
ThePackHub is excited to announce the finalists for the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards, which celebrate the cutting-edge innovations from startups that are transforming the future of packaging. Sponsored by Ocado Retail, the prestigious competition will culminate in a highly anticipated awards ceremony at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, held at the Birmingham NEC on February 13, 2025. These awards spotlight the most impactful packaging solutions from around the world, with finalists spanning five categories: Alternative Materials, Connected Packaging, Refill & Reuse, Waste Reduction, and Online.
This year’s competition has seen an impressive increase in submissions, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit reshaping the packaging landscape. A distinguished panel of 20 experts from leading global brands has selected the finalists, whose forward-thinking solutions are set to reshape packaging and drive sustainability. Notable finalists include Blue Ocean Closures, which is set to transform packaging with its fully recyclable cellulose fibre closures, and Kelpi, creating biodegradable seaweed-based alternatives to plastic. PulpaTronics is pushing the boundaries of smart packaging with interactive features, while ecoSPIRITS is reinventing the spirits industry with a closed-loop distribution system.
Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The Packaging Startup Awards continue to be a platform that celebrates the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving the packaging industry forward. This year’s finalists showcase remarkable creativity and a bold commitment to sustainability, with each solution offering the potential to shape the future of packaging in meaningful ways.”
Blue Ocean Closures, Kelpi, and EVLR International AB (FibreStrap) have emerged as finalists in the Alternative Materials category. Blue Ocean Closures is leading the charge with cellulose fibre-based closures that are fully recyclable as paper, while Kelpi is innovating with biodegradable seaweed-based packaging materials designed to replace plastics. EVLR International AB (FibreStrap) transforms packaging with sustainable, fibre-based strapping solutions, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic strapping.
The Connected Packaging finalists, PulpaTronics, Fresh Inset S.A., and Konvoy, showcase smart packaging technologies that integrate digital solutions to improve consumer engagement and reduce waste. PulpaTronics is advancing packaging with integrated electronic functionalities in pulp-based materials. Fresh Inset S.A. uses embedded freshness indicators to help consumers track the shelf-life of perishable goods. Konvoy’s innovative keg tracking system ensures efficient beverage distribution and reduces waste associated with single-use packaging.
In the Online category, Green Evo Ltd, Tak Tuk Ltd, and TEquals0 Ltd are at the forefront of digital-first solutions. Green Evo is addressing the environmental and economic challenges of wooden pallet production with its new solution, Tak-Tuk is making lightweight packaging a more accessible option for the e-commerce sector, and [T=Ø] is redefining pre-media by using revolutionary technology to disrupt a stagnant and mature industry.
The Refill & Reuse category finalists, Cauli, ecoSPIRITS, and Meadow, are pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging. Cauli offers a reusable packaging system for takeaway food, significantly reducing single-use packaging waste. ecoSPIRITS is transforming the spirits industry with a closed-loop distribution system that uses reusable glass containers. Meadow is offering refillable personal care and household products, further contributing to the reduction of single-use plastics.
Finally, the Waste Reduction category highlights AeroFlexx, Fresh Inset S.A., and Magnomer, Inc. as finalists. AeroFlexx is creating innovative liquid packaging that reduces plastic use while maintaining product integrity. Fresh Inset S.A. (also in the Connected Packaging category) is helping to reduce food waste with its freshness indicators. Magnomer, Inc. is advancing plastic recycling with its magnetisable inks, enabling more efficient separation and recycling of plastic materials.
The winners will be revealed at a special ceremony during Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 on February 13, 2025, at the Birmingham NEC, in front of industry leaders, experts, and over 7,000 visitors, including representatives from some of the world’s biggest brands.
Laura Fernandez, Senior Packaging Sustainability Manager at Ocado Retail, added, “We are delighted to support ThePackHub’s Packaging Startup Awards and celebrate these visionary startups. Their innovations are redefining packaging and driving the sustainable future we all want to see.”The event promises to be an exciting and insightful experience, bringing together the brightest minds in packaging innovation. For more information on the Packaging Startup Awards 2025 or to attend the awards ceremony at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, register as a visitor today.