Paris Packaging Week, one of the industry's most influential events, has announced the Future Leaders Class of 2026, spotlighting ten young professionals who are pushing the boundaries of sustainability, innovation, and design in the global packaging sector. The program, now in its latest edition, honors emerging voices whose projects and research reflect a growing commitment to responsible packaging solutions.

This year’s cohort includes rising stars from France, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the United States, emphasizing the international scope of Paris Packaging Week. Their contributions range from AI-powered recycling systems and reusable packaging infrastructures to plant-based materials that rival conventional rigid plastics.

Selected by a jury of experts — including Emmanuelle Bonardi (AmorePacific), Thierry de Baschmakoff (De Baschmakoff agency), and Gérald Martines (In-Signes agency) — the Class of 2026 exemplifies the future of packaging through a unique blend of scientific insight, creative thinking, and environmental commitment.

The 2026 Future Leaders include:

• Thomas Bernad (France) – Founder of Aerosolution, exploring compressed-air spray technology for sustainable dispensing systems.
• Anthony Bouvier (France) – Junior Product Manager and PhD researcher in Marketing at Hyléance, working on consumer-centric packaging design.
• Charles Bradley (UK) – Doctoral researcher at Brunel University London, focusing on packaging circularity through academic innovation.
• Hugo Chardonneau (France) – Continuous Improvement Project Manager at Rémy Martin, advancing sustainable packaging in luxury goods.
• Danielle Goad (UK) – EMEA Director at Specright, developing data platforms to enhance supply chain sustainability and transparency.
• Amela Kusuran (France) – R&D Project Manager at Watch4Green, specializing in reusable packaging systems for FMCG applications.
• Thi Thanh Truc Phung (France) – Research Engineer at Institut Agro Dijon and NextFoodPack, innovating in bio-based packaging for the food sector.
• Nicole Toole (USA) – Founder of ECGO, applying AI for intelligent recycling and material identification.
• Helen Yang (USA) – CEO of Clement Packaging, creating compostable packaging formats from plant-based polymers.
• Gergely Zámbó (Hungary) – Managing Director of Respray Solutions, developing refill systems for industrial packaging applications.

Each Future Leader will present their projects during dedicated sessions at Paris Packaging Week 2026, which takes place February 5–6, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. These sessions will offer a platform to showcase disruptive ideas and cross-sectoral solutions at a time when packaging is under global scrutiny.

“The 2026 cohort reflects the urgent need for interdisciplinary innovation,” said Gérald Martines. “They represent the convergence of environmental urgency, consumer expectations, and technological advancement.”

The Future Leaders initiative reinforces Paris Packaging Week’s role not only as a product showcase but also as an incubator of next-generation thinking. With talent tackling critical issues such as waste reduction, material innovation, and digital transformation, the packaging industry gains a clearer roadmap for what lies ahead — a smarter, more circular, and more collaborative future.