Winner of the Women in Industry Award at the 2025 National Print Awards, Zaidee Jackson, national BDM Sustainable Packaging at Ball & Doggett, sits down with Lindy Hughson to discuss her career journey, leadership approach, and the future of sustainable print and packaging.
Congratulations on winning the Women in Industry Award at the 2025 National Print Awards. What does this recognition mean to you?
This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the work being done at the very source of our industry — raw materials. At Ball & Doggett, we sit at the beginning of the supply chain, ensuring the industry has access to materials that not only perform but also meet evolving sustainability and compliance expectations.
For me personally, this award signals that the conversation around responsible sourcing, innovation, and governance is resonating – not just with regulators, but with the brands, printers, and converters we support every day. Having a leadership position in this space is both an honour and a responsibility.
What makes me proud is that our business is purpose-led. We are driving commercial outcomes by delivering solutions that anticipate market needs – whether that’s PFAS-compliant grades or packaging that supports the circular economy. We’re not just supplying raw materials; we’re partnering with the industry to reduce risk and create value.
Ultimately, this recognition isn’t about me – it’s about the trust our customers place in us as their strategic partner, and about continuing to lead conversations that keep innovation, compliance, and sustainability at the centre.
What do you think set you apart to receive this award – what qualities or contributions do you feel were recognised?
I believe it’s the ability to connect strategy with practicality. In an industry facing increasing regulation and resource challenges, it’s not enough to talk about sustainability – it has to be workable. My focus has been on translating policy into meaningful action, ensuring customers aren’t navigating the journey alone.
I see my role as both connector and advocate, bringing the conversation to the right tables and ensuring industry voices are heard. This is critical as packaging reform gathers pace, because decisions made now will shape the community for years to come.
At the heart of it, I think this recognition reflects a commitment to purposeful leadership: balancing compliance with innovation, and commercial outcomes with long-term sustainability.
What key milestones in your career have shaped your path to your current role?
Every stage of my career has given me different lenses on leadership. Early on, I learned the commercial realities of sales and the importance of strong customer relationships. Later, in national roles, I had to balance business growth with rising expectations around compliance and sustainability.
The most defining milestone has been stepping into my current role, which places me at the centre of regulation, customer education, and material innovation. It’s positioned me to influence strategically while staying grounded in customer needs.
Equally important has been the framework of relationships I’ve built across my three-decade career. Those networks supported me through times of change and challenge, including confronting diversity issues and overcoming bias earlier in my journey. Those experiences shaped my resolve to use my voice for today’s work – and to create space for the next generation of leaders.
I feel a responsibility to ensure others don’t face the same barriers, but are supported by mentors and sponsors who accelerate their growth. I’m profoundly grateful for the individuals who invested in me, and their influence continues to shape the professional I am today.
What are the biggest challenges your customers face when shifting to sustainable packaging, and how are you helping them navigate these?
Customers are under immense pressure – from legislation, capacity shortfalls, and resourcing gaps. The challenge is not just about finding a sustainable material, but ensuring it complies across jurisdictions, is commercially viable, and fits into their operations.
Our role is to act as a bridge. We translate regulation into clear actions, provide transparent advice on what’s possible now and what’s coming, and create a shared pathway that customers can trust. By being upfront about capability and supply constraints, we maintain credibility and ensure customers feel supported for the long term.
How have you seen the sustainability agenda in print and packaging evolve in recent years?
Sustainability has shifted from a marketing initiative to a regulatory requirement. The industry is moving from aspiration to accountability, and that changes everything. For raw materials, compliance now must be embedded from the outset – whether it’s PFAS restrictions, packaging targets, or deforestation-free supply chains.
There’s also a stronger push for transparency. Customers expect a full picture, and suppliers like us must step up to provide it.
Looking ahead, what innovations or policy changes do you think will most influence sustainable packaging in Australia?
The tightening of regulation around harmonisation, recyclability, and chemical restrictions will have the biggest impact. Australia is moving toward national consistency, which will drive stronger adoption of sustainable practices.
Innovation will also be critical. Fibre-based and circular materials are expanding possibilities, but success will come from aligning innovation with compliance. Our role is not just to deliver new materials but to drive the conversation so customers are supported with solutions that are both compliant and fit-for-purpose.
You’ve been recognised for building and developing strong teams. How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is anchored in transparency, empowerment, and accountability. I believe in being clear about the “why” – giving people the autonomy to shape the “how.” That clarity of purpose enables ownership and confidence.
I lean into open dialogue and constructive challenge. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about creating the environment for growth and resilience.
I’ve also invested in my own development, undertaking Master Practitioner training in coaching, NLP, and leadership. That experience shaped me into a more authentic leader – one who empowers others not just with direction, but with belief in themselves.
At its heart, my leadership is about ripple effects. When you empower people, they do the same for others. That’s how strong, enduring teams are built.
What advice do you give to emerging professionals who want to make their mark in print and packaging?
Embrace complexity and stay curious. Regulation, technology, and customer expectations are evolving rapidly. The people who will stand out are those who can adapt quickly and translate challenges into opportunities.
Relationships are just as important as knowledge. Build trust, listen deeply, and contribute to solutions rather than trying to have all the answers.
What excites you most about the future of print and packaging?
What excites me most is the opportunity to transform how the industry is perceived. Raw materials may be “invisible,” but they hold the key to unlocking sustainable outcomes.
The convergence of regulation, innovation, and customer demand means transparency and trust are now non-negotiable. That gives us the chance to reshape the industry into one that is more responsible, innovative, and future-ready. Being part of that transformation, and helping others navigate it, is the most exciting part of all.
This article was first published in the September-October 2025 edition of Print21, page 34.