The 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Communications & Marketing Excellence Award recognises a woman who has demonstrated exceptional skills and achievements in marketing and communications within the ANZ packaging industry. This award acknowledges outstanding efforts in promoting packaging products, brands, and sustainability initiatives, as well as effective communication strategies that have made a significant impact on industry.
The 2025 finalists are:
Annika Stott, iQRenew
Annika Stott, Group Project Manager at iQRenew, has made a significant impact on the Australian and New Zealand packaging industry through her strategic communications leadership in sustainability initiatives. One of her key contributions was managing communications for industry trials focused on integrating post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into non-food grade packaging. Recognizing the complexity of these trials, Annika tailored her communication to reach diverse stakeholders, ensuring that technical information was conveyed in an accessible and relatable manner. Her approach facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the packaging supply chain, helping to drive the conversation on the feasibility of using recycled content.
Annika’s efforts have shifted the industry’s mindset, reframing recycled content as a practical, iterative process rather than a distant goal. Her work has encouraged informed engagement, particularly from stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise. By keeping messaging transparent and honest, she maintained strong stakeholder involvement even in the absence of immediate commercial outcomes. Annika’s clear communication strategy has played a pivotal role in aligning functions across sustainability, procurement, and marketing teams, fostering long-term collaboration in the Australian packaging industry.
Chloe Rose, APCO
Chloe Rose, Head of Marketing and Communications at APCO, led a significant initiative aimed at improving recycling behaviours within Australia’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. Recognising that these communities often struggle with understanding how to sort waste, Chloe spearheaded a campaign in 2023 to raise awareness of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). The campaign targeted Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese-speaking populations, utilising social media, billboards, and school outreach to promote recycling education. The campaign successfully reached over 17 million people, with significant engagement and an increase in ARL-related website traffic and resource downloads.
The CALD campaign was an overwhelming success, surpassing all targets. It reached over 650 students in Sydney through school activations and generated 1.9 million impressions across social media. This initiative not only raised awareness of the ARL but also made recycling more accessible for non-English speaking communities, contributing to APCO’s sustainability goals. Chloe’s strategic approach allowed APCO to implement a national campaign while gathering valuable insights through regional targeting, setting a benchmark for future behaviour-change campaigns.
Natasha Bridges, Pernod Ricard Winemakers
Natasha Bridges, Global Brand Manager at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, led the successful launch of Enchanté Rosé, a collaboration with 8x F1 Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo. This innovative initiative combined striking packaging with a culturally relevant marketing campaign, featuring a 3D chrome rose on the bottle inspired by Ricciardo’s personal rose tattoo. Natasha spearheaded an integrated communications strategy, including digital, PR, influencer campaigns, and retail activations, driving significant engagement and boosting sales. Through strategic partnerships and an understanding of Ricciardo’s brand, Natasha positioned Enchanté Rosé as a premium yet approachable wine, effectively engaging a younger audience while maintaining credibility in the fine wine market.
The campaign delivered remarkable results, including 7.2 million organic views for the hero video, 230 earned media hits, and 43 million impressions from out-of-home advertising. Natasha's leadership ensured flawless execution despite challenges like managing a high-profile global talent and launching during a crowded cultural moment, the Australian Grand Prix. The initiative not only heightened the brand’s visibility but also set a new benchmark in the packaging and marketing of wine, demonstrating the power of design-driven storytelling.
Savannah Murray, Orora Group
Savannah Murray, Marketing Coordinator at Orora Group, spearheaded a successful recruitment campaign for the company’s Revesby site in Sydney. With a focus on filling 48 specialized roles for the installation of a second canning line, Savannah’s marketing efforts included a combination of billboards, TV, social media, and digital marketing. The campaign, featuring the tagline "Cheers to a career at Orora," highlighted Orora’s market leadership and sustainability credentials. Thanks to Savannah’s strategic direction, all roles were filled within six months, ensuring the timely completion of the new production line and positively influencing Orora’s sustainability goals.
The campaign's success extended beyond filling critical roles, it also attracted more female candidates to the manufacturing sector and bolstered Orora's reputation as a top employer. It helped meet growing customer demand, enabled the use of more recycled content in packaging, and ensured the smooth installation of the new canning line. Savannah’s ability to overcome challenges like a tight timeline and low unemployment helped Orora stay on track and led to significant long-term benefits for both the company and the broader packaging industry.
Sophie Sumner, Sealed Air
Sophie Sumner has led Sealed Air’s Enhanced Sustainability Sales Enablement Program, addressing confusion around sustainability claims and strengthening the company's position in the packaging sector. Under her guidance, the "Beyond the ARL" campaign provided Sealed Air’s sales team with clear, evidence-based messaging to effectively communicate the company’s sustainable packaging solutions. Through detailed training modules, case studies, and sales tools, Sophie ensured that sales teams could confidently navigate the complexities of sustainability claims, fostering greater trust with clients.
Her efforts have significantly impacted Sealed Air's brand reputation and growth, driving increased sales and reinforcing the company's commitment to responsible packaging. The success of the program also contributed to broader industry advancements in sustainability, establishing Sophie as a key leader in promoting transparent packaging practices. Sophie’s commitment extends beyond communication, as she actively participates in industry events, shares insights on sustainable practices, and fosters collaboration between industry stakeholders.
By overcoming challenges like simplifying complex sustainability information and achieving internal alignment, Sophie has effectively enhanced the industry’s understanding of responsible packaging, positioning Sealed Air as a leader in sustainability.
Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett
Zaidee Jackson, National BDM Sustainable Packaging at Ball & Doggett, launched the ecoporium platform on 1 June, 2023, revolutionising communication and education in the packaging industry. ecoporium serves as a hub for collaboration, offering thought leadership content, workshops, and discussions on sustainable packaging practices. Zaidee positioned the platform as a vital resource, empowering stakeholders to navigate complex packaging reforms. By connecting industry professionals and providing expert insights, the initiative helped clear confusion around sustainable practices, driving positive change in the Australian and New Zealand packaging sectors.
The ecoporium initiative significantly bolstered Ball & Doggett's reputation as a leader in sustainable packaging, elevating the company’s profile while engaging a wide audience across the supply chain. The platform's success is reflected in its ability to educate and empower designers, converters, and brand owners with actionable knowledge. Zaidee’s innovative approach has positioned Ball & Doggett as a trusted resource, driving industry-wide collaboration and making a substantial impact on packaging sustainability.
The 2025 winners will be announced at the PKN Women in Packaging Awards Lunch on 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.
