The 2025 Packaging Startup Awards, hosted by Easyfairs and ThePackHub, and sponsored by Ocado Retail, are on the lookout for cutting-edge innovations from packaging startups. 

Leading global event organiser Easyfairs, in collaboration with ThePackHub and awards sponsor Ocado Retail, is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards, a global competition celebrating innovation in the packaging industry, is now open for entries. The Packaging Startup Awards will culminate in a much-anticipated awards ceremony during Packaging Innovations & Empack at Birmingham's NEC on 13 February, 2025, showcasing the very best packaging solutions from startups around the world. The competition will highlight winners across six categories: Alternative Materials, Connected Packaging, Increased Functionality, Online, Refill & Reuse, and Waste Reduction, recognising the most forward-thinking and impactful packaging innovations.

Entries for the awards will be accepted until Wednesday, 4 December. Startups are encouraged to submit applications in the categories that align with their innovative packaging solutions. With free entry, the Packaging Startup Awards 2025 offer an unparalleled opportunity for startups to gain visibility and recognition within the industry. 

Paul Jenkins, a leading expert in packaging consultancy, emphasised the significance of the awards, stating: "This initiative not only showcases the groundbreaking innovations from startups but also celebrates the bold creativity and entrepreneurial drive that are transforming the packaging industry. We are excited to see the forward-thinking solutions that will emerge at the 2025 awards and how they will shape the future of packaging."

A distinguished panel of 20 industry experts will evaluate the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards, drawing on a wealth of knowledge from leading global brands. This diverse group includes packaging innovation leaders such as Andrea Bordini (Barilla), Jason Forrester (Arla Foods), and Paul Jenkins (ThePackHub). Experts in sustainability, like William Guest (Tesco), Laura Fernandez (Ocado), and Zoë Wragg (Imperial Brands), further enhance the panel's expertise. Together, they represent a broad spectrum of packaging roles, from innovation strategy to sustainability compliance, ensuring thorough evaluation of the most promising packaging solutions.

The panel also features specialists like Jennifer Shrout (Molson Coors), Natasha Bamford (Premier Foods), and Claudia Rasori (Ocado), alongside figures like Keenan Thompson (Philip Morris International) and Stuart Mills (Samworth Brothers). With representatives from Marks & Spencer, Twinings, and Church & Dwight, the judges bring a mix of technical insights, R&D expertise, and forward-thinking approaches to the table. Their collective experience will be crucial in identifying future leaders in packaging innovation.

Paul Jenkins remarked: "Our distinguished judging panel, comprising 20 members of ThePackHub's Innovation Zone platform, is fully engaged with the latest industry trends and uniquely qualified to identify the top solutions that will shape the future of packaging." 

Reflecting on the success of the 2023 Packaging Startup Awards, which attracted 94 entries and celebrated remarkable innovation and sustainability across various categories, Jenkins noted the impressive achievements of winners like Konvoy Group, which claimed the Connected Packaging Award for its Konvoy Cloud platform, enhancing transparency and traceability in keg management. Releaf Paper, a Ukrainian company, earned the Alternative Materials award for its innovative approach to creating paper packaging from fallen leaves. Meanwhile, Choose Planet A from Hong Kong was recognised in the Increased Functionality category for The Good Cup, a recyclable, home-compostable paper cup that eliminates traditional plastic lids. Other winners included Bulkify Limited in the Online category, ecoMLR Limited for Waste Reduction with its recyclable insulated packaging, and Dizzie in the Refill & Reuse category.

“Startups participating in the 2025 awards will benefit from increased industry recognition, marketing exposure through ThePackHub's media channels, opportunities to attract potential investors, and valuable feedback from industry experts,” added Jenkins. “Winning or being shortlisted validates a company's innovation and opens doors to further opportunities and collaborations.” 

The 2025 Packaging Startup Awards winners will be announced at Birmingham's NEC during the two days of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025. The winners will be revealed during a headline session, providing a global platform for startups to showcase their innovations to industry leaders and peers.

Set to attract over 7,000 visitors and more than 460 exhibitors, Packaging Innovations & Empack will serves as a hub for industry professionals worldwide, featuring cutting-edge innovation, networking, and discovery in packaging. 

For more information on how to enter or to discuss your application, please contact [email protected]. Join us at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 at Birmingham's NEC in February to celebrate the future of packaging and the visionary startups leading the way.