WOMEN IN PACKAGING AWARDS OPEN

The PKN Women in Packaging 2025 programme has opened for entries, the second year of the event, with seven categories for awards available for nomination, including the new STEM Explorer.

Backed by strong industry support, this prestigious initiative celebrates the achievements, leadership, and innovation of women across the Australian and New Zealand packaging industry.

Now in its second year, the Women in Packaging programme continues to shine a spotlight on the talented professionals driving progress in packaging, from design and manufacturing to sustainability and business leadership.

“The value of the PKN Women in Packaging Awards was brought home to me in the programme’s inaugural year, with the overwhelmingly positive response to our call for entries, the commitment applied in the judging process, and the energy at the event itself,” said PKN publisher Lindy Hughson.

Entries are open from 2 March until 11 April. There is no cost to enter.

“I strongly encourage self-nomination and peer nomination. This is about believing in the value of your contribution and that of your colleagues. It’s about team leaders giving recognition where it’s due. And it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of women in packaging,” Hughson said.

Award Categories for 2025
Details on the award categories and entry criteria are available here, and you can enter here.

This year the organiser has added a new category to cater for women working in manufacturing operations and engineering roles, called STEM Explorer. This award celebrates individuals who have applied STEM knowledge to drive innovation, improve packaging technologies, enhance sustainability, or solve industry challenges.

The full list of categories is as follows:

• Innovator of the Year
• Sustainability Leader
• Packaging Technology Leader
• Design and Branding Excellence
• Manufacturing Leader
• STEM Explorer
• Communications & Marketing Excellence

Who can enter?
The programme is open to women working in any sector of the packaging industry, including but not limited to: 
• Packaging design and innovation
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Sustainability and circular economy 
• Business leadership and strategy
• Communications, marketing and brand development

Sponsors and supporters
Once again this year the industry has come forward to show strong support. Sponsors include: Platinum - Amcor; Gold - Currie Group; Silver - Avery Dennison, Impact International, Pilz, Orora, Tetra Pak, TNA; Bronze - Close the Loop Group, Delta Global (also the trophy designer and creator); Fujifilm Australia, Heat and Control, Positiv, and Result Packaging.