Industry leaders join Innovation Awards 2026 judging panel at London Packaging Week

London Packaging Week welcomes a new group of industry-leading judges for the 2026 Innovation Awards, setting the stage for the year’s most creative and sustainable packaging entries.

London Packaging Week has announced a distinguished group of new judges for the Innovation Awards 2026, sponsored by Nuon, bringing expertise from some of the world’s leading brands in beauty, consumer goods, drinks, and luxury packaging. Their appointment underlines the awards’ commitment to recognising excellence, creativity, and sustainability across the industry.

The newly confirmed judges for 2026 include:

Aaron Butler, Global Design & Iconicity Leader at No7 Beauty Company; and Daniel Goodwin, Senior Packaging Technologist at Superdrug. Both bring extensive knowledge of Personal Care & Beautyinnovations. Kim Palmer, Head of Packaging Innovation at Trinny London, will also evaluate entries in this sector, with a particular focus on premium and reusable formats.

In the Food and Consumer Packaging categories, Caroline Elms, Director of Procurement at Pladis, and David Bellamy, Environment Policy Manager at the Food & Drink Federation will assess design, functionality, and sustainability, while Carla Rae, Senior Procurement Manager at PZ Cussons, will provide further insight into every day and seasonal consumer goods.

For Premium and Luxury packaging, Alex Higgs, Packaging Development Specialist, will lend expertise in high-end materials and immersive consumer experiences, alongside Isobel Carlill, Sustainability Manager at Moët Hennessy. Sophia Waywell, Innovation Manager at Pernod Ricard, completes the panel, offering insight into innovative premium and luxury drinks packaging.

We’re thrilled to welcome such an exceptional group of judges to the Innovation Awards 2026. Each brings deep sector expertise and a wealth of knowledge in design, functionality, and sustainability, helping us recognise the most innovative and inspiring packaging solutions across the industry. Their participation reinforces the prestige of these awards and the high standard of entries we aim to showcase this year.

Christelle Anya, Content & Community Director at London Packaging Week.

These new judges join 14 existing panel members, forming a 22-strong group of industry leaders and experts. The established judges include Alfredo Ruiz Pose from Glenmorangie, Cain Hayward-Hughes from Starbucks, Chris Allinson from Diageo, Christelle Anya from Easyfairs, Eva Lagarde from Re-sources, Lisa Meade from Kingfisher, Michael Carroll from Muller, Michelle Atkinson from Carlsberg Britvic, Nikki Grainge from Marks & Spencer, Paul Jenkins from The PackHub, Simon Elmer from William Grant & Sons, Victoria Brownlie from the British Beauty Council, and Global Packaging Development Director, Raphael Ferri. Together, this diverse panel brings unrivalled expertise across luxury, beauty, drinks, and consumer goods packaging, ensuring every entry is judged with rigour, insight, and sector-specific knowledge.

Last year’s London Packaging Week Innovation Awards attracted a host of leading brands and showcased some of the most creative and forward-thinking packaging across the industry. Standout winners included Heights’ Vitals+ in the Consumer Pack category, Hotel Chocolat’s Extra-Thick Easter Egg in Food Packaging, and Curtis Packaging and Trinny London’s Christmas 2024 Gift Bag in Beauty Accessories. SLG Brands’ Rhyme & Reason Haircare and Daisyface’s Skincare range were also recognised for their innovation and sustainability.

Drinks brands were celebrated with Hendrick’s Gin’s Whimsical Watering Can, Hennessy X.O ‘Spirit of Travel’ Collection, and Ardbeg Prestige’s The Abyss. Luxury packaging innovation was recognised with Macallan’s A Study in Oak by Ephemerus Concepts and Bill Amberg Studio, while sustainability took centre stage with PA Consulting and Diageo’s Dry Moulded Fibre Bottle. Additional commendations went to major brands including Lush, Charlotte Tilbury, Innocent Drinks, Starbucks, Hermes, and Flora Food Group, illustrating the awards’ broad appeal across everyday, premium, and luxury products.

Entries for the Innovation Awards 2026 are open until Friday 24 April 2026, with winners to be revealed at London Packaging Week on 16 & 17 September 2026 at the Excel, London. Winners and finalists will be showcased to a crowd of industry leaders and influencers, offering an unrivalled platform to highlight innovation and inspire the wider sector.

For full details and to submit entries, visit www.londonpackagingweek.com/innovation-awards.