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London Packaging Week has announced a series of new judges for the Innovation Awards 2026, part of the exhibition which will return to London in September
London Packaging Week has announced a group of new judges for the Innovation Awards 2026, which is sponsored this year by smart cosmetics packaging manufacturer, Nuon.
The awards are part of the London Packaging Week exhibition which takes place in London in September, aiming to unite leaders across the packaging industry to shape the next generation of packaging technology.
The Innovation Awards aim to shine a spotlight on the most forward-thinking packaging innovations across the UK industry, celebrating technical and creative excellence across luxury packaging, beauty and personal care, beverages, food and consumer goods, and sustainability.
The judging panel for 2026 includes a series of new judges who are experts in their respective fields, joining 14 existing panel members to form a 22-strong group of industry leaders.
The newly-confirmed judges for 2026 include Aaron Butler, global design and iconicity leader at No7, Daniel Goodwin, senior packaging technologist at Superdrug, and Kim Palmer, head of packaging innovation at Trinny London. The trio will use their expertise to judge the Personal Care and Beauty category.
In the Food and Consumer Packaging category, Caroline Elms, director of procurement at Pladis, and David Bellamy, environment policy manager at the Food and Drink Federation will assess design, functionality, and sustainability, while Carla Rae, senior procurement manager at PZ Cussons, will provide further insight into everyday and seasonal consumer goods.
For Premium and Luxury packaging, packaging development specialist Alex Higgs 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.
Established judges include Alfredo Ruiz Pose from Glenmorangie, Cain Hayward-Hughes from Starbucks, Chris Allinson from Diageo, Nikki Grainge from Marks & Spencer, and Paul Jenkins from The PackHub.
Christelle Anya, content and community director for London Packaging Week and Easyfairs, is also a judge at this year’s event. She says: "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."
Entries for the Innovation Awards 2026 are open until April 24th, with winners to be revealed at London Packaging Week on September 16th and 17th at the ExCel centre in London. Both winning and finalist entries will be showcased to the visitors and exhibitors of Packaging Week 2026.
Those who wish to find out more details of the awards or submit entries have been encouraged to visit the Innovation Awards section of the Packaging Week website.
