Coles packaging engineer Pooja Ganesh Nayak has been named the 2026 Young Packaging Professional of the Year, recognised for combining technical expertise with practical implementation to advance sustainable packaging across the retailer's fresh produce and convenience categories.
Since joining Coles in 2022 as a packaging technologist before progressing to packaging engineer, Nayak has played a key role in transitioning Own Brand packaging from non-recyclable to recyclable formats in line with the retailer's R3 Packaging Framework and Australia's National Packaging Targets.
Originally moving to Australia in 2018 to complete a master's degree in chemical engineering at Monash University, Nayak has applied her engineering background to packaging development, drawing on expertise in process optimisation, reaction engineering and continuous improvement to support evidence-based decisions on recyclability, material performance, machinability and logistics.
The judges recognised her ability to combine technical capability with supplier engagement and cross-functional leadership, helping growers and internal teams implement new packaging formats across fresh categories. Her work has contributed to removing millions of plastic components, reducing virgin plastic consumption and advancing recyclability at retail scale.
The Young Packaging Professional award recognises emerging leaders who are building long-term careers in the Australasian packaging industry.
