Categories

Choose from 30 categories to nominate, open to all women and male allies in the UK's packaging supply chain including design, manufacturing, engineering, R&D, supply chain, marketing, customer service, technology, sales and human resources. Entrants may also work in roles supporting the industry such as sustainability and consulting, procurement or project management. 

Need support on your entry? Speak to our Head of Delegate Sales, Derek Wood on +44 (0)20 8075 8206 or email derek.wood@emap.com.

Best Consumer-Centric Packaging Solution

Recognises outstanding packaging designed with the consumer in mind, combining functionality, accessibility, and appeal to enhance the user experience.

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  • Woman-led initiative focused on consumer needs.
  • Evidence of improved usability or engagement.
  • Demonstration of innovation and sustainability.

Creative Packaging Design Innovator

Celebrates women who have shown exceptional creativity and innovation in packaging design, delivering solutions that are visually stunning, functional, and impactful.

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  • Innovative design led by or created by a woman.
  • Demonstration of creativity in design, materials, or structure.
  • Evidence of how the design engages consumers and enhances the brand.
  • May include luxury and premium applications.

Contract Packing Leader Award

This award recognises women excelling in leadership roles within the contract packing sector, delivering exceptional service and innovation to their clients.

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  • Nominee must be a woman demonstrating outstanding leadership in contract packing.
  • Proven track record of delivering innovative or high-quality packaging solutions.
  • Evidence of positive client feedback or partnership success.
  • Contribution to improving processes, efficiency, or sustainability in contract packing.

Digital & Data Transformation Leader

This award celebrates women who are leading the digital transformation of the packaging industry, using technology to innovate, streamline processes, or create smarter solutions.

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  • Nominee must be a woman driving digital transformation in the packaging sector.
  • Examples of implementing innovative technologies or systems.
  • Evidence of measurable outcomes, such as improved efficiency or customer satisfaction.
  • Contribution to advancing the industry’s adoption of digital tools.

Excellence in Packaging Engineering

Recognises women who have achieved technical excellence in packaging engineering, solving complex challenges and advancing the field through innovation and expertise.

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  • Nominee must be a woman demonstrating exceptional skill in packaging engineering.
  • Examples of innovative engineering solutions that improve functionality, durability, or sustainability.
  • Evidence of measurable impact, such as cost savings or enhanced performance.
  • Contribution to advancing engineering practices within the industry.

Innovative Materials Leader

Celebrating women who have driven innovation in materials development or application, enhancing packaging performance, sustainability, or aesthetics.

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  • Nominee must be a woman leading the development or implementation of innovative materials.
  • Examples of how the materials improve packaging sustainability, recyclability, or performance.
  • Evidence of real-world application and industry impact.
  • Demonstration of leadership in driving industry-wide change.

Innovation in Packaging Excellence

This category honours women who have driven groundbreaking innovations in packaging, transforming industry standards or introducing new possibilities.

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  • Nominee must be a woman leading an innovative packaging initiative or project.
  • Evidence of how the innovation has had a measurable impact on the industry or market.
  • Demonstration of creativity, originality, or technical excellence.
  • Contribution to addressing key challenges, such as sustainability or efficiency.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Honours a woman whose exceptional career has significantly shaped the packaging industry, leaving a legacy of innovation, leadership, and inspiration.

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This category is not entered; the winner is selected by the judging panel.


• Minimum of 20 years of experience in the packaging industry.
• Evidence of significant contributions and long-term impact.
• Leadership, mentorship, or advocacy roles held during her career.

Luxury & Premium Packaging Award

Recognises women who have delivered exceptional luxury or premium packaging solutions that elevate the consumer experience and embody elegance and sophistication.

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  • Nominee must be a woman leading the design or development of luxury/premium packaging.
  • Evidence of craftsmanship, material innovation, and design excellence.
  • Examples of how the packaging enhances brand perception or consumer engagement.
  • Consideration of sustainability or ethical production practices.

Male Ally of the Year

Recognises a man who has shown exceptional commitment to championing women in the packaging industry through advocacy, mentorship, and cultural change.

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  • Demonstrated allyship and support for women’s progression.
  • Measurable impact in promoting equality or inclusion.
  • Testimonials from women or colleagues.

Mentor in Packaging

Honours women who have made a significant impact through mentorship, guidance, and empowerment of others in the packaging industry.

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  • Demonstrated mentorship that has influenced others’ career growth.
  • Testimonials from mentees or colleagues.
  • Evidence of commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.

Most Inspiring Returner of the Year

Recognises a woman who has successfully returned to the packaging industry after a career break, showing determination, adaptability, and renewed impact.

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  • Nominee must be a woman who has returned to the packaging industry after a career break of at least 6 months.
  • Evidence of significant achievements or contributions since her return.
  • Demonstration of resilience, adaptability, and determination in overcoming challenges.
  • Examples of how her return has inspired colleagues, teams, or others in the industry.
  • Commitment to professional development and making a positive impact in her role.

Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion

This category honours women who have championed diversity and inclusion within the packaging industry, creating equitable opportunities and fostering cultural change.

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  • Nominee must be a woman that is spearheading initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
  • Evidence of measurable outcomes, such as increased representation or improved workplace culture.
  • Demonstration of leadership in addressing inequality or barriers.
  • Commitment to driving long-term progress in inclusivity.

Packaging Leadership Award

Celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving growth, innovation, and positive change within the packaging industry.

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  • Nominee must be a woman in a senior leadership role within the industry.
  • Evidence of impactful leadership, including team or company achievements.
  • Demonstration of vision, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
  • Recognition from peers, colleagues, or industry stakeholders.

Packaging Marketing & Brand Impact Award

This award recognises outstanding women in packaging marketing who have delivered creative and impactful campaigns that have enhanced brand visibility and business performance.

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  • Nominee must be a woman leading or contributing significantly to marketing within the packaging sector.
  • Examples of innovative campaigns or strategies with measurable success.
  • Evidence of alignment with brand values and target audience needs.
  • Creativity and effectiveness in execution.

Packaging Operations Excellence – Brands, Retailers & Food Producers

Recognises women who have demonstrated excellence in packaging operations, optimising processes, improving efficiency, and delivering exceptional results.

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  • Nominee must be a woman excelling in packaging operations.
  • Examples of process improvements, cost savings, or operational innovations.
  • Evidence of measurable outcomes, such as improved performance or sustainability.
  • Commitment to best practices and continuous improvement.

Packaging Operations Excellence – Manufacturers, Suppliers & Technology Specialists

Recognises women who have demonstrated excellence in packaging operations, optimising processes, improving efficiency, and delivering exceptional results.

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  • Nominee must be a woman excelling in packaging operations.
  • Examples of process improvements, cost savings, or operational innovations.
  • Evidence of measurable outcomes, such as improved performance or sustainability.
  • Commitment to best practices and continuous improvement.

Packaging Services or Team Excellence Award

Recognises outstanding teamwork or service delivery in packaging, celebrating collaboration, innovation, and measurable business success.

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  • Evidence of exceptional teamwork or service outcomes.
  • Demonstration of innovation, client satisfaction, or measurable impact.
  • Leadership and collaboration across departments or clients.

Rising Star – Emerging Leader (5–10 Years’ Experience)

Recognises a woman within her first decade in packaging who is already demonstrating leadership and influence through innovation and performance.

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  • 5–10 years’ experience in the packaging sector.
  • Evidence of measurable achievements, leadership, or innovation.
  • Testimonials demonstrating leadership potential and collaboration.

Rising Star – Early Career (Under 5 Years’ Experience)

Celebrates a woman who is in the early stages of her packaging career and has already made a significant impact through creativity, initiative, and talent.

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  • Less than 5 years’ experience in packaging.
  • Demonstrated innovation, skill, or leadership potential.
  • Testimonials or endorsements highlighting early achievements.

Sales & Business Development Leader – Manufacturers, Converters & Producers

This award recognises women excelling in sales or business development within the packaging sector, driving growth, innovation, and client success.

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  • Nominee must be a woman demonstrating exceptional sales or business development performance.
  • Evidence of client success, growth, or business impact.
  • Examples of innovative strategies or approaches.
  • Leadership in building and nurturing relationships within the industry

Sales & Business Development Leader – Distributors & Service Providers

This award recognises women excelling in sales or business development within the packaging sector, driving growth, innovation, and client success.

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This category is now closed
  • Nominee must be a woman demonstrating exceptional sales or business development performance.
  • Evidence of client success, growth, or business impact.
  • Examples of innovative strategies or approaches.
  • Leadership in building and nurturing relationships within the industry

Supply Chain & Logistics Excellence Award

Honouring women who have excelled in optimising supply chain and logistics processes, contributing to efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

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  • Nominee must be a woman demonstrating excellence in supply chain or logistics.
  • Evidence of impactful process improvements or innovations.
  • Examples of measurable results, such as cost savings or increased efficiency.
  • Commitment to sustainable practices and industry leadership.

Sustainable Packaging Innovator

Recognising women who have developed or implemented innovative sustainable packaging solutions that address key environmental challenges.

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  • Nominee must be a woman leading sustainable packaging innovations.
  • Examples of measurable environmental benefits achieved.
  • Evidence of creativity in materials, design, or processes.
  • Impact on the wider packaging industry and potential for scalability.

Sustainability Champion – Brands, Retailers & FMCG

This award celebrates women who are leading sustainability efforts in the packaging industry, driving innovation and measurable environmental impact.

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  • Nominee must be a woman spearheading sustainability initiatives.
  • Evidence of significant contributions to reducing environmental impact.
  • Demonstration of leadership in promoting sustainable practices.
  • Alignment with global sustainability goals or standards.

Sustainability Champion – Suppliers, Manufacturers & Materials

This award celebrates women who are leading sustainability efforts in the packaging industry, driving innovation and measurable environmental impact.

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This category is now closed
  • Nominee must be a woman spearheading sustainability initiatives.
  • Evidence of significant contributions to reducing environmental impact.
  • Demonstration of leadership in promoting sustainable practices.
  • Alignment with global sustainability goals or standards.

Quality Assurance Excellence Award

Honours women who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in ensuring the highest standards of quality in packaging design and production.

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  • Nominee must be a woman who is leading quality assurance efforts in the packaging sector.
  • Evidence of maintaining or exceeding quality standards.
  • Examples of improvements in QA processes or measurable results.
  • Contribution to setting or advancing industry standards.

Woman of the Year – Retailers & Manufacturers

Recognises an extraordinary woman from a retail or manufacturing background whose exceptional leadership, vision, and innovation have made a lasting impact on the packaging sector.

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  • Demonstrated leadership and strategic influence within a brand or manufacturing organisation.
  • Evidence of innovation, collaboration, or measurable results.
  • Contribution to the advancement of packaging standards, sustainability, or business performance.

Woman of the Year – Service Providers, Associations & Trade Bodies

Honours a woman whose outstanding leadership and advocacy have driven excellence across service providers, associations, or trade organisations in the packaging industry.

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  • Demonstrated leadership within a service or trade body.
  • Evidence of industry influence, advocacy, or thought leadership.
  • Demonstration of collaboration, innovation, or measurable impact.

Woman of the Year – Recycling & Circular Innovation

Recognises a woman pioneering circular economy innovation within the packaging sector. The winner will be driving new approaches in recycling, material recovery, or closed-loop systems that deliver meaningful environmental and commercial benefits.

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  • Evidence of innovation in recycling systems, circular materials, or reuse models.
  • Demonstration of real-world impact—improved recycling rates, reduced waste, or scalable solutions.
  • Leadership in advancing circularity across the packaging value chain.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders (brands, recyclers, policymakers, or consumers).