The PKN Women in Packaging Awards return for their second year, and once again, the calibre of entries has exceeded expectations. With a record number of submissions received for the 2025 programme, the depth and diversity of talent across Australia’s packaging value chain has been nothing short of extraordinary.
From sustainable packaging pioneers and manufacturing trailblazers to creative minds in design and communications, and technical experts in STEM, this year's finalists have demonstrated leadership, innovation and impact in their respective fields.
The 2025 winners will be announced at the PKN Women in Packaging Awards Lunch on Friday, 27 June, to be held at 12-Micron, Barangaroo – a fitting setting to honour a group of exceptional professionals who are reshaping the packaging landscape. Tickets are on sale here; with limited space at the venue it is advisable to book soon as we anticipate a sold-out event.
By category, and in alphabetical order by first name, the 2025 PKN Women in Packaging finalists are:
Communications & Marketing Excellence
- Annika Stott, iQRenew
- Chloe Rose, APCO
- Natasha Bridges, Pernod Ricard Winemakers
- Savannah Murray, Orora Group
- Sophie Sumner, Sealed Air
- Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett
Design & Branding Excellence
- Angela Spindler, Depot
- Trish Dunstone, Studio Guild
- Lily Ash, Boxer & Co.
- Shu Yun Lam, Detpak
Innovation Champion
- Fonny Chang, Woolworths Food Co
- Mel McFarlane, Trimatt Systems
- Mejlina Tjoa, Orora Group
Manufacturing Leader
- Fiona Macleod, Visy
- Kirsten Sin, Amcor
- Kristy-Lee Houghton, Visy Specialties
- Maree Roan, Amcor
- Samantha Alexandra, Detmold Group
- Tania Paniora, Orora Group
- Tracy Rofe, Amcor
- Victoria Church, HMPS Propac
Packaging Technology Leader
- Anna Katsalas, Amcor
- Dr Ruby Chan, RMIT
- Norwind Khor, Amcor
- Viviana Vinci, APCO
Sustainability Leader
- Belinda Chellingworth, BC Consulting
- Brooke Percy, Amcor
- Deanne Holdsworth, Pact Group
- Jacky Nordsvan, Nestle
- Jasmine Medwell, Woolworths Group
- Kate Baker, Visy
- Olivia Tyler, IVE Group
- Vinotha Bheem, Bunnings Group
STEM Explorer
- Fiona Facey, Macquarie University
- Melinda Nguyen, The University of Adelaide
- Payal Patel, Pilz Australia
- Rebecca Kersey, APCO
- Supriya Suhale, Beckhoff Automation Australia
As the judging panel noted, selecting the finalists from such a strong field was no easy task. The volume of high-quality nominations underscored the breadth of contribution women are making to the packaging sector – often behind the scenes, but always with measurable influence. PKN’s sincere thanks goes to our judging panel, comprising respected industry professionals and previous PKN Women in Packaging award recipients, who undertook the difficult task with care and diligence. Their commitment to recognising and elevating excellence in our sector is greatly appreciated.
“When we launched the Women in Packaging Awards in 2024, the vision was to shine a light on the outstanding work women are doing across the packaging ecosystem – and to create a platform for recognition, connection and inspiration. That vision has already taken root, with this programme becoming a touchstone for positive industry engagement. It’s been humbling and energising to see the level of enthusiasm it has generated, and the stories of leadership it has surfaced,” says Lindy Hughson, PKN managing editor & publisher.
“For me personally, as both a journalist and long-time industry observer, curating this programme has been one of the most rewarding initiatives of my career. It has affirmed what many of us have known for years – that women are instrumental to the progress and innovation that defines this industry. These awards give us the opportunity to not only acknowledge their contribution, but also to celebrate their influence.”
To all the finalists: congratulations. Your stories are inspiring, your achievements commendable, and your leadership a powerful catalyst for change.
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