OPRL’s finalists for the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards 2025
We’re thrilled to share that not one, not two, but FIVE outstanding women from OPRL are finalists in this year’s Women in Packaging Excellence Awards!
The awards, hosted by Packaging News, honour the achievements and impact of women across the packaging industry, and we’re proud to see our colleagues recognised among such a talented and inspiring group.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate their amazing contributions.
Alice Harlock – Director of Technical & Member Services
Alice has always been passionate about behaviour change and consumer communications, making her a perfect match for OPRL’s mission of delivering clear and simple recycling guidance.
From her early days at HDRA to her influential work today, Alice has championed environmental awareness and helped hundreds of members navigate the complexities of packaging recyclability.
Her dedication, leadership and expertise continue to make a lasting impact in the sustainability community.
Alice is a finalist in the Sustainability Champion Award category.
Emily Gardiner – Packaging & Recycling Manager
Emily’s journey with OPRL began in 2017, and she officially joined the team in 2019 after 12+ years at WRAP.
With unmatched knowledge of compliance, recyclability and packaging standards, Emily now leads our compliance audits, provides technical advice, and supports our Member Support team.
Last year, she completed the PIABC Certificate in Packaging, further strengthening the support she gives to our members every day. A true packaging powerhouse!
Emily is a finalist in the Sustainability Champion Award category, alongside Alice.
Jude Allan – Interim Managing Director
Jude brings a wealth of experience and calm leadership to OPRL.
As Interim Managing Director and an advocate for diversity and sustainability, she’s known across the industry for her strategic thinking and commitment to innovation.
Her involvement in the judging panel for the awards also speaks volumes about her influence and leadership.
And now Jude’s a finalist herself, for Most Inspiring Returner of the Year.
Margaret Bates – Managing Director (Currently on Secondment to Defra)
Margaret is a well-known name in packaging and environmental circles.
Currently on secondment to Defra as Head of the Scheme Administrator, Margaret continues to shape national policy with her wealth of knowledge and experience.
Margaret is a finalist for Woman of the Year, which is a fitting recognition of her decades-long dedication to sustainability and systems thinking.
Karen Graley – Head of the EPR Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO)
Karen, who sits on OPRL’s Non-Executive Board of Directors, has recently become Head of the EPR Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), which is instrumental in helping shape the UK’s future packaging systems.
With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and a commitment to meaningful change, Karen’s strategic guidance has already made a massive difference.
Karen joins Margaret as a finalist in the Woman of the Year category.
Looking Ahead
We couldn’t be more excited for the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards, taking place on Thursday 10th July at Hilton Bankside in London.
Being a finalist is not just an individual honour, but a celebration of the collective passion, knowledge, and impact that women bring to our industry every day.
Join us in cheering for Alice, Emily, Jude, Margaret and Karen – five incredible women making a difference, inspiring change, and shaping the future of sustainable packaging, and being fabulous members of the OPRL team.
Check out our blog Celebrating Women In Packaging Excellence Awards 2025 for more information about the event and the links to book tickets.
We cannot wait to hear who the winners will be!