After a successful launch in 2024, the Future Trailblazer initiative, in partnership with IOM3 and Mercury Search & Selection, returns for 2025.

The packaging industry is on the lookout for its next visionary leaders, with entry submissions for the 2025 Future Trailblazers Awards now open.

The programme aims to spotlight and reward the industry's most innovative and forward-thinking professionals who are reshaping the future of packaging. These include individuals who are shaping the future through their work as technologists, designers, and print technicians; engineers and production operatives; sustainability managers and specialists; project managers, artwork coordinators, and production leaders; and those excelling in operational roles such as buyers, supply chain managers, logistics experts, and quality assurance professionals.

Organisers Easyfairs have announced that entry submissions for the 2025 awards are now open, free of charge, and will close on Sunday, November 10th, 2024, at 5 p.m. The winners will be announced as part of the conference programme at the UK's flagship packaging exhibition, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, taking place on 12 & 13 February 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. The awards aim to recognise exceptional talent across a variety of key roles in packaging, focusing on five core categories:

Designing the Future – Technologists, Designers, and Print Technicians
Production Pioneers – Engineers and Production Operatives
Sustainability Visionaries – Sustainability Managers and Specialists
Management Excellence – Project Managers, Artwork Coordinators, and Production Leaders
Operational Champions – Buyers, Supply Chain Managers, Logistics Experts, and Quality Assurance professionals

The powerhouse judging panel for the 2025 Future Trailblazers Awards includes Jude Allan, Interim Managing Director of OPRL; Martin Kersh, Executive Director at the Foodservice Packaging Association; Peter Macqueen, Principal Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University; Ian Roe, Director at Mercury Search and Selection Limited; Jo Stephenson, Managing Director at PHD Marketing; and Emma Verkaik, Chief Executive Officer at BCMPA.

"I'm truly delighted to be part of this exciting initiative, and I can't wait to help spotlight the exceptional talent emerging in the packaging industry," said Emma Verkaik, Chief Executive Officer of the BCMPA. "This is a unique opportunity to recognise and reward young trailblazers who are already making a significant impact and shaping the sector's future. It's all about celebrating the passion, innovation, and fresh perspectives they bring. I'm hopeful we'll see a strong response this year, so start thinking about who you might nominate—now is the time to honour the rising stars driving real change!"

Jo Stephenson, Managing Director of PHD Marketing, said: "I'm truly honoured to be a judge for this year's Future Trailblazer Awards; these awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the individuals shaping the packaging industry's future. No matter the role—whether in design, production, marketing, HR, or any other area—if someone is making an impact, driving success, and championing positive change within your business, they deserve recognition. These people are pushing boundaries, which is their moment to shine."

At the 2024 Packaging Innovations & Empack exhibition, three Future Trailblazers were honoured for their pioneering contributions to the future of packaging. Lucy Boston, Head of Marketing & Communication at Carlton Packaging, Chris Yapp, Director at TRI-LOCKER, and Abigail Sawyer-Parker, Packaging Technologist at ProAmpac, were celebrated for driving consumer-centric innovations. Boston emphasised the importance of listening to consumer needs. Yapp was recognised for creating the plastic-free TRI-LOCKER food tray system, and Sawyer-Parker's work on flexible paper packaging earned her praise. Their achievements highlight a fresh wave of talent shaping the packaging industry's future.

"I'm incredibly excited to see who will join our next group of Future Trailblazers!" said Jude Allan, Interim Managing Director of OPRL. “If you've noticed someone starting to make their mark, please consider nominating them. We're passionate about celebrating those blazing a trail early in their careers in the packaging industry. This is a great opportunity to showcase the brilliance of our field and inspire others to consider packaging as an exciting and rewarding career choice."

Don't miss your chance to be part of the 2025 Future Trailblazers Awards! If you or someone you know is significantly impacting the packaging industry, submit your nomination now. Whether you're pushing the boundaries in design, engineering, sustainability, management, or operations, this is your opportunity to gain recognition as one of the industry's brightest talents.