Future Trailblazers Wanted: Entries now open for class of 2026

Packaging Innovations & Empack’s Future Trailblazer initiative is returning at the 2026 event, once again providing a platform for the best and brightest young talent in the packaging industry to showcase their skills and innovations. Entries open on 5 August, with applicants able to submit their free entries until the closing date of 4 November.

2026’s Future Trailblazers is set to be the biggest and best yet, with a revamped list of criteria and new categories covering brand storytelling and circularity, inviting entries from a broader audience of young talent. The initiative is designed to shine a spotlight on tomorrow’s innovators today, highlighting those breaking down barriers and offering exciting new perspectives on industry challenges.

Casey McHugh, Conference & Community Manager – UK & Global at event organiser Easyfairs, looked ahead to the event, saying: “The standard is always so high in the Future Trailblazer, but with the addition of new categories and broader entry criteria, 2026’s is set to be our most exciting and expansive to date.

“Packaging Innovations is all about the future of packaging, and the Future Trailblazers are the talented professionals who will shape it. Giving them a platform to highlight their achievements and perspectives is like having a window into the future, letting us see tomorrow’s trends and innovations before they happen. Packaging is such a vibrant industry bursting with fresh talent and new ideas – let’s celebrate that talent and help it thrive.”

The Future Trailblazer entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts from organisations spanning the packaging sector. The finalists will be announced ahead of the Packaging Innovations show, where the winners will be revealed on 11 February, receiving industry recognition and exclusive networking opportunities.

Josephine Cooper, Packaging Technologist at The No7 Beauty Company and part of the Future Trailblazer class of 2025, described her experience of the initiative, saying, “Before last year, I was working in a small team and didn’t have many industry connections. Winning the Trailblazer Award put me out there. I’ve met incredible people, like Jude Allan from OPRL, who now comments on my LinkedIn posts. Having support from key figures in the packaging world is hugely helpful.”

“Winning awards publicly recognises your skills, which is a big confidence boost,” she adds. “It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and to continue innovating.”

Joanna Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing and a member of the expert judging panel, said: “To be able to spotlight early-career talent has a double benefit. It demonstrates to the individual themselves that their contributions are valued and recognised, highlighting their success to the outside world. But even more importantly, it showcases to those considering a career in packaging what joining the industry could look like and enables the creation of role models for others to aspire to.”

“I’m looking for young professionals that is making a difference in their business. Individuals who have stuck their head up above the parapet, delivered something different, challenging, unique, or new that has really been a game-changer for their business. Having been a judge before, I know the incredible work our industry’s young talent is capable of, and I’m excited to learn more about this year’s entrants.”

The Future Trailblazers initiative takes place at Packaging Innovations & Empack as part of a two-day programme of talks and networking events. Nominations are free and open to anyone working within the first ten years of their packaging career.