From deploying automation that dramatically increases production capacity to developing sustainable packaging systems and AI-powered tools that deliver significant cost savings, a new generation of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) professionals are changing how products are made and packaged. PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies is recognizing 10 of these rising innovators as the inaugural winners of its CPG NexGen Awards at PACK EXPO International.
“CPG manufacturers are navigating enormous change; from automation and workforce pressures to sustainability, digitalization, and evolving consumer expectations,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “These 10 professionals aren't simply preparing for that future; they're helping create it through solutions that are delivering measurable results today.”
The CPG NexGen Awards recognize emerging leaders at CPG and end-user companies for leadership, innovation, and technical expertise.
The 2026 CPG NexGen Award winners are:
- Charlotte Ashcraft, senior manager, packaging & graphics development, Just Born Quality Confections — Led a packaging redesign that helped drive a multi-million-dollar investment in new technology.
- Hayden Bivens, packaging engineer, PepsiCo — Is modernizing a weight-verification system across 1,400+ machines and 34 facilities, with an estimated $800,000 in annual productivity savings.
- Matt J. Fitzpatrick, packaging engineering manager, Saint-Gobain — Advanced digital packaging systems supporting sustainability, carbon tracking, and regulatory reporting.
- Allie Helton, director of operations, Wyandot Snacks — Led automation that tripled weekly production capacity to more than 1 million pounds while achieving 98% uptime.
- Raianna O’Toole, global packaging innovation lead, Kenvue — Advances sustainable refill systems and innovative packaging across multiple consumer categories.
- Chad Sienknecht, production manager, Trisco Foods LLC — Increased production output 75% while reducing labor requirements 50% and material costs 44%.
- Hannah Swilling, engineer III, Tyson Foods — Has managed multi-million-dollar capital projects, including a processing project completed in approximately 100 days.
- Scott Turner, senior engineer, packaging, Edwards Lifesciences — Delivered packaging innovations generating approximately $1 million in savings while reducing material use and package size.
- Supradeep Vankayala, lead design engineer, R&D, Becton Dickinson — Developed a PFAS-free, recyclable, and sterilizable packaging solution and helped prevent the rejection of approximately 2 million products.
- Ann-Marie Willis, senior engineer, NPD operations, Mary Kay Global — Created an AI-powered NPD tool that contributed to more than $1.4 million in documented cost avoidance.
As part of their recognition, the winners will receive a fully hosted VIP experience at PACK EXPO International 2026, Oct. 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The experience includes show registration, round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, networking and professional development opportunities, and a private show-floor tour with fellow winners.
“PACK EXPO International is all about bringing together the people, ideas and technologies that are moving our industry forward, so it’s an exciting place to celebrate the inaugural CPG NexGen Award winners,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “These rising professionals are already delivering impressive results within their organizations, and we’re thrilled to recognize their accomplishments while giving them the opportunity to experience the innovation, connections, and possibilities PACK EXPO International has to offer.”
PACK EXPO International 2026 will bring together more than 48,000 attendees and 2,600 exhibitors across 1.3 million net square feet, showcasing packaging and processing machinery, materials, automation, technologies and solutions for more than 40 vertical markets.
To learn more about the CPG NexGen Award winners and register for PACK EXPO International 2026, visit packexpointernational.com and CPG NexGen awards page.