Packaging Innovations & Empack organizer Easyfairs UK has launched the Future Trailblazer Awards 2026 Report, a new publication recognizing the emerging professionals helping shape the future of packaging at a time of unprecedented industry transformation.
The report celebrates this year’s Future Trailblazer Awards winners and finalists through interviews with emerging professionals, while also exploring the forces reshaping the sector, from Circular Economy legislation and material innovation to artificial intelligence, operational excellence, and the growing demand for specialist skills.
The Future Trailblazer Awards recognize professionals within the first 10 years of their packaging careers whose work is already making a measurable impact across design, manufacturing, sustainability, branding, operations and circularity. Rather than celebrating lifetime achievement, the awards spotlight the people helping shape the future of packaging today.
“The packaging industry is evolving faster than ever before,” said Josh Brooks, Divisional Director – Packaging Portfolio at Easyfairs UK. “New regulations, changing consumer expectations and advances in technology are creating both challenges and opportunities, but the success of this transition will depend on the people driving it forward.
“The Future Trailblazer Awards shine a light on the individuals already making a difference across the sector. This year’s winners and finalists represent the creativity, expertise and ambition that will shape the next generation of packaging, and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”
The Class of 2026 brings together professionals from organizations including Nestlé, James Cropper, McCain Foods GB, Greyparrot, Carlton Packaging and Sleeve Office.
Together, their work demonstrates how innovation is being driven by smarter materials, more efficient production, stronger branding, AI-powered decision-making, and increasingly circular packaging systems.
The global packaging market is now valued at more than $1.2 trillion, while the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is accelerating the transition toward a circular economy by requiring all packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030. At the same time, the World Economic Forum identifies skills shortages as one of the greatest barriers to business transformation, placing renewed emphasis on attracting, developing and recognizing the talent that will lead the industry’s future.
To access the report visit: www.packagingbirmingham.com/the-future-trailblazer-awards-report/.
