With entries now open and momentum building, PKN has confirmed the judging panel for the 2026 Women in Packaging Awards – a respected group of industry professionals tasked with selecting this year’s finalists and winners.
Now in its third year, the awards have become a recognised platform for celebrating leadership excellence across the Australasian packaging sector. From manufacturing and packaging technology to sustainability, design, STEM and communications, the program reflects the breadth of expertise shaping the industry today.
Entries are open until 27 March.
Backed by strong industry support, the awards continue to play an important role in recognising achievement while reinforcing the value of diverse leadership within the packaging value chain.
This year’s judging panel brings together experienced professionals from brand owners, materials suppliers, machinery specialists and industry bodies. Significantly, many judges are past winners and finalists of the program – offering first-hand insight into both the standard of excellence required and the impact recognition can have on careers and organisations.
Lindy Hughson, publisher of PKN and curator of the program, said the strength of the panel reflects the credibility the awards have built in a relatively short time.
“Each year, the quality of nominations raises the bar,” Hughson said. “It’s important that the judging process is rigorous, thoughtful and grounded in real industry experience. This panel represents the depth of talent across our sector, and I’m grateful for their willingness to contribute their time and expertise.”
“Recognition from industry peers carries real weight. These awards are about visibility, leadership and acknowledging the women who are driving meaningful progress across packaging.”
The 2026 judging panel includes:
Marissa Altmeier, Associate Engineer – Packaging, Mars, and winner of the 2024 Women in Packaging Sustainability Leader Award.
Amber Bonney, Founder and CEO of Edison Agency, and finalist in the 2024 Women in Packaging Awards.
Nina Cleeve-Edwards, Business Application Manager, Confectionery & Snacks, Nestlé Australia.
Pippa Corry, Founder of philo & Co and winner of the 2024 Design & Branding Visionary Award.
Zaidee Jackson, Sustainability & Compliance manager, Ball & Doggett, and joint winner of the 2025 Communications & Marketing Excellence Award.
Nerida Kelton, Executive Director, Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and winner of the inaugural Hall of Fame Award in 2024. AIP is PKN’s Association Partner for the awards and allied Women in Packaging programs.
Fiona MacLeod, Head of Sales, Marketing and R&D at Pental, and winner of the 2025 Manufacturing Leader Award.
Supriya Suhale, Connectivity Manager, Beckhoff Automation, and winner of the 2025 STEM Leader Award.
Judges will assess nominees across seven categories, evaluating leadership, innovation, measurable impact, sustainability contribution and career achievement.
Finalists will be announced in May, with winners revealed at a cocktail presentation event in Melbourne on 25 June.
As the sector continues to navigate sustainability targets, operational transformation and technological change, the Women in Packaging Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals helping to lead that progress.
For more information on categories and criteria, or to submit an entry, visit the awards website. Entries close 27 March.
