The PKN Women in Packaging Design & Branding Excellence Award acknowledges a woman whose creative prowess has contributed to reshaping packaging design and branding in the ANZ context. This category recognises excellence in creating visually appealing, impactful packaging that resonates with consumers and boosts brand identity.
The finalists, in alphabetical order by first name, are:
Angela Spindler, Depot
Angela Spindler, founder and creative director of Depot, has led two transformative projects, Grumpy Bums and By Beth, that have had a significant impact on consumer engagement, brand identity, and the Australian and New Zealand packaging industry. For Grumpy Bums, a no-added-sugar kids’ snack range, Angela developed a playful yet credible brand identity that resonated with both kids and parents. The packaging features expressive characters and bold visuals, helping Grumpy Bums stand out on crowded shelves, ultimately earning a Bronze award at the 2024 Transform Awards ANZ.
For By Beth, a premium ingestible beauty brand, Angela created a sophisticated yet sustainable design using native botanicals, minimalist aesthetics, and a bespoke, refillable packaging system. By Beth’s commitment to sustainability was embedded in every design decision, leading to multiple prestigious awards, including four golds in 2024. Both brands showcase Angela’s ability to blend creativity with strategy, achieving commercial success and industry recognition while fostering emotional connections with consumers.
Trish Dunstone, Studio Guild
As creative director and founder of Studio Guild, Trish Dunstone led the creation of A’Peel, a groundbreaking spirits brand that transforms waste feedstocks like banana and citrus peels into premium vodka and gin. With a strong focus on sustainability, Trish crafted a brand identity that embodied A’Peel’s ‘waste-to-worth’ ethos, incorporating playful design elements such as peel-like fonts, organic labels, and embossed citrus-like textures.
Her thoughtful approach extended to the use of 100 per cent post-consumer waste (PCW) bottles, sustainably sourced labels, and a unique Corkcoal stopper made from natural ingredients. Despite the brand being in its early stages, A’Peel has already seen significant success, selling 1,000 bottles within three weeks of its soft launch. Customers have responded enthusiastically to the compelling sustainability narrative and stunning design, setting A’Peel apart in the Australian spirits market.
Trish’s innovative, purpose-driven design strategy and her ability to push boundaries have made A’Peel a trailblazer in the spirits industry, offering a refined and environmentally conscious alternative that challenges the status quo.
Lily Ash, Boxer & Co.
As account director at Boxer & Co., Lily Ash led the strategic and creative transformation of Grove Juice, revitalising a legacy brand to strengthen its authenticity and premium positioning. In a competitive chilled juice market, Lily’s leadership ensured the brand's redesign celebrated its farm-to-glass story, using bespoke botanical illustrations, refined logo work, and premium detailing to elevate consumer trust and engagement.
Lily managed the project’s creative direction, budget, and team coordination, balancing innovation with commercial viability. Her insights-driven approach helped Grove Juice achieve a 90 per cent increase in sales post-rebrand, turning the brand into a market leader and proving the power of thoughtful, strategic design.
Beyond packaging, Lily helped create a flexible brand system across digital and marketing, setting the foundation for Grove Juice’s long-term success. Her ability to blend creative vision with practical execution has set a new benchmark for FMCG packaging design, reinforcing the critical role of branding in building lasting consumer connection and brand loyalty.
Shu Yun Lam, Detpak
Shu Yun Lam, product designer at Detpak, played a pivotal role in the development of Pappa Flock's sustainable packaging, designing two custom sugarcane clams, the "Mighty Box" and "Flock Box" for the growing QSR chain in NSW. Shu’s design approach was inspired by Pappa Flock's egg-shaped logo, translating its curves into a unique, functional container design. Through multiple iterations, 3D models, and close collaboration with the client, these boxes were perfected and launched to great success, featured regularly on Pappa Flock's social media.
This project not only met Pappa Flock’s sustainability goals by using compostable bagasse but also elevated the brand’s identity with a distinctive packaging design. The launch saw the brand expand from three to seven stores across NSW. The success of the custom packaging further established Detpak as a leader in custom bagasse design, setting a new standard for creativity and environmental consciousness in the QSR packaging market. Shu’s innovative approach and constant communication with stakeholders ensured a smooth design process and long-term business relationships.
The 2025 winners will be announced at the PKN Women in Packaging Awards Lunch on 27 June, to be held at 12-Micron, Barangaroo. Tickets are on sale here, with limited space at the venue it is advisable to book soon as we anticipate a sold-out event.
