Do you have what it takes?

IOM3 Packaging Group & Mercury Search & Selection Presents: Future Trailblazer

Could you be the next trailblazer in packaging? Launched in 2024, the Future Trailblazer initiative, in partnership with IOM3 and Mercury Search & Selection, aims to recognise outstanding individuals who are driving innovation and shaping the future of packaging.

Returning for our 2026 edition, we are excited to reward the potential in professionals from all areas of the packaging industry. With 5 awards available, there’s an opportunity for everyone.

Whether your expertise is in quality assurance, artwork coordination, or production engineering, a solid understanding of packaging fundamentals can be your launchpad to a trailblazing role that significantly impacts the industry.

We focus on individuals who are relatively new to the sector (within their first 10 years) and are already showing their trailblazer potential. This ensures we highlight and support those who are starting to drive broader transformations across various industries.

I'm interested in becoming a Trailblazer >

“…. We want to recognise the people who are relatively new to the sector but who are already starting to show their trailblazer potential.”

Jude Allan

IOM3 Packaging Group Chair OPRL Interim Managing Director

2026 Awards Timeline

July

Entries Open

 

January

Finalists Announced

November

Closing Date

February

Winners Announced

 

Meet the 2025 Trailblazers

Introducing the Packaging Future Trailblazers

Josephine Cooper

DS Smith

Hope Fletcher

Unilever

Robert Rigby

Mailway

Aden Newbury

Kingfisher Plc

Keith Barnes

Jade Capp

Kingfisher Plc

Criteria & FAQ page

What are the judges looking for? The judges are looking for outstanding individuals within their organisations who have been showing their potential to shine in recent years! They may have already solved some big challenges or have been making quiet revolutions happen step by step. Could this be you?
FIND OUT MORE

Judges

Our judges will be looking for individuals who stand out as the next future packaging innovators! See the industry-leading brands and packaging professionals we’re partnering with for the Future Trailblazer.
DISCOVER OUR JUDGES

Applications: Who should apply to be a Future Trailblazer?

Could you be the next trailblazer in packaging? Launched in 2024, the Future Trailblazer initiative, in partnership with IOM3 and Mercury Search & Selection, aims to recognize outstanding individuals who are driving innovation and shaping the future of packaging. 

Returning for our 2025 edition, we are excited to reward the potential in professionals from all areas of the packaging industry. With 5 awards available, there’s an opportunity for everyone.

Whether your expertise is in quality assurance, artwork coordination, or production engineering, a solid understanding of packaging fundamentals can be your launchpad to a trailblazing role that significantly impacts the industry.

We focus on individuals who are relatively new to the sector (within their first 10 years) and are already showing their trailblazer potential. This ensures we highlight and support those who are starting to drive broader transformations across various industries.

Enter the details for THE APPLICANT and NOMINATED PERSON here, with any important information in the ‘tell us more’ section. Good luck! 

Contact Casey for more information

Casey McHugh

Casey McHugh

Conference & Community Manager

+44 (0)20 3935 6332