As the packaging industry races toward a more sustainable and innovative future, it’s the bold ideas and fresh talent of the next generation that will truly redefine how products are designed, protected, and experienced. Josephine Cooper is one such rising star whose journey offers both inspiration and insight into what it takes to excel in this dynamic field. Armed with a first-class honours degree in Packaging Professional studies, an apprenticeship distinguished by a top distinction, and a keen eye for problem-solving, Josephine is quietly but confidently making waves in packaging design, development, and sustainability.
Josephine’s journey into packaging innovation has been defined by curiosity, initiative, and an eagerness to learn, qualities that are essential for anyone looking to make a real impact in an industry that balances technical complexity with environmental responsibility. “I found out about the Future Trailblazer Award at the end of last year,” Josephine told Packaging Innovations & Empack. “I’d just won a university design competition, so off the back of that, I decided to apply. In my application, I spoke about a design project I’d done.”
That project was born from a brief presented by Deliveroo to Josephine’s university: design a primary food pack optimised for transit that would prevent spills and maintain food integrity during delivery. Working collaboratively with a fellow student, Josephine tackled this challenge head-on. “We developed a new way to seal the box using the existing corners, just tucking it in so there are no slots, which helps prevent spills,” she explains. The solution was elegant in its simplicity, leveraging the existing structural design to improve performance without adding materials or complexity.
“It was an optional project,” Josephine recalls, “but I really wanted to prove myself and show what I could do. I applied for the Future Trailblazer Award without much confidence, just hoping it might go somewhere.” This humility belies the clear quality and innovation in her design, which was ultimately recognised by the judging panel. “I got a message early this year that I was on the shortlist, which was exciting but still surreal. Winning the award at Packaging Innovations was a real confidence boost.”
The Future Trailblazers initiative, sponsored by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), highlights young professionals who are making tangible contributions to the future of packaging. It celebrates innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, exactly the areas where Josephine’s work and mindset excel. “The award isn’t just a trophy - it’s a public acknowledgement of skills, a confidence boost, and a platform to get noticed,” she says. For Josephine, it has been exactly that.
But Josephine’s journey is about much more than accolades. Supported by DS Smith, the packaging giant that funded her degree, she also won the Confederation of Paper Industries’ Young Talent Award, another significant honour recognising emerging leaders in the paper and packaging sectors. These achievements underscore her commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting sustainability imperatives. “I was really proud to get a first in my degree and a distinction in my apprenticeship,” she says. “But it’s the practical experience, the projects, and being proactive that matter.”
Her career, however, hasn’t been without hurdles. After completing her apprenticeship, Josephine’s role with DS Smith came to an end, a setback she found challenging to navigate. “I didn’t quite understand why,” she admits, “but my achievements reminded me that others saw value in my skillset. It made a difference to have recognition, particularly while everything felt uncertain.”
Rather than letting this setback stall her ambitions, Josephine pivoted to a new and exciting role at The No7 Beauty Company. This move took her from structural CAD design in corrugated packaging to a completely different sector: skincare and cosmetics, where she works with tubes, glass jars, and new materials. “It’s a big change,” she says, “but I’m using my packaging degree and previous knowledge every day. I’ve flipped from the supplier side to the customer side, and that perspective shift has opened up so many new things to learn.”
Alongside material changes, Josephine is navigating new technical challenges, including understanding allergens and legislation that impact artwork and packaging compliance. “It’s helped me grow,” she explains. “Before, I mostly focused on structure and design, but now I’m looking at the whole packaging ecosystem, the artwork, ingredients, regulations, everything. It’s exciting to broaden my knowledge.”
Josephine’s story exemplifies what it means to be a trailblazer, someone who goes beyond the basics, takes initiative, and isn’t afraid to challenge norms. “A Trailblazer is about doing the extra things,” she says. “It’s about showing initiative, wanting to make a difference, and finding your way instead of just following the crowd.”
Networking has also become an invaluable part of Josephine’s journey. “Before last year, I was working in a small team and didn’t have many industry connections. Winning the Trailblazer Award put me out there,” she reflects. “I’ve met incredible people, like Jude Allan from OPRL, who now comments on my LinkedIn posts. Having support from key figures in the packaging world is hugely helpful.” The award has sparked conversations within her workplace and beyond, helping to raise awareness about her skills and contributions. “People asked about the Future Trailblazer Award and what it means. It started conversations and helped me stand out in interviews, too,” she notes.
Confidence remains a crucial theme in Josephine’s story. “Winning awards publicly recognises your skills, which is a big confidence boost,” she says. “It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and to continue innovating.” She is passionate about designing smarter, more sustainable packaging solutions that meet business needs while respecting environmental limits.
The packaging industry itself is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a complex mix of consumer expectations, regulatory pressures, and technological advances. Josephine is acutely aware of this dynamic landscape and embraces it with enthusiasm. “Packaging is so dynamic. Every day brings something new,” she observes. “Whether it’s new materials, evolving sustainability challenges, or legislation changes, it’s a field where continuous learning is essential.”
For anyone inspired by Josephine’s journey, the Future Trailblazers initiative offers a remarkable opportunity to accelerate their career and gain recognition in this exciting industry. Launched in 2024 in partnership with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the awards celebrate young professionals across the entire packaging supply chain, including suppliers, brands, and others, who are making a meaningful impact in sustainability, engineering, artwork, design, or production.
If you’re within your first ten years in the sector and already demonstrating innovation and leadership, the Future Trailblazer Awards could be the perfect platform to showcase your talents. The third edition of the awards opened for entries on August 5, 2025, with a closing date of November 4, 2025.
Being named a Future Trailblazer means more than just an accolade. Winners receive a one-year membership to IOM3, gaining exclusive access to a wealth of resources, professional development opportunities, and mentorship from industry experts. The programme connects you with a powerful network of mentors, fellow trailblazers, and leaders ready to support your journey. Beyond the professional advantages, you’ll celebrate your success with an official award presentation and a reception at the event’s Prosecco Bar, because game-changers deserve to be celebrated. Visibility continues year-round through regular PR, features, and shoutouts, keeping you at the forefront of the packaging conversation. Finalists also enjoy a VIP experience at Packaging Innovations, gaining exclusive access and the chance to shine in front of key industry influencers.
As Josephine’s experience demonstrates, stepping forward into the Future Trailblazer Programme can be a transformative experience. It opens doors, builds connections, and boosts confidence, empowering the next generation of packaging professionals to shape the future.
Are you ready to be part of this vibrant community of bold thinkers rewriting the rules of packaging? If so, the 2026 Future Trailblazer Awards represent an opportunity to join a growing legacy of innovation, impact, and inspiration.