Paldeep is Director of Research & Policy for the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN). Paldeep has been with INCPEN since 2021, having over a decade of experience in the resource and waste management sector, including local government and now the private sector. His responsibilities include progressing the UK’s packaging circular economy as well as delivering research projects that progress the science, sustainability and value of packaging. Over the years, Paldeep has held judging roles across a variety of national packaging awards.

With over 30 years’ experience, Paula’s career has been largely in the packaging industry, working in manufacturing, design, with Proctor & Gamble and in food retail with Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer and Prêt. More recently, her 7 years at WWF-UK moved her into the world of policy influencing relating to wider resources and waste issues including a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, supporting a shift to a circular economy and advocating for ambitious domestic policy measures to tackle the impacts of resource consumption. She played a leading role in influencing Government to adopt Greener UK’s priority amendment for the Resource and Waste chapter of the Environment Act. She served as the Chair of the Wildlife and Countryside Link’s Circular Economy Working Group, an adviser on UKRI’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge and was recently appointed as a member of PackUK’s Steering Group. She continues to be a circular economy campaigner and thought leader, with a particular interest in material security and resource resilience.

Debbie has worked in the metal packaging industry for over 40 years, gaining extensive knowledge and experience across the sector. She manages administration, accounts, enquiries, and communications for the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA), playing a key role in supporting the organisation’s day-to-day operations and industry engagement.

Ali has over 25 years’ experience in print and packaging, specialising in packaging graphics and brand strategy. A BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate, she began her career at Safeway, where she contributed to the retailer’s final logo refresh before transitioning into packaging in 2000. Since then, Ali has led major rebrands for national and global retail and private-label brands, delivering complex, large-scale rollout programmes across the supply chain. Appointed a shareholding board director at just 28, she has built a strong reputation for leading end-to-end NPD strategy and change management, consistently driving efficient, innovative, and commercially robust solutions.

Ali is currently Business Unit Director at Jupiter Prestige Group, where she has completed 15 years of service to date. She became a member of the board in 2012 and continues to play a key role in shaping the company’s strategic growth.

Fiona has worked in the Packaging Industry for 25 years across retailers and brands including J&J and Boots. Now leading Asda’s Packaging Team, she delivers best-in-class, sustainable packaging and print solutions. She is passionate about developing and inspiring future talent through schools partnerships and presentations. She also sits on PackUK’s RAM Technical Advisory Committee.

Neil Farmer has over 48 years` experience in the international packaging industry as a packaging manufacturer and industry expert. In 2024 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global packaging industry. Neil is the founder/owner of Neil Farmer Associates, an international market research, market analysis and marketing communications consultancy. Established in 2001 the company provides expertise, knowledge, analysis and information in all packaging technologies on a global basis. Prior to this Neil was a director of several leading FTSE 250 packaging manufacturers. He is a previous Chairman, Board Director and Trustee of the Institute of Packaging. Neil`s areas of speciality include packaging for food and drink and other fast moving consumer goods, sustainable packaging solutions, cosmetics and toiletries packaging, luxury packaging, flexible packaging, rigid plastics, bioplastics, folding cartons, corrugated packaging, food contact packaging, glass containers, closures, labels, metal packaging, packaging machinery, distribution of primary packaging and active and intelligent packaging. Expertise also includes all print processes including litho, flexo, gravure, screen and digital printing.

Clients include leading private and public equity firms, international management consultancies, international research organisations and multinational packaging groups. These include Amcor Group, Silgan Group, Grupo Lantero, Emsur, Coexpan, and other leading multinational companies.

Neil has a B.Sc Economics degree, a Diploma in Marketing and a post graduate Business Studies degree. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Packaging /Packaging Society, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Fellow of the Institute of Paper, Printing and Publishing. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers. Neil is also a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Environmentalist, and an Accredited Packaging Professional. He was a global judge at the 2025 UK Packaging Awards.

Neil is a regular writer of many techno-economic reports and articles on packaging, encompassing over 400 titles in total. He has written extensively on global packaging issues for Innova Packaging Insights, Elsevier, Smithers, and other leading publishers. Key topics include What Lies Ahead for the Packaging Industry, the Importance of Sustainability in the Packaging Sector and the Importance of Consolidation, Rationalization and Integration within the Global Packaging Market.

Neil is a speaker at many international packaging conferences and seminars. He is a regular a key-note speaker at the Environmental Packaging Summit in London. He has spoken at Packaging Innovations, Birmingham and London Packaging Week since both shows started over 15 years ago. He is the author and editor of the book Trends in Packaging of Food, Beverages and other Fast Moving Consumer Goods, published by Elsevier. He is the author of the chapter on Packaging and Marketing in Packaging Technology Fundamentals, Materials and Processes, published by Elsevier. He is also the author of comprehensive reports on Sustainability, Luxury Packaging, Bioplastics, Corrugated Packaging, E-commerce Packaging, Industrial Packaging, Airless (Vacuum) Packaging, Spirits Packaging, non-Alcoholic Drinks Packaging, Beer Packaging, Wine Packaging, Cosmetics and Toiletries Packaging and Food Service Packaging, spanning the last 20 years, all published by leading international companies. He is the author of the report on Disruptive Technologies in Food Contact Packaging, published by Smithers. Neil is a speaker at leading Packaging Trends Webinars from 2022 to 2026.

Neil is an enthusiastic marathon runner. He has competed in 300 marathon and half marathon races around the world, including London (3 times), Amsterdam and Los Angeles, raising large amounts of money for many charities in the process.

-ENDS

Neil Farmer

Neil Farmer Associates,

Stratford- upon- Avon CV37 7QJ

England

Tel: 00-44 (0)1789 415775

Email: neilfarmer.48@btinternet.com

Web: www.neiljfarmer.co.uk

27 February 2026

Laura fell into packaging by default 10 years ago but soon became her passion and completed a MSc in Packaging Technology and Management. Laura recently joined Ocado Retail as Packaging and Sustainability Manager having worked at M&S previously for a number of years. She is a Board Member of INCPEN, RECOUP and EcoPack at Packaging Innovations and has been a judge for UK Packaging Awards since 2016. An avid promoter of circular economy, Laura is driven to ensure we leave the planet better than we found it.

Gill leads the consulting offer, with over 25 years’ experience in the packaging industry, strategically developing packaging strategies, roadmaps and packaging solutions to meet the needs of clients, consumers and the planet. She has worked with many global retailers and household brands on projects spanning sustainability and innovation to supply chain optimization. With a real passion for sustainability, her quest is to educate, influence and drive a circular economy wherever possible while complementing creativity, technical functionality and commercial realities.

I currently find myself work for M&S, one of the UK’s favourite brands, having moved in 2024 following 10 years at Waitrose, amongst other retailers further back in my career such as Safeway & Debenhams. During my 30+ year career I have also worked on the other side of then fence at own label manufacturers and found this really valuable experience within my various Packaging Tech and Innovation/Development Manager roles. I consider myself a “jack of all ‘materials’, master of none” but thankful that I continue to learn and love what I do and hopefully influence and make a difference one piece of packaging at a time.

With a lifelong career in the glass sector, I lead British Glass and support the wider supply chain with expertise in packaging design, environmental impact and recycling. I work closely with stakeholders on environmental and trade policy to secure strong environmental and economic outcomes for UK glass manufacturing.”

Denise has spent over 35 years within the packaging industry, joining Waitrose & Partners to lead the packaging and delivery teams in January 2024.Prior to this, spent 13 months at Faerch as Senior Manager Sustainability where she was instrumental in delivering 'Tray to Tray' from UK waste. Was 8 years in role at Tesco, where she was responsible for all the fresh food categories, and was instrumental in launching circular packaging initiatives collaboratively across the value chain. Won Lifetime Achievement award in 2025 - Women in Packaging Excellence, with 4 Packaging Innovation awards including 2 Sustainable Retailer of the Year.

I have worked for McDonald’s for over 30 years, starting as a crew member and working my way up through the Operations hierarchy before joining the Sustainability Team in 2010. Since that time I have completed a degree in Environmental Studies with the Open University.

I am currently responsible for the Circularity (Packaging and Recycling) strategy, and support the Climate Action strategy, and ESG reporting.

Our Circularity goals are to source all packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources – which we achieved by the end of 2024, and to recycle all restaurant waste by 2027.

Our Climate goals focus on the targets McDonald’s UK and Ireland has set, which is to achieve net zero emissions in our Restaurants and Offices by 2030, and across our value chain by 2040.

At an industry level, I work with a number of different groups on packaging strategy and advocacy, including the Alliance for Fibre-based Packaging, the Producer PRO Steering Group and the National Cup Recycling Scheme.

Lisa, a fellow of IOM3, is a Packaging Engineer with over 30 years' experience across Food, Drink and Beauty Based FMCG. With a strong bias towards integrating technical knowledge with consumer Insights, operational constraints and customer requirements, Lisa has developed numerous global solutions for many of Britain's much-loved brands.

During her 24year tenure with P&G, Lisa worked across multiple beauty platforms including Personal Cleansing and Cosmetics. She was the regional R&D Package Development leader for Skin Care, the Global packaging strategy owner for the Olay Total Effects brand and, the high viscosity dispensing lead, driving strategy, use and collaboration. At Britvic, Lisa was a Senior Innovation Leader, leading new bottle development work on the Robinsons brand as well as being Chair of the Packaging council. For Waitrose, sitting in the Own Brand and Innovation team, Lisa looked after multiple categories including Produce, Horticulture, Bakery and the broad BWS category. Today, Lisa is Head of Packaging for the International DIY company Kingfisher Plc. under retail banners that include B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Koçtaş.

‘Simon Oxley is a Mechanical Engineer by trade and a packaging enthusiast by nature. In his 24 years in the industry his career to date has encompassed roles developing and buying packaging, re-launching big brands, installing production lines and leading teams. Initially part of the graduate scheme at Britvic Soft Drinks he swapped fizzy pop for fruit smoothies when he moved to innocent Drinks in 2008 to take up the role of Head of Packaging.

A move to Marks & Spencer followed in 2012 where he was responsible for Packaging Technology for the Food Division. Following 5 years in retail he moved to the supplier side and headed home to Yorkshire to join Cranswick plc as Packaging Controller. The bright lights of London and the chance to join Pret A Manger soon beckoned him back where in his current role as Global Head of Packaging he is responsible for packaging development, innovation, purchasing, technology and sustainability.’

Dick Searle has spent the 59 years of his working life in the Packaging Industry. For over 30 years, before running The Packaging Federation, he had been CEO of several packaging groups including two quoted companies. His career has covered most of the material sectors of the industry and he has experience of both large and small companies. The Packaging Federation is the over-arching Trade Association for the UK Packaging Manufacturing Industry and its membership includes many packaging companies and all of the industry’s material sector trade associations. He has been Chief Executive of The Packaging Federation since 2006.

Bernard is an experienced industrial chemist specializing in performance coatings for metal packaging, with more than 30 years in the coatings industry. He has spent most of his career with AkzoNobel and its predecessor ICI Packaging Coatings, contributing to major product developments for food and beverage can coatings and supporting key industry initiatives.

Bernard joined the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) in 2024 as Technical and Regulatory Affairs Manager, where he supports the UK metal packaging industry on technical and regulatory matters affecting the sector.

Brian is a dynamic leader in the packaging industry, known for his extensive experience in driving innovation, sustainability, and market commercialization. His career has included significant leadership roles with major global CPG and retail brands.

Currently, Brian leads the Packaging Division at Pivots & Blocks, a global growth and execution consultancy. In this role, he leverages his experience to spearhead the design and development of creative packaging solutions that are not only sustainable and viable but also desirable and feasible. His focus encompasses a keen eye for scouting new technologies and enabling capabilities that inspire positive change and stimulate growth. Brian's deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the packaging industry allows him to drive impactful and innovative solutions.

A skilled business strategist, with strong attention to detail. Has extensive experience in supply chain, continuous improvement, change management and operations. Theodoros is an expert in identifying and defining the packaging activity's impact on the business value chain, profitability and efficiency.

David Tonkin is the Head of Group R&D Packaging Innovation for the Müller Group, with 30 years of industry experience spanning Retail, FMCG – particularly dairy manufacturing, and large scale packaging operations. He leads a team focused on the development of sustainable, future ready packaging solutions, focusing on material innovation, circularity, and environmental impact reduction. Based at the Market Drayton Dairy, David drives group wide European innovation from concept through industrialisation, ensuring new packaging delivers both technical performance and real world economic scalability”

Paul Vanston became Chief Executive of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) in May 2017. That followed 26 years in central and local government.

Paul is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. Ministerially-appointed member of the Pack UK Steering Group, and the Communications & Behaviour Change Advisory Group. Member of the Green Alliance Circular Economy Task Force. Member of the DRS Industry Forum. Founder supporter of the UK Plastics Pact. Member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).

Head of Technical for RAP Products at ProAmpac with over 40 years’ experience in FMCG and retail packaging. Specialist in sustainable design, fibre-based composites, and flexible films. Leads technical strategy for EPR and PPWR compliance, circular economy initiatives, and innovation in recyclable packaging. Co-Chair of OPRL Technical Committee and former board member (9 years), active board member of INCPEN and Founder member of the Alliance for Fibre Based Packaging. Proven track record in delivering commercially viable sustainability solutions and influencing industry standards. Experienced in stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, and material science. Member of ProAmpac Sustainability Council shaping global sustainability roadmap

Clover specialises in sustainable packaging and strategy for the food and beverages industry. She has 20 years of experience as a pack tech and sustainable packaging consultant across brand, retail, manufacture, and the public sector – for Pepsi Lipton, Innocent Drinks, WRAP, Weetabix and Argos Homebase.

Clover now drives Sustainability and External Affairs in the UK for Faerch.

Victoria Whyley is a highly experienced packaging professional with over 25 years in the global packaging industry. Throughout her career, she has applied her technical expertise and creative design skills across leading organisations including Geest Foods (now Bakkavor), Boots the Chemist, Molson Coors Brewing Co, Wilko and Aldi.

Her experience spans multiple sectors, notably Food & Drink and Health & Beauty, where she has led and contributed to artwork and graphic design, structural packaging development, tooling, validation, materials and brand management. Victoria also brings strong capability in quality systems, regulatory compliance and the application of continuous improvement principles to drive operational excellence.

Currently, Victoria is a Packaging Manager at Aldi UK. In this role, she leads sustainability-focused packaging strategies while balancing operational and commercial needs. She is responsible for ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards, and delivering continuous improvement & cost saving initiatives that enhance both environmental performance and business efficiency.

Victoria is a Fellow of the IOM3 and is Vice Chair and an active committee member of the Midlands Packaging Society. She also sits on other advisory panels. Her professional involvement reflects her commitment to advancing the packaging industry, promoting sustainable innovation, learning & development and sharing knowledge within the wider packaging community.

A packaging specialist with nearly two decades of experience in packaging development roles - predominantly within branded food manufacturers. With a strong passion for innovation and technical packaging challenges, Jon has worked across multiple organisations including leading and developing the R&D packaging team as Head of Packaging at Premier Foods for the last few years. Jon is currently the Packaging Technical Manager at Morrisons Plc supporting the wider organisation on packaging sustainability and value-generating initiatives.

Roger’s bringing over 25 years of knowledge and experience gained in the Packaging Manufacturing and Retail sectors, into the UK’s leading Waste Management business. His team have developed a unique perspective in support of retailers and brand owners’ efforts to become more sustainable and circular, by thinking differently about the materials they consume. A creative and collaborative approach helps Biffa and its customers design-out or redesign the packaging they don’t need, and implement the innovative, scalable alternatives they do.