February 24, 2025 (press release) –
ThePackHub successfully hosted the Packaging Startup Awards last week at Packaging Innovations & Empack at the NEC, celebrating groundbreaking advancements in sustainable and innovative packaging. The event recognised startups that are reshaping the industry with exciting solutions.
During the event, Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub, led the main presentation, while Laura Fernandez and Claudia Rasori from Ocado Retail, the event’s sponsors, announced the winners and handed out the trophies.
This year’s awards also introduced a special accolade for the startup that achieved the highest score across all entries—crowning PulpaTronics as the first-ever Packaging Startup of the Year for its revolutionary RFID tag technology.
Meet the Winners of the Packaging Startup Awards
Alternative Materials – Blue Ocean Closures
Blue Ocean Closures is revolutionising closures with cellulose fibre screw caps, offering a sustainable alternative to metal and plastic caps. Their caps boast a low carbon footprint, are biodegradable in just 10 weeks, and are recyclable as paper—helping to combat fossil-based plastic waste and microplastics.
Connected Packaging – PulpaTronics
With more than 40 billion RFID tags ending up in landfills each year, PulpaTronics is tackling this issue head-on. Their solution eliminates the need for metal antennas and silicon microchips, reducing CO2 emissions, resource waste, and financial costs, all while maintaining inventory management efficiency.
Online Innovation – Green Evo
Green Evo is rethinking traditional pallet production by replacing wooden pallets with a renewable agricultural biomass alternative. Their eco-friendly pallets eliminate deforestation, lower energy consumption, and cut carbon emissions. Additionally, their lightweight, stackable design reduces warehouse and transport space by up to 60%, enhancing efficiency and safety by removing nails and screws.
Refill Innovation – Cauli
Cauli is a UK-based climate tech startup helping businesses transition from single-use to reusable packaging through AI-powered reuse systems, starting with the foodservice sector. Their smart system seamlessly integrates reuse into business operations, driving sustainable change in packaging consumption.
Waste Reduction – AeroFlexx
With only 9% of all plastic waste globally being recycled, AeroFlexx is tackling the crisis with an innovative packaging solution. Their sustainable and flexible packaging reduces plastic waste while maintaining functionality and convenience, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and modern packaging solutions can go hand in hand.
Recognising Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The Packaging Startup Awards showcased the best and brightest ideas in packaging innovation, highlighting startups that are setting new industry standards for sustainability and innovation.
Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub, commented: “These startups are addressing critical challenges in packaging sustainability. From alternative materials to waste reduction, their innovative solutions will drive meaningful change across the industry. ThePackHub is proud to support and celebrate these pioneering businesses. I’d like to also thank Laura and Claudia at Ocado Retail for all their support in making the awards happen. “
The event, hosted at Packaging Innovations & Empack at the NEC, provided a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates to connect and drive the future of packaging.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on the latest packaging innovations!
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