Press Release | Future Leaders 2026: Paris Packaging Week celebrates the next generation of changemakers
Paris, 16 October 2025 – Paris Packaging Week today announces the “Future Leaders Class of 2026”, a group of ten exceptional young professionals recognised for their innovative projects and pioneering research driving more responsible and forward-thinking solutions in the packaging sector. Selected for their creativity, curiosity and sense of purpose, these emerging talents embody a new generation shaping meaningful change through advances in sustainability, design and product innovation.
Now in its third year, the Future Leaders programme is a highlight of the 25th anniversary edition of Paris Packaging Week, celebrating the ICONIC spirit of Innovation, Creativity, Outstanding, Network, Inclusion and Celebration, where generations meet, ideas connect and new perspectives emerge.
Diverse talents, one goal: driving the packaging value chain forward
Building on the success of previous editions, the Class of 2026 unites ten young talents who bring diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, all united by a shared ambition to drive a more sustainable and creative future for the packaging industry.
The selection was made by an expert jury comprising Emmanuelle Bonardi (Operations Director, AmorePacific), Thierry de Baschmakoff (Founder, De Baschmakoff agency), and Gérald Martines (Founder, In-Signes agency). Together, they identified the emerging changemakers redefining what packaging means in a responsible and connected world.
For these young professionals, Future Leaders is more than a title — it’s a platform to make their mark on the industry. From speaking on stage at Paris Packaging Week 2026 to sharing their stories with international media and connecting with key decision-makers, the programme offers unparalleled visibility and networking opportunities. It’s where ambition meets opportunity — and where ideas evolve into collective progress.
The Class of 2026: Emerging voices from around the world
The Future Leaders Class of 2026 brings together rising talents from France, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the United States, underscoring the truly global reach of Paris Packaging Week as a leading event for the packaging industry.
Future Leaders class of 2026:
- Thomas Bernad, France – Founder, Aerosolution
- Anthony Bouvier, France – Junior Product Manager and PhD Researcher in Marketing, Hyléance
- Charles Bradley, United Kingdom – Doctoral Researcher at Brunel University London
- Hugo Chardonneau, France – Continuous Improvement Project Manager and Technical Lead, Rémy Martin
- Danielle Goad, United Kingdom – EMEA Director, Specright
- Amela Kusuran, France – R&D Project Manager, Watch4Green
- Thi Thanh Truc Phung, France – Research Engineer (UMR PAM, Institut Agro Dijon) and Project Manager, NextFoodPack
- Nicole Toole, United States – CEO & Founder, ECGO
- Helen Yang, United States – CEO & Founder, Clement Packaging
- Gergely Zámbó, Hungary – Managing Director, Respray Solutions Kft.
From AI to plant-based materials: a new wave of circular innovation
The “Future Leaders Class of 2026” showcases a new generation of professionals combining scientific insight, creative thinking, and environmental commitment. Their work reflects the diversity and depth of expertise advancing the transition toward more sustainable packaging solutions — from AI-powered recycling applications and research into reusable systems to the development of plant-based materials that provide a genuine alternative to rigid plastics. Also included are projects highlighting the need of data transparency, creating frameworks that enable brands to better measure and share sustainability performance, and driving industrial innovations that make packaging production more circular and efficient, including compressed-air spray systems to refill stations designed for large-scale manufacturing. Bridging academic research and real-world application, these ten young talents embody a generation that turns regulation into opportunity and creativity into measurable impact.
“This year, when discovering the Class of 2026, I became convinced that the future isn’t something we prepare for… it starts right now. These young leaders are living proof of that,” explains Emmanuelle Bonardi, Chief Operating Officer at AmorePacific, enthusiastically.
The Future Leaders will be honoured during dedicated sessions at Paris Packaging Week 2026, where they will share their vision of the industry’s next frontiers.”
Paris Packaging Week: A community of industry leaders, innovators and changemakers
Paris Packaging Week will take place on 5th and 6th of February, 2026 at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Hall 1. The event will bring together key players in the industry around five major shows:
- ADF for aerosol and dispensing solutions;
- PCD for the cosmetics and fragrance sectors;
- PLD for premium and luxury drinks;
- Packaging Première for luxury products, including fashion, watches, jewellery, and fine foods;
- Pentawards Festival, a gallery of 100 of the best packaging designs from around the globe.
Discover the Future Leaders at www.parispackagingweek.com/en/future-leaders.
To register for the show, please go to parispackagingweek.com.
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