Ready to make your mark? Step forward as a Future Trailblazer

Step forward as a Future Trailblazer in packaging

The future of packaging is being shaped by people willing to ask what could be better, and make it happen. The Future Trailblazer Awards celebrate those people. If you are in the first ten years of your career and already making an impact, this is your opportunity to have your work recognised by the wider industry.

Whether you are advancing sustainability, rethinking design, improving production, developing new materials or helping ideas reach the market, your contribution matters. Entering can raise your profile, but it is also a chance to pause and see how far you have come, share your story and connect with a community of ambitious professionals across the packaging value chain.

Recognition that lasts beyond the awards

Becoming a finalist puts your work in the spotlight at Packaging Innovations & Empack, where it can be seen by influential people from across the sector. For winners, recognition continues throughout the year, helping to build professional credibility, spark new conversations and grow valuable industry connections.

Winners will also receive one year of complimentary IOM3 Affiliate membership. This opens the door to a global professional community, technical resources and journals, Materials World magazine, event discounts and career development support. For packaging professionals, membership is also a gateway to the IOM3 Packaging Group and specialist packaging training. Flexible courses, recognised PIABC qualifications and technical learning can help you keep growing, with topics including packaging fundamentals, materials, sustainability, production processes and emerging industry challenges.

“The Future Trailblazer Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the people bringing fresh thinking and ambition to packaging and helping to shape the future of the industry. We’re delighted to support the awards and welcome the winners into the IOM3 community, where they can build new connections, develop their knowledge and access training and professional development opportunities to support the next stage of their careers.” – Jude Allen, Chair of The IOM3 Packaging Group

Put yourself, or someone else, forward

Entries are free and open to people based anywhere in the world who have worked in packaging for less than ten years. You can enter yourself or nominate a colleague whose talent deserves wider recognition.

Entries close on 6 November 2026. If you are helping to shape what comes next for packaging, take this opportunity to share your work. Enter the Future Trailblazer Awards and take a step towards industry recognition, new connections and opportunities that can support your career long after the winners are announced.