Entries are open for the 2027 APPMA Awards of Excellence, with the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) inviting submissions across eight categories recognising packaging and processing machinery, automation, innovation, manufacturing and individual achievement.
The national awards program recognises excellence, innovation, leadership and best practice across the Australian packaging and processing industry. According to APPMA, the awards provide an opportunity for the industry to celebrate achievements, encourage innovation and collaboration, and raise the profile of the sector.
The Packaging Machinery Award recognises new packaging automation machinery launched in Australia within the past three years. Eligible submissions include machinery manufactured in Australia or imported, whether standalone equipment or machinery integrated into a production line.
The Processing Machinery Award recognises new processing automation machinery and technologies launched in Australia during the past three years. Entries may include Australian-made or imported machinery, either as standalone equipment or as part of a production line.
The Systems Integration Award, formerly the Customer Systems Integration Award, recognises customer-specific, end-to-end solutions that combine machinery, software or other components into a single automated process. Projects involving collaboration between multiple participants to address a specific customer challenge are also eligible.
The Innovation in Automation Award, formerly the Digital Innovation Award, recognises digital and Industry 4.0 technologies, including software, cloud-based solutions and smart components, that have been developed and implemented over the past three years to improve processing, packaging lines or supply chains.
The Innovation in Packaging Award recognises packaging innovations launched during the past three years that deliver benefits such as improved accessibility, reduced food waste, sustainability, recyclability or enhanced packaging performance.
The Australian Manufacturing Business Award is open to Australian-founded packaging and processing machinery manufacturers. It recognises businesses based on business performance, people development, industry advocacy, sustainability and community contribution over the past three years. Judging includes a panel interview.
The Next Gen Leader of the Year Award, formerly the Emerging Leader Award, is open to APPMA members only. It recognises individuals under 35 who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and contribution to the packaging and processing industry within their area of expertise. Finalists and an employer representative will take part in a panel interview.
The Technical Excellence Award is also open to APPMA members and has no age limit. It recognises individuals who have demonstrated sustained technical leadership, innovation and customer-focused service over an extended period, including leadership and the development of others.
Applications close on 9 September 2026. Judging will take place from 12 to 26 October, finalists will be announced in mid-November, and the winners will be recognised at the gala awards ceremony on 17 March 2027.
