The PKN Women in Packaging Awards returns for 2026, inviting nominations to recognise the women delivering impact, innovation and leadership across the Australasian packaging value chain.
From manufacturing floors and R&D labs to design studios, sustainability teams and executive leadership, the awards shine a light on the women reshaping packaging’s future. As outlined in the 2026 Call for Entries, the program champions excellence, innovation and impact across the entire value chain, while reinforcing the importance of diversity in tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges – from circularity and advanced manufacturing to digitisation and brand transformation.
With strong backing from sponsors and growing industry support, this year’s awards are set to build on the momentum of 2025, which saw record engagement, powerful finalist stories and a sold-out presentation event in Sydney. In 2026, we'll be taking the awards presentation to Melbourne, with a cocktail event taking place at Quarterhouse from 6-9pm on 25 June. (Save the date in your calendar, bookings pen soon.)
A new spotlight on emerging talent
New for 2026 is the Rising Star Award, introduced to recognise an emerging female talent who is already making her mark.
This category celebrates a woman early in her career who has demonstrated outstanding potential, initiative and leadership. Whether through technical achievement, sustainability initiatives, operational improvements or creative thinking, the Rising Star is someone driving measurable impact while actively investing in her own professional growth.
Importantly, the criteria place strong emphasis not only on early achievements, but also on how nominees are creating value, navigating challenges and positioning themselves as future leaders in the Australasian packaging sector. It is designed to elevate the next generation and create visible pathways for progression.
Celebrating excellence across the value chain
Alongside Rising Star, the 2026 program recognises achievement across six other categories:
• Sustainability Leader Award – honouring women advancing circular solutions, reducing environmental impact and implementing practical sustainability initiatives.
• Packaging Technology Leader Award – celebrating technical excellence in developing and implementing advanced packaging technologies and processes.
• Design & Branding Excellence Award – recognising creative leadership that delivers standout visual impact and strengthens brand identity.
• Manufacturing Leader Award – spotlighting operational excellence, efficiency gains, quality improvements and strong leadership within manufacturing environments.
• STEM Explorer Award – acknowledging women applying science, technology, engineering and mathematics to drive innovation and solve complex packaging challenges.
• Communications & Marketing Excellence Award – recognising strategic storytelling, brand building and communication initiatives that elevate packaging and sustainability.
While each category has its own criteria, all entrants are assessed against the core values of leadership and excellence, with judges looking for measurable outcomes, industry impact and evidence of positive change.
Building visible role models
PKN launched the Women in Packaging Awards to address the ongoing underrepresentation of women in technical, operational and senior leadership roles. By celebrating high performers and sharing their stories, the program aims to inspire more women to step forward, build capability and pursue leadership pathways.
Entries can be submitted either by colleagues or via self-nomination, and supporting materials – including case studies, performance data and references – are encouraged to help bring each story to life.
Key dates for 2026 are:
Entries open: 23 February 2026
Entries close: 4pm, Friday 27 March 2026
Awards event: 25 June 2026, Melbourne
Join the celebration
If you know a woman whose work is shaping the future of packaging – or if you are one – now is the time to step forward.
View the full Criteria for Entry here and submit a nomination here, and to find out more about the program, visit pknwomeninpack.com.au.
Let’s continue to elevate the women driving excellence across Australasian packaging – and ensure their leadership is recognised, celebrated and amplified.
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors:
