ASAP, if not today!”

Paul added: “For anyone winning in the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards, this is set to be a brilliant showcase of innovations within the packaging value chain, that advance the consumer experience and affirm a brand’s presence and perception in the market. Just being nominated has huge kudos for the companies involved and will be a highly valuable accolade to shout about. This makes entering the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards essential for all and any who are active in the value chain.”

Submit your entry here for the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards 2024, by Friday, 17 May.