One of the highlights of my role each year is reviewing the entries for the PKN Women in Packaging Awards. It offers a valuable insight into the women helping drive progress across our industry – whether through individual achievement or as part of high-performing teams. This year's finalist field is a strong reflection of that contribution.
While I am not part of the judging panel, I read every entry as moderator of the judging process. What struck me most was not any single project or achievement, but the sheer breadth of expertise on display. The women recognised as finalists this year represent every corner of the packaging value chain. They are engineers, technologists, designers, sustainability specialists, manufacturing leaders, marketers, communicators and innovators. Some are highly experienced industry leaders, while others are only just beginning what promise to be exceptional careers.
The video below showcases the faces and names behind this year's finalist field. I encourage you to take a moment to watch it and see who's included in this celebrated cohort.
Packaging today demands a unique blend of skills. Success requires technical knowledge, commercial understanding, creativity, collaboration and resilience. Looking through this year's entries, I was reminded that many of the challenges facing our industry – from sustainability and circularity to manufacturing efficiency, data management, automation, compliance and consumer engagement – are being tackled by talented women working behind the scenes every day.
Perhaps most encouraging is that these achievements are grounded in action. These are not abstract ideas or future ambitions. They are real projects delivering measurable outcomes – reducing waste, improving operational performance, strengthening packaging systems, advancing recycling, creating better consumer experiences and helping businesses grow.
When we launched the Women in Packaging Awards three years ago, our goal was simple: to shine a light on the outstanding women contributing to our industry and to create visible role models for the next generation. Since then, the program has continued to grow, and each year the calibre of entries raises the bar even further.
Being named a finalist is an achievement in itself. It represents recognition from peers and independent judges, but it also provides an opportunity for these women and their work to be seen by the wider industry.
The winners will be announced at the PKN Women in Packaging Awards cocktail presentation event at Quarterhouse in Melbourne on 25 June from 6pm to 9pm, where we'll also hear from keynote speaker and leadership strategist Emma Logan.
Whether you are a finalist, colleague, customer, supplier, mentor or simply someone who believes in recognising excellence, I warmly invite you to join us for an evening of networking, inspiration and celebration. Space is limited and tickets are selling fast.
Look out for the upcoming June issue of PKN Packaging News, which includes an in-depth feature showcasing all the finalists.
