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.
At its core, it’s a celebration. But more than that, it’s a strategy for renewal, relevance and regeneration.
A celebration – and a strategy
“Future Trailblazers is an incredibly important initiative for the UK packaging industry,” says 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.”
Stephenson is one of the programme’s most passionate advocates, and for good reason. She believes the sector is at a tipping point - full of purpose and potential, but often misunderstood by those outside of it.
“We are an industry with an ageing workforce, combined with a poor perception by the general public. Packaging equals waste for many,” she says. “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.
Visibility as a catalyst for change
“There is no clear educational pathway into the industry,” she continues, “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 Bentley, championing new voices isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s 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 says. “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.”
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,” Bentley says. “I’m 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.”
Not just creativity - capability
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.
“Most industry awards are geared up to recognise a product, a service or a whole company,” he says. “The Future Trailblazers Awards are different. They’re the awards for the people of packaging - a unique opportunity for early-career individuals to gain recognition for the amazing work they do right across the supply chain.”
That recognition, he stresses, matters deeply, especially in a sector that struggles with talent visibility.
“The whole sector is grappling with attracting talent,” Macqueen says. “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.”
So what defines a real trailblazer? According to Macqueen, it’s about more than innovation; it’s about intention.
“A trailblazer is someone who looks to learn from and support their colleagues or organisation,” he says. “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’re 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. For Verkaik, 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 says. “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.”
Verkaik believes early-career professionals bring more than enthusiasm. They bring real capability, and companies that embrace that will move faster and smarter.
“Those starting their professional careers in our industry bring fresh energy and new ideas,” she explains. “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.”
Recognising this talent is more than symbolic, she says. It is a way to embed transformation.
“Celebrating their success, through awards like this, will help us all attract and retain the next generation of industry professionals.”
So, what will judges be looking for in 2026?
“Individuals and projects that have made a real impact in the business and pushed boundaries,” says Verkaik. “Whether in design, production, sustainability, marketing, operations or beyond - it’s about those who are driving change and thinking outside of the box.”
As the industry continues to evolve at speed, one thing is clear. The future isn’t coming. It’s already here, and it’s being shaped by those who’ve only just begun.
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. It’s not just about career progression. It’s about giving voice to the people who will define the future of the industry.
Because great packaging might start with form and function, but it only becomes future-facing when it includes the next generation in the story.
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