Celebrating leadership excellence in the Australasian packaging industry

Now entering it’s third year, the PKN Women in Packaging Awards continues to build momentum as a flagship program celebrating the leadership, talent, and impact of women across the Australasian packaging industry.

As the region’s leading source of packaging news and insight, PKN is committed to recognising
the remarkable contributions women are making across all parts of the value chain – from design,
technology, manufacturing and sustainability to communications, brand building and emerging
leadership.

While progress is accelerating, women remain underrepresented in many areas of the packaging
sector, particularly in technical, operational, and senior leadership roles. Increasing diversity is essential
to driving the innovation, collaboration, and systems thinking needed to meet the industry’s biggest
challenges – from circularity and resource efficiency to digitisation and advanced manufacturing.

The PKN Women in Packaging Awards plays a critical role in elevating high performers and
creating visible pathways for the next generation of female leaders.

Categories

Rising Star
Celebrating an emerging female talent who is making her mark in the Australasian packaging industry. This award recognises a woman early in her career who has shown outstanding potential, leadership, and dedication to professional growth. The Rising Star demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a commitment to driving positive change, whether through innovation, technical achievement, sustainability, or community engagement, positioning herself as a future leader in packaging.

Sustainability Leader
Honouring a woman who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability in the
Australasian packaging industry. This award recognises initiatives such as reducing packaging waste, promoting recyclability, advocating for eco-friendly materials, or implementing circular packaging practices.

Packaging Technologist of the Year
Recognising a woman who has demonstrated exceptional expertise and contributions as a packaging technologist in the Australian context. This award celebrates achievements in developing, driving and implementing advanced packaging technologies, processes, and solutions that have had a significant impact on the Australasian packaging industry.

Design and Branding Excellence
Acknowledging a woman whose creative prowess has reshaped packaging design and branding in the Australian context. This category recognises excellence in creating visually appealing, impactful packaging that resonates with consumers and boosts brand identity.

Manufacturing Leader
Recognising a woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in an Australasian packaging manufacturing operation. This award honours achievements such as optimising production processes, improving quality control, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a culture of innovation and safety within the manufacturing environment.

Communications & Marketing Excellence
Recognising a woman who has demonstrated exceptional skills and achievements in marketing and communications within the Australasian packaging industry. This award acknowledges outstanding efforts in promoting packaging products, brands, and sustainability initiatives, as well as effective communication strategies that have made a significant impact on the industry.

STEM Explorer
Recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of women who demonstrate excellence in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within the packaging industry. This award honours women who have made significant contributions to innovation, leadership, and advancement in engineering or machinery design for packaging equipment manufacture, or within a packaging manufacturing environment.