Frauke Tyrrell has been inducted into the PKN Women in Packaging Hall of Fame, recognising a career that has helped shape packaging manufacturing through innovation, operational leadership and a commitment to strengthening the industry both locally and internationally.
Presented at the 2026 PKN Women in Packaging Awards in Melbourne, the Hall of Fame Award honours individuals whose leadership, vision and contribution have left a lasting impact on the packaging industry.
Over the past decade, Tyrrell has overseen a period of significant transformation at NCI Packaging, championing advanced manufacturing technologies while building on the company's long-standing reputation in metal and plastic packaging.
Among the most significant milestones under her leadership has been the installation of one of the world's most advanced digital metal decoration presses – the first of its kind in Australasia and only the third installation globally. The investment has expanded creative possibilities for brand owners while improving manufacturing efficiency through reduced waste, lower resource consumption and greater production flexibility.
Beyond NCI Packaging, Tyrrell has also played an influential role across the broader industry. As President of the International Packaging Association, she has helped strengthen relationships between Australia, New Zealand and the global packaging community, bringing international knowledge, technologies and best practice to the region.
Presenting the award, PKN recognised Tyrrell's contribution to manufacturing excellence and industry advancement.
"This year's recipient has built a career defined by innovation, operational excellence and a passion for advancing packaging manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand," Lindy Hughson, PKN Publisher, said.
"She has consistently championed new technologies, challenged conventional thinking, and helped strengthen local manufacturing capability through strategic investment and leadership."
Accepting the award, Tyrrell reflected on a journey she said had been shaped by the support of colleagues, family and the wider NCI Packaging team.
"This award is a wonderful surprise and although I personally receive this award tonight, I would like to highlight that it is also earned by the strong and dedicated team at NCI as well as the Board who have supported me during my journey for the past 11 years," she said.
Tyrrell's association with the business dates back to the 1980s through the Tyrrell family, but it was following the passing of her husband, Michael Tyrrell, that she assumed a far greater leadership role. She joined the NCI Board in 2015 before becoming managing director and CEO in 2019, leading a business that today operates eight sites across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
She described the experience as one of continual learning, discovering not only the technical complexities of packaging manufacturing but also the importance of people in delivering successful outcomes.
"Although I am not a highly technical person and I do not know how to make a can or a plastic container, the machines in conjunction with the people and the process of producing a product excites me," she said.
"You can have the most modern machines but if you do not have the right culture and engaged team you are not able to produce a suitable product."
Reflecting on the lessons of leadership, Tyrrell said resilience had been built through both successes and setbacks.
"I have learnt that no matter what comes my way I need to stay true to myself and my values, consult with my team and trusted advisers, and then make considered and responsible decisions," she said.
"It is important to make mistakes and learn from them. It is also important to make bold decisions at times and fail in order to grow."
Looking ahead, Tyrrell said she remained optimistic about the future of packaging manufacturing despite current supply chain pressures.
"Packaging will always be required to transport and contain goods," she said.
"Our innovation and sustainability journey in metal decoration is exciting, and our recent investment into digital metal decoration complements our Metal Decoration Centre of Excellence in Sydney."
The Hall of Fame Award recognises not only Tyrrell's achievements in manufacturing innovation, but also her leadership in fostering collaboration, embracing new technologies and helping position the Australasian packaging industry within the global conversation.
