Performance Awards 

These categories reward business financial performance and strategy, outstanding company projects and individual achievement.

Entrants must be companies registered in the UK, with either a UK or overseas ownership.

You can view the general criteria for all performance awards categories clicking the button below, as well as the category specific criteria by clicking the 'view criteria' button on each award. 

Products will only be considered from 1 May 2025 to 1 May 2026.

2026 Performance Category Criteria

Co-Manufacturer & Packer of the Year

This award recognises contract manufacturers and packing companies delivering outstanding performance across the UK packaging sector.

From operational excellence and customer delivery to innovation and sustainability, this category celebrates businesses that play a critical role in supporting brands and retailers.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Co-Manufacturer & Packer of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining business performance, strategy and key achievements during the year under review.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Overall business performance and growth
  • Clear and effective business strategy
  • Production excellence and operational efficiency
  • Ability to meet client demand and deliver at scale
  • Innovation in services, processes or capabilities
  • Commitment to sustainability and evolving industry needs
  • Quality of customer service and client relationships

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Financial performance for the year under review
  • Client testimonials or evidence of customer satisfaction

Financial information will be used for judging purposes only and treated as strictly confidential. It will not be published and will be securely disposed of after judging.

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year

The CSR Initiative award covers a wide range of projects within businesses, from small-scale to major schemes. For investment, entrants must also highlight what equipment was installed and by which manufacturer.

This category is now closed

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year

Please note: this category is intended to recognise company CSR projects and is not open to new packs .

For new pack innovations with strong sustainability credentials, please see 'Resource Efficient Pack of the Year', part of our Quality Awards Categories.

Please also note that this category is not only open for environmental projects and strategies .

Judges will be looking for:

  • What entrants did - when the project came on-stream, how much it cost and evidence of ROI
  • Clear evidence of strong benefits to the environment / community and how the project changed the business / market in which it operate
  • For investment, entrants must also highlight what equipment was installed and by what manufacturer

Design Team of the Year

Open to both design agencies and in-house design teams based in the UK, this category rewards consistently outstanding creative output combined with a commitment to addressing the sustainability challenges facing the packaging sector.
This category is now closed

Design Team of the Year

Judges will consider the design output from a circular economy standpoint, how the team addressed sustainability in their design strategy in terms of a cradle-to-cradle strategy, clarity of brand communication and, most importantly, how the consumer was engaged in the process of returning the packaging to the recycling and reuse process.

Development Team of the Year

This award recognises in-house packaging development teams at brands and retailers delivering outstanding innovation, quality and consistency.

From structural and graphic design to material selection and sustainability, this category celebrates teams that are shaping packaging strategy and delivering results across multiple product launches.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Development Team of the Year

Entries should include three to five packs launched in the year under review that best represent the team’s work, supported by a case study outlining the team’s approach, achievements and impact.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of consistent innovation and quality across multiple projects
  • Strength of structural and graphic design
  • Intelligent and effective material choices
  • Integration of sustainability into packaging development
  • Ability to deliver against briefs across different products or categories
  • Collaboration across internal teams and stakeholders
  • Contribution to successful product launches and brand performance
  • Entries must also demonstrate:
  • How the selected packs reflect the team’s overall approach and capabilities

Evidence of impact, whether commercial, operational or environmental

E-Commerce & Fulfilment Company of the Year

This award recognises companies delivering outstanding performance across the e-commerce fulfilment sector.

From D2C delivery and warehousing to packaging innovation, returns management and supply chain efficiency, this category celebrates businesses that are enabling brands and retailers to succeed in a fast-moving e-commerce environment.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Entries should include a case study outlining business performance, services, strategy and key achievements during the year under review.

  • Judges will be looking for:
  • Overall business performance and growth
  • Clear and effective business strategy
  • Excellence in fulfilment operations, including warehousing and delivery
  • Ability to support e-commerce and D2C requirements at scale
  • Innovation in packaging, processes or service delivery
  • Quality of customer service and client relationships
  • Efficiency in returns handling and supply chain management
  • Commitment to sustainability and evolving market demands

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Financial performance for the year under review
  • Client testimonials or evidence of customer satisfaction

Financial information will be used for judging purposes only and treated as strictly confidential. It will not be published and will be securely disposed of after judging.

Entrepreneurial Business of the Year

Like the flagship Packaging Company category, this award recognises smaller packaging suppliers that have combined outstanding financial, business and production performance.

To win, you need to submit a summary highlighting the company’s performance and key developments during the year. The winning entry needs to demonstrate that it is showing flair and imagination in its market – and that it’s punching above its weight.
This category is now closed

Entrepreneurial Business of the Year

To qualify, entrants must have had an annual turnover of less than £70m during the year under review and must provide the company’s full report and accounts.

Note: Judges will require financial results for the year under review to assess the company’s performance. Please note that these figures are used for judging purposes only and are treated as being strictly confidential; they are not for publication.

Investment Project of the Year

This award recognises major investment projects that have delivered significant impact for a business or the wider packaging industry.

From large-scale capital investment and site upgrades to automation programmes and technology integration, this category celebrates projects that have transformed operations, capability or market position.
£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Investment Project of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the project, objectives, implementation and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear objectives and strategic rationale for the investment
  • Scale and ambition of the project
  • Impact on business performance, capability or market position
  • Evidence of return on investment (ROI)
  • Successful implementation and delivery
  • Innovation in approach, technology or execution
  • Contribution to efficiency, productivity or sustainability

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • How the project has transformed the business or market in which it operates
  • Details of key technologies, systems or equipment involved (including manufacturers where relevant)

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry

This award recognises individual achievement in the packaging industry and rewards people who have made an impact, not only within their own companies but in the wider industry over their career.

The winner is chosen by the judging panel and the Packaging News editorial team, who will take into consideration achievements across a career or outstanding achievements.

If you have any suggestions for nominations into this category, please email waqas.qureshi@emap.com
This category is now closed

Rising Star Award

Packaging is a hotbed of emerging talent — this award recognises the individuals who are making a real impact early in their careers.

Open to those in the first five years of their professional life, this category celebrates rising stars across the packaging supply chain, from manufacturing and technology to design, sales and beyond.

Businesses are invited to nominate individuals within their own organisation or those they work with who are already standing out and delivering results.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Rising Star Award

Entries should include a nomination outlining the individual’s role, achievements and impact to date.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of outstanding performance at an early career stage
  • Clear impact on their team, business or projects
  • Initiative, innovation or fresh thinking
  • Rapid development and progression
  • Passion and commitment to the packaging industry
  • Potential for future leadership or influence

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Examples of achievements or contributions made by the individual
  • Supporting statements or testimonials where relevant

Packaging Company of the Year

The ultimate accolade in the packaging industry, this award recognises the company that has delivered outstanding performance across financial, operational and strategic areas.

From business growth and production excellence to innovation, sustainability and customer delivery, this category celebrates organisations setting the benchmark for the industry.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Packaging Company of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the company’s performance, strategy and key achievements during the year under review, supported by evidence such as client testimonials or examples of work.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Overall business performance and growth
  • Clear and effective business strategy
  • Production excellence and operational performance
  • Innovation in products, services or processes
  • Commitment to sustainability and industry leadership
  • Quality of customer service and client relationships
  • Contribution to the wider packaging industry

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Financial performance for the year under review
  • Supporting evidence such as client testimonials or examples of work

Financial information will be used for judging purposes only and treated as strictly confidential. It will not be published and will be securely disposed of after judging.

Packaging Leader of the Year

This award recognises individuals driving real change and performance across the UK packaging industry.

From inspiring teams and delivering commercial success to championing innovation and setting strategic direction, this category celebrates leaders who make a lasting impact.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Packaging Leader of the Year

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear evidence of leadership impact and direction
  • Measurable business or commercial results
  • Ability to inspire, develop and lead teams
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Innovation or positive change driven by the individual
  • Contribution to the wider packaging industry

Performance Categories 

These categories reward business financial performance and strategy, outstanding company projects and individual achievement.

Entrants must be companies registered in the UK, with either a UK or overseas ownership. To enter you must complete the online entry form which will involve submitting a summary for the year under review (on or after 1 May 2021 to 1 May 2022). Details of what to include in your summary can be found in the category description for each award.

The ultimate accolade in the packaging industry, this award recognises the company that has delivered outstanding performance across financial, operational and strategic areas.

From business growth and production excellence to innovation, sustainability and customer delivery, this category celebrates organisations setting the benchmark for the industry.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Packaging Company of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the company’s performance, strategy and key achievements during the year under review, supported by evidence such as client testimonials or examples of work.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Overall business performance and growth
  • Clear and effective business strategy
  • Production excellence and operational performance
  • Innovation in products, services or processes
  • Commitment to sustainability and industry leadership
  • Quality of customer service and client relationships
  • Contribution to the wider packaging industry

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Financial performance for the year under review
  • Supporting evidence such as client testimonials or examples of work

Financial information will be used for judging purposes only and treated as strictly confidential. It will not be published and will be securely disposed of after judging.

This award recognises individuals driving real change and performance across the UK packaging industry.

From inspiring teams and delivering commercial success to championing innovation and setting strategic direction, this category celebrates leaders who make a lasting impact.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Packaging Leader of the Year

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear evidence of leadership impact and direction
  • Measurable business or commercial results
  • Ability to inspire, develop and lead teams
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Innovation or positive change driven by the individual
  • Contribution to the wider packaging industry

This award recognises in-house packaging development teams at brands and retailers delivering outstanding innovation, quality and consistency.

From structural and graphic design to material selection and sustainability, this category celebrates teams that are shaping packaging strategy and delivering results across multiple product launches.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Development Team of the Year

Entries should include three to five packs launched in the year under review that best represent the team’s work, supported by a case study outlining the team’s approach, achievements and impact.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of consistent innovation and quality across multiple projects
  • Strength of structural and graphic design
  • Intelligent and effective material choices
  • Integration of sustainability into packaging development
  • Ability to deliver against briefs across different products or categories
  • Collaboration across internal teams and stakeholders
  • Contribution to successful product launches and brand performance
  • Entries must also demonstrate:
  • How the selected packs reflect the team’s overall approach and capabilities

Evidence of impact, whether commercial, operational or environmental

This award recognises major investment projects that have delivered significant impact for a business or the wider packaging industry.

From large-scale capital investment and site upgrades to automation programmes and technology integration, this category celebrates projects that have transformed operations, capability or market position.
£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Investment Project of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the project, objectives, implementation and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear objectives and strategic rationale for the investment
  • Scale and ambition of the project
  • Impact on business performance, capability or market position
  • Evidence of return on investment (ROI)
  • Successful implementation and delivery
  • Innovation in approach, technology or execution
  • Contribution to efficiency, productivity or sustainability

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • How the project has transformed the business or market in which it operates
  • Details of key technologies, systems or equipment involved (including manufacturers where relevant)

Packaging is a hotbed of emerging talent — this award recognises the individuals who are making a real impact early in their careers.

Open to those in the first five years of their professional life, this category celebrates rising stars across the packaging supply chain, from manufacturing and technology to design, sales and beyond.

Businesses are invited to nominate individuals within their own organisation or those they work with who are already standing out and delivering results.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Rising Star Award

Entries should include a nomination outlining the individual’s role, achievements and impact to date.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of outstanding performance at an early career stage
  • Clear impact on their team, business or projects
  • Initiative, innovation or fresh thinking
  • Rapid development and progression
  • Passion and commitment to the packaging industry
  • Potential for future leadership or influence

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Examples of achievements or contributions made by the individual
  • Supporting statements or testimonials where relevant
Sponsored by:

This award recognises contract manufacturers and packing companies delivering outstanding performance across the UK packaging sector.

From operational excellence and customer delivery to innovation and sustainability, this category celebrates businesses that play a critical role in supporting brands and retailers.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Co-Manufacturer & Packer of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining business performance, strategy and key achievements during the year under review.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Overall business performance and growth
  • Clear and effective business strategy
  • Production excellence and operational efficiency
  • Ability to meet client demand and deliver at scale
  • Innovation in services, processes or capabilities
  • Commitment to sustainability and evolving industry needs
  • Quality of customer service and client relationships

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Financial performance for the year under review
  • Client testimonials or evidence of customer satisfaction

Financial information will be used for judging purposes only and treated as strictly confidential. It will not be published and will be securely disposed of after judging.

Sponsored by:

This award recognises companies delivering outstanding performance across the e-commerce fulfilment sector.

From D2C delivery and warehousing to packaging innovation, returns management and supply chain efficiency, this category celebrates businesses that are enabling brands and retailers to succeed in a fast-moving e-commerce environment.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Entries should include a case study outlining business performance, services, strategy and key achievements during the year under review.

  • Judges will be looking for:
  • Overall business performance and growth
  • Clear and effective business strategy
  • Excellence in fulfilment operations, including warehousing and delivery
  • Ability to support e-commerce and D2C requirements at scale
  • Innovation in packaging, processes or service delivery
  • Quality of customer service and client relationships
  • Efficiency in returns handling and supply chain management
  • Commitment to sustainability and evolving market demands

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Financial performance for the year under review
  • Client testimonials or evidence of customer satisfaction

Financial information will be used for judging purposes only and treated as strictly confidential. It will not be published and will be securely disposed of after judging.

This award recognises packaging printers delivering outstanding quality, innovation and performance across the industry.

From technical excellence and consistency to innovation in print processes and sustainability, this category celebrates printers who play a critical role in bringing packaging to life and delivering for brands and retailers.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Packaging Printer of the Year

Entries should include a case study highlighting key projects, capabilities and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Excellence in print quality and consistency
  • Innovation in print techniques, processes or materials
  • Ability to deliver against client briefs
  • Range and complexity of work across sectors or formats
  • Investment in technology, skills or capabilities
  • Customer service and client satisfaction
  • Operational efficiency and reliability
  • Contribution to successful packaging outcomes

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of sustainability initiatives or environmental improvements
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications supporting quality and sustainability credentials

This award recognises customer service teams delivering exceptional support and value across the packaging supply chain.

From managing complex client requirements to delivering under pressure and building strong, long-term relationships, this category celebrates teams that go above and beyond to support brands and retailers.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Customer Service Team of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the team’s approach, key achievements and client impact.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of outstanding customer service and client support
  • Ability to manage complex projects or large-scale requirements
  • Responsiveness, reliability and problem-solving
  • Strong client relationships, retention and account growth
  • Collaboration with internal teams to deliver successful packaging outcomes
  • Measurable impact on customer satisfaction or business performance
  • Examples of going above and beyond for clients

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Client testimonials or feedback supporting service excellence
  • Evidence of processes, systems or initiatives that enhance customer experience

This award recognises outstanding investment in machinery that is delivering measurable impact across packaging operations.

From improving efficiency and output to enabling innovation, quality and sustainability, this category celebrates investments that are transforming performance and capability.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Machinery Investment of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the investment, implementation and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear rationale and objectives for the investment
  • Impact on productivity, efficiency or output
  • Improvements in quality, consistency or capability
  • Innovation enabled by the machinery
  • Return on investment or commercial benefit
  • Contribution to sustainability or resource efficiency
  • Successful implementation and integration into operations

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Measurable results or performance improvements
  • Any relevant accreditations, certifications or partnerships supporting the project

This award recognises projects that are improving the collection, sorting, recycling or recovery of packaging materials.

From new technologies and infrastructure to collaborative schemes and process improvements, this category celebrates projects delivering real progress in packaging recycling.
£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Packaging Recycling Project of the Year

Entries should include a case study outlining the project, approach and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear objectives and delivery against the brief
  • Innovation in recycling processes, systems or technologies
  • Measurable impact on recycling rates or material recovery
  • Scalability and potential for wider adoption
  • Collaboration across the value chain (if applicable)
  • Contribution to circular economy goals
  • Operational effectiveness and implementation

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of environmental impact or improvements achieved
  • Any relevant accreditations, certifications or partnerships supporting the project
  • Any relevant accreditations, certifications or partnerships supporting the project

This award recognises creative partners, including design agencies, delivering outstanding work across the packaging industry.

From structural design and branding to innovation and execution, this category celebrates those who bring ideas to life and create packaging that delivers real impact for brands and retailers.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Creative Partner of the Year

Entries should include a case study highlighting key projects, creative approach and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength of creative thinking and design execution
  • Innovation and originality in packaging design
  • Ability to deliver against client briefs
  • Range and quality of work across projects or clients
  • Contribution to successful packaging outcomes
  • Commercial or brand impact of the work
  • Collaboration with clients and partners

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Client testimonials or feedback supporting performance
  • Any relevant awards, recognitions or sustainability credentials

This award recognises the use of AI, robotics and smart technologies to drive innovation and performance across the packaging value chain.

From automation and intelligent systems to data-driven processes and connected packaging, this category celebrates technologies that are improving efficiency, accuracy, sustainability and customer experience.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +VAT (20%)
Available until
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

AI, Robotics and Smart Technology in Packaging

Entries should include a case study outlining the technology, implementation and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear objectives and application of the technology
  • Innovation in AI, robotics or smart systems
  • Measurable impact on efficiency, accuracy or output
  • Improvements in quality, consistency or performance
  • Contribution to sustainability or resource efficiency
  • Integration into existing operations or workflows
  • Scalability and potential for wider adoption

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of measurable results or performance improvements

Any relevant accreditations, certifications or partnerships supporting the technology

Performance Awards Category Criteria 2026

These categories reward business financial performance and strategy, outstanding company projects and individual achievement.

Entrants must be companies registered in the UK, with either a UK or overseas ownership.

To enter you must complete the online entry form which will involve submitting a summary for the year under review (on or after 1 May 2025 to 1 May 2026).

Details of what to include in your summary can be found in the category description for each award.