Do you have what it takes?

IOM3 Packaging Group & Mercury Search & Selection Presents: Future Trailblazer

Could you be the next trailblazer in packaging? Launched in 2024, the Future Trailblazer initiative, in partnership with IOM3 and Mercury Search & Selection, aims to recognize outstanding individuals who are driving innovation and shaping the future of packaging.

Returning for our 2025 edition, we are excited to reward the potential in professionals from all areas of the packaging industry. With 5 awards available, there’s an opportunity for everyone.

Whether your expertise is in quality assurance, artwork coordination, or production engineering, a solid understanding of packaging fundamentals can be your launchpad to a trailblazing role that significantly impacts the industry.

We focus on individuals who are relatively new to the sector (within their first 10 years) and are already showing their trailblazer potential. This ensures we highlight and support those who are starting to drive broader transformations across various industries.

11 July

Entries Open

28 January

Finalists Announced

10 November

Closing Date

12 February

Winners Announced

Criteria & FAQ page

What are the judges looking for? The judges are looking for outstanding individuals within their organisations who have been showing their potential to shine in recent years! They may have already solved some big challenges or have been making quiet revolutions happen step by step. Could this be you?

FIND OUT MORE

Judges

Our judges will be looking for individuals who stand out as the next future packaging innovators! See the industry-leading brands and packaging professionals we’re partnering with for the Future Trailblazer.

DISCOVER OUR JUDGES

Our 2024 winners

Introducing the first Packaging Future Trailblazers

Lucy Bosten, Carlton Packaging

"By pushing boundaries and leading transformative projects within my organisation, I gained recognition for my contributions. This recognition reflects not only my efforts but also the collaborative spirit and steadfast support of my colleagues and mentors. Being selected as a 'Future Trailblazer' is both a tremendous honour and a significant responsibility, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in shaping the future of our industry".

Abigail Sawyer-Parker, ProAmpac

"In 2021, I shifted careers from scientific research and publishing to the packaging industry, leveraging a unique skill set. At ProAmpac, I assumed a leadership role in paper-based product development, growing alongside our projects. Being recognised as a Future Trailblazer affirmed that passion and a commitment to learning can drive success in unexpected ways. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue new paths, regardless of their starting point".

Chris Yapp, TRI-LOCKER

"My background is not packaging, but the approach I take to innovation and design with-in packaging is why I was chosen as a future trailblazer. A lot is changing in the packaging sector and true innovation sometimes needs a different prospective, my background in hospitality and catering certainly does that. I look at packaging with food in mind and not with the attitude of it's been done this way forever, so why change. Embrace change and don't be afraid to show it".

“…. We want to recognise the people who are relatively new to the sector but who are already starting to show their trailblazer potential.”

Jude Allan

IOM3 Packaging Group Chair

Applications: Who should apply to be a Future Trailblazer?

Returning for our 2025 edition, we are excited to reward the potential in professionals from all areas of the packaging industry. With 5 awards available, there’s an opportunity for everyone.

Enter the details for THE APPLICANT and NOMINATED PERSON here, with any important information in the ‘tell us more’ section. Good luck!

Contact a member of the marketing team

Naomi Stewart

Marketing Manager

+44 (0)20 3196 4255

Casey McHugh

Conference & Community Manager

+44 (0)20 3935 6332