Future Trailblazers Awards 2027 extends nominations deadline to November 13
Packaging Innovations & Empack has extended the nominations deadline for its Future Trailblazers Awards 2027 to November 13, giving businesses and individuals more time to put forward the people driving innovation, excellence and progress across the packaging industry.
Spanning design, sustainability, production and brand innovation, the awards recognise individuals whose ideas, determination and achievements are already making an impact across packaging. Alongside celebrating individual excellence, the programme provides opportunities to build industry connections and support continued professional development.
Senior packaging professionals from leading brands, including ASDA, Lavazza and Nestlé, will judge seven award categories, recognising achievements across a broad range of industry disciplines. A separate judging panel will oversee the newly introduced Packaging Mentor of the Year award, celebrating those who have played an important role in supporting and developing emerging industry talent.
The categories open for nomination are as follows:
- Design for the Future
- Production Delivery
- Sustainable First Thinking
- Operational Excellence
- Brand Visionaries
- The Packaging MVP
- Circularity Champion
- NEW Packaging Mentor of the Year
Nominations are free, take less than 20 minutes to complete and can be submitted by individuals themselves or by colleagues. Entrants in the seven Future Trailblazers categories must have fewer than 10 years’ experience in the industry. Nominations can be submitted online until November 13.
“There’s no single formula when it comes to choosing a winner,” comments Alison Bramfitt, Head of Packaging at Nestlé and a member of the 2027 judging panel. “This is such a unique industry that you have to judge everyone individually. That’s why I’d say to anyone on the fence, ‘just go for it and see what happens’, because even being in the running can be such a positive boost.”
Finalists will be invited to a VIP awards experience at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027, providing opportunities to connect with senior industry figures and fellow emerging professionals. Winners will also receive a physical award and a year’s complimentary IOM3 membership, offering access to Materials World magazine, specialist databases, event discounts and career development resources.
“There is an extraordinary amount of talent emerging across packaging, and we want to make sure those achievements are recognised,” says Casey McHugh, Senior Conference & Community Manager at Easyfairs. “Whether someone is driving innovation, improving production processes or helping colleagues develop their careers, their contribution deserves to be celebrated. By extending the deadline, we’re giving more businesses and individuals the opportunity to put forward the people making a genuine difference. My message is simple: if someone deserves recognition, nominate them.”
The Future Trailblazers Awards ceremony will take place at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027, held on 24 & 25 February at the NEC Birmingham.
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