Nadia Taylor, co-founder and director at TNA Solutions, was honoured at the 2025 Women in Packaging Awards with a place in the Women in Packaging Hall of Fame.
Taylor, who believed she had been invited solely to participate in a fireside chat, was visibly moved when it was revealed she was the Hall of Fame recipient, a surprise made even more meaningful by the presence, unbeknownst to her, of her family in the audience.
She was recognised for more than four decades of leadership in the packaging industry through her role at TNA Solutions, the Australian-founded and now global food processing and packaging equipment company (see full citation below).
In her fireside chat with PKN publisher Lindy Hughson, Taylor reflected on the principles that have guided her career: resilience, commitment, and care. These values, she said, are embedded in TNA’s purpose of “helping people succeed responsibly in a changing world”, which informs both business decisions and the work of the Nadia and Alf Taylor Foundation.
She discussed her early days in the industry, building a business in a highly technical and male-dominated environment while raising a family and engaging in community work. “It was a constant juggle,” she said, acknowledging the support of her parents and her brother (who was present on the day) in helping her balance personal and professional responsibilities.
Taylor also shared how TNA’s journey included setbacks and resistance. She recalled industry scepticism toward their early innovation, a high-speed, rotary vertical form fill seal packaging machine – the tna robag which ultimately proved to be a gamechanger in snack packaging – and the risk she and husband Alf took in mortgaging their home to fund its prototype.
She also spoke about her people-first leadership approach, sharing anecdotes of hiring individuals from unconventional backgrounds, including a Colombian graduate she once met at a bus stop, who went on to build long careers at TNA.
A long-time supporter of initiatives such as Women in Snacks and Women in Packaging, Taylor advised emerging women leaders not to accept rejection. “Persevere. Follow your dream, no matter what they say,” she said.
Taylor is an inherently humble human being. Despite having been recognised with multiple awards over her career, including the Order of Australia in 2019, she remains energised by her team’s culture, the opportunity to connect with customers, and her philanthropic work with the Taylor Foundation.
ALL OF FAME CITATION: NADIA TAYLOR as presented by PKN PUBLISHER LINDY HUGHSON:
"This year’s Hall of Fame inductee is a woman who has been an inspiration to me since I started reporting on the Australian packaging industry all those years ago, whose career successes I have followed closely and whose story I have found to be as inspiring as it is impactful. She is a true pioneer whose leadership and vision have shaped a globally successful business that began as a small start-up in Australia over four decades ago.
Her story is one of remarkable grit and purpose. She came to Australia as a migrant from Egypt in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, working alongside her husband, she co-founded and directed a food processing and packaging company that now spans more than 137 countries, with more than 16000 of systems installed and over 600 employees worldwide. Her steadfast focus on innovation, customer-centricity and responsible growth has underpinned the company’s continued global success.
She has also played a vital role in championing inclusion and equity in the packaging industry, contributing to international forums and supporting initiatives that elevate women and drive positive change.
Beyond industry, her philanthropic foundation has partnered with grassroots organisations in over 30 countries, improving the lives of more than 100,000 individuals – especially children – through access to education and opportunity. Her outstanding contribution to community and industry has been formally recognised with the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Australia, awarded in 2019. But behind the awards, the titles, and the international handshakes with presidents, prime ministers and even a few royals, is a leader deeply committed to helping others succeed, responsibly, and with heart.
She thought she was here as my guest for the Fireside Chat, and she is, but first we have the honour of welcoming Nadia Taylor, co-founder and director of TNA solutions, to the 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Hall of Fame.
What an incredible moment – and what a deserving recipient. Nadia, your story is one of courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to making a difference, not only in business, but in the lives of so many around the world.
And lucky for all of us, we’re going to hear more about your remarkable journey, your insights on leadership, and the legacy you're building for future generations of women in our industry."
