The Innovation Champion award recognises a woman who has made a significant impact on the ANZ packaging industry through bringing innovative solutions to market. This could include the development of novel packaging materials, designs, or technologies that have improved functionality, sustainability, or consumer experience.
Fonny Chang, Woolworths Food Co
Fonny Chang, packaging specialist at Woolworths Food Co, led the development of a market-first paper-based stand-up bag for the retailer’s Macro dried fruit and nut range. Recognising a gap in sustainable options, Fonny replaced non-recyclable soft plastic with an advanced kerbside-recyclable paper alternative that still meets strict barrier requirements for freshness. She pioneered the flat box-bottom design to maximise volume, improve shelf presence, and reduce plastic by up to 86 per cent, cutting approximately 96 tonnes of plastic waste per year.
Fonny overcame technical challenges including sealing complexity and loss of functionality, such as zippers, by gathering consumer insights and collaborating across the supply chain. Her solution meets both APCO guidelines and production efficiencies, offering a scalable, circular packaging innovation without compromising product quality. Through her forward-thinking approach, Fonny has set a new benchmark for sustainable packaging in Australia.
Mel McFarlane, Trimatt Systems
As marketing coordinator and a key member of the Trimatt Systems leadership team, Mel McFarlane has played a pivotal role in introducing the Trimatt ColourStar AQ V to the Australian packaging market. Launched in October 2022 after two years of development, this innovative digital printing system has transformed short-run, on-demand printing, empowering businesses to reduce packaging waste, eliminate labels, cut costs, and increase production agility.
Mel’s strategic direction was instrumental in making the ColourStar AQ V a reality from branding and content creation to customer education and customised solutions. The machine accommodates large, bulky formats and various substrates using eco-friendly, waterproof inks, offering local businesses sustainable, fast-turnaround printing for everything from handled paper bags to wooden items.
Thanks to Mel’s consultative approach and dedication to onboarding and training, companies like Hero Packaging, Vistaprint, and Simply No Knead have streamlined operations, created new revenue streams, and reduced environmental impact. Mel overcame industry scepticism with empathy, deep product knowledge, and tailored support, establishing the ColourStar AQ V as a transformative solution across Australia’s packaging sector.
Mejlina Tjoa, Orora Group
Mejlina Tjoa played a key role in transforming South Australia's energy efficiency scheme, REPS, to allow large industrial users like Orora to participate in and benefit from energy-saving initiatives. Her leadership directly enabled two milestone projects: the establishment of Australia’s largest oxyfuel glass furnace and the expansion of Orora’s glass beneficiation plant. Together, these projects will reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent, increase access to recycled glass by 50,000 tonnes, and save 1.8 million gigajoules of energy, equating to around $18 million in cost savings over a decade.
Previously excluded from REPS, large industrial users faced high costs without access to benefits. Mejlina identified this gap and led a complex consultation process with government and industry stakeholders, advocating for regulatory reform. She overcame initial rejection by drafting and refining the first large facility REPS plans over 18 months, securing ministerial approval and setting a new precedent for the packaging industry. Her trailblazing work not only enabled Orora's sustainability advancements, but also opened the door for other industrial operators to launch high-impact decarbonisation projects, redefining what's possible under REPS.
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.
