London Packaging Week has unveiled its 18-member judging panel for the 2025 Innovation Awards, featuring senior figures from global brands, industry bodies, and sustainability pioneers. With expertise spanning luxury, FMCG, sustainability, and regulatory affairs, the panel will assess entries based on innovation, functionality, sustainability, and impact.
Representing some of the world's leading consumer brands, Michael Carroll from Nestlé, Michelle Atkinson from Diageo, Nikki Grainge from Marks & Spencer, Saul Johnstone from Bacardi, Simon Elmer from William Grant & Sons, Alfredo Ruiz Pose from Glenmorangie, and Lena Danielsson from Pernod Ricard bring their expertise in packaging innovation, premium product design, and sustainable material development. Lena Danielsson, Break Through Innovation Director at Pernod Ricard, along with Michael Carroll from Nestlé and Michelle Atkinson from Diageo, play a crucial role in leading the future of packaging for their respective global brands.
Sue Berry will join them from Molton Brown, Lisa Meade from Kingfisher Plc, and Chris Allinson from Diageo, all with extensive experience creating innovative and commercially viable packaging solutions.
Sustainability and advocacy will play a crucial role in this year's awards, with Victoria Brownlie from the British Beauty Council and Cat Hay from the Food & Drink Federation ensuring regulatory and environmental considerations remain at the forefront. Additionally, Eva Lagarde, founder of re-sources.co, and Raphael Ferri, global packaging development expert, will contribute their insights into sustainable innovation and the future of packaging materials.
Strategic expertise is further strengthened by Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub, and Tanguy Pellen from Skarbek Associates, who bring a deep understanding of market trends, consumer engagement, and supply chain challenges. Cain Hayward-Hughes from Suntory Global Spirits and Christelle Anya from Easyfairs will offer their expertise in creative design and packaging's evolving role in brand storytelling.
"We have assembled an exceptional group of experts from across the packaging industry," said Anya. "Their combined knowledge of sustainability, design, and market trends will ensure we recognise the most forward-thinking innovations shaping the future of packaging."
The 2024 Innovation Awards celebrated the most groundbreaking advancements in packaging, with the winners standing out from a competitive field of over 50 entries. Among the highlights were Bowmore's stunning whisky decanter, which combined exceptional craftsmanship with innovative materials, and Highland Park's creative flint glass decanter, which pushed the boundaries of premium spirits packaging. Sustainability was a major focus, with Altra's revolutionary paper-based box made from a single sheet of paper demonstrating a commitment to minimal waste and Sprite's label-free 'naked' bottle setting a new standard for recyclability by eliminating unnecessary packaging elements. These innovative designs impressed the judges and reflected the industry's drive to challenge conventions and create more sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.
For the 2025 Innovation Awards, two additional categories, Sustainable Packaging and Consumer Pack, have been introduced to further celebrate creativity and sustainability across the packaging sector.
Entries for the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards close on 25 April, with judging taking place on 26 June. The winners will be announced at the London Packaging Week showcase on 15 & 16 October at the Excel Centre in London.