“In packaging, the biggest challenge is testing new ideas,” Jake Inglis

Can you introduce yourself, your role and experience in the packaging industry?

Jake Inglis - My name’s Jake, I’m from Scotland, and I’m currently in my final year studying product design at Nottingham Trent University. This past year, I had an incredible experience doing a one-year placement with Crown Packaging, one of the biggest packaging manufacturers in the industry. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from an industry leader and get hands-on with projects that really opened my eyes to the potential for design in packaging.

Alongside my studies, I’m also working on starting my own business, EZ Beverage, which aims to create a sustainable, convenient, and nutritious drink option. As a young designer, I’m really motivated to bring fresh ideas to the packaging industry, especially around sustainability and functionality.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the packaging industry?

Jake Inglis - It all started when I won Gold and Sponsor at Starpack student competition. I designed an aluminium stackable container set for organizing personal daily care products, and as part of the award, I got to visit Crown Packaging’s R&D facility. That visit really showed me what is possible in packaging, and from then on, I knew it was the path I wanted to take.

I just find packaging exciting. It’s such a dynamic industry—you can take an idea and have it turn into a real product on the shelves in no time. It’s honestly so rewarding to see something you’ve worked on make it out into the world.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young leader in the packaging industry?

Jake Inglis - I’d say the biggest challenge is innovating and testing new ideas. Unlike 20 or 30 years ago, there’s less capital and appetite for risk in the industry, which makes it harder to bring new products to market. This is especially true in metal packaging, where it used to be that big changes came with high risks but also high rewards. Now, the risks are high, but the rewards are minimal. For example, we’ve already reduced the weight of a beverage can from 15g to 9g, but pushing it further to 8.8g would require more investment than the return justifies.

If you could change one thing about the packaging industry, what would it be and why?

Jake Inglis - If I could change one thing, it would be to promote it more in universities. It’s not something most students think about when they’re choosing a career, but from my own experience, I ended up in packaging through a placement and realized it’s an industry that could suit so many people. I think if packaging was introduced earlier, more students would consider it as a career option.

How do you see the role of future leaders like yourself in shaping the direction of the industry?

Jake Inglis - I think as a new generation of designers, we bring a fresh take on packaging and how it can evolve. Sometimes, not knowing all the limits can actually help us get creative and come up with new ideas. We’re in a position to question how things have always been done and push the industry in a direction that feels more innovative and forward-thinking.

What advice would you give to young professionals who are just starting their careers in packaging?

Jake Inglis - My advice would be to seek out as many opportunities as possible and start building your network. Attend packaging exhibitions, networking events, and any work-related events you can—I’ve found that incredibly valuable. I used to be a bit shy, but my confidence grew during my placement, and I ended up with internship offers. It’s really rewarding because it opens up more options and opportunities for your career.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Future Leaders?

Jake Inglis - It means a lot to me. As a Future Leader, I feel like I have the chance to influence and inspire other young professionals starting out in their careers. I want to be the kind of influence I didn’t have when I was starting out—someone who makes it easier for young people to reach out and feel like they belong in this industry.