The 2025 Packaging Startup Awards, hosted by Easyfairs and ThePackHub, has opened for entries.
Sponsored by Ocado Retail, the global competition celebrates innovation in the packaging industry and culminates in an awards ceremony during Packaging Innovations & Empack at Birmingham’s NEC on February 13.
The competition will highlight winners across six categories: Alternative Materials, Connected Packaging, Increased Functionality, Online, Refill & Reuse, and Waste Reduction, recognising the most forward-thinking and impactful packaging innovations.
Entries for the awards will be accepted until Wednesday, 4 December. Startups are encouraged to submit applications in the categories that align with their innovative packaging solutions.
Paul Jenkins, an expert in packaging consultancy, emphasised the significance of the awards. He said, “This initiative not only showcases the groundbreaking innovations from startups but also celebrates the bold creativity and entrepreneurial drive that are transforming the packaging industry. We are excited to see the forward-thinking solutions that will emerge at the 2025 awards and how they will shape the future of packaging.”
A panel of 20 industry experts will evaluate the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards. The diverse group includes packaging innovation leaders such as Andrea Bordini, Barilla; Jason Forrester, Arla Foods; and Paul Jenkins, ThePackHub. Experts in sustainability, like William Guest, Tesco; Laura Fernandez, Ocado; and Zoë Wragg, Imperial Brands, further enhance the panel’s expertise. Together, they represent a broad spectrum of packaging roles, from innovation strategy to sustainability compliance.
Paul Jenkins said, “Our distinguished judging panel, comprising 20 members of ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone platform, is fully engaged with the latest industry trends and uniquely qualified to identify the top solutions that will shape the future of packaging.”
Reflecting on the success of the 2023 Packaging Startup Awards, which attracted 94 entries and celebrated innovation and sustainability across various categories, Jenkins noted the achievements of winners like Konvoy Group, which claimed the Connected Packaging Award for its Konvoy Cloud platform, enhancing transparency and traceability in keg management.
Releaf Paper, a Ukrainian company, earned the Alternative Materials award for its innovative approach to creating paper packaging from fallen leaves. Meanwhile, Choose Planet A from Hong Kong was recognised in the Increased Functionality category for The Good Cup, a recyclable, home-compostable paper cup that eliminates traditional plastic lids. Other winners included Bulkify Limited in the Online category, ecoMLR Limited for Waste Reduction with its recyclable insulated packaging, and Dizzie in the Refill & Reuse category.
“Startups participating in the 2025 awards will benefit from increased industry recognition, marketing exposure through ThePackHub’s media channels, opportunities to attract potential investors, and valuable feedback from industry experts,” added Jenkins. “Winning or being shortlisted validates a company’s innovation and opens doors to further opportunities and collaborations.”
