Leading the charge towards a low-carbon future. Celebrate mills that have achieved exceptional results in energy management and decarbonisation, proving that sustainability and operational excellence go hand in hand.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application): 

• Comprehensive energy management strategy including energy audits, monitoring systems, and management certification 
• Energy performance improvements with measurable reductions in specific energy consumption and total energy costs 
• Decarbonization initiatives including renewable energy integration, fuel switching, and process innovations 
• Greenhouse gas emissions reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 with science-based targets 
• Pathway to Net Zero with credible interim milestones and timeline 
• Third-party verification of energy and emissions performance 
• Business impact demonstrating competitive advantage through reduced costs and enhanced sustainability positioning

Where technology meets tissue production. Honour mills that harness digital innovation to transform operations, elevate decision-making, and empower their workforce for the future.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Digital transformation strategy with clear vision, maturity assessment, and implementation roadmap 
• Digital technologies deployed  
• Data-driven decision-making with specific examples of operational improvements 
• Change management and adoption including training programs and user engagement metrics 
• Workforce digital capabilities demonstrating upskilling and new role creation 
• Return on digital investment with quantified productivity gains, cost reductions, and payback period 
• Scalability and sustainability of digital initiatives

Breakthrough thinking that reshapes what's possible. Recognise pioneering advances in fibre sourcing, processing, or product development that push the boundaries of both sustainability and performance.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Innovation rationale addressing industry challenges and sustainability objectives 
• Innovative fiber solutions or product developments implemented 
• Technical achievements in processing, formulation, or manufacturing 
• Product performance validation through testing and customer feedback 
• Market success with quantified sales growth, market share gains, or customer wins 
• Sustainability impact with measurable environmental improvements 
• Supply chain development ensuring scalability and commercial viability

Acknowledge mills where employee health and safety are woven into every aspect of operations, creating environments where people thrive and protection is fundamental to success.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Safety performance statistics including injury rates, near-miss reporting, and industry comparisons 
• Proactive hazard identification through safety walks, employee teams, and reporting systems 
• Safety training and competency with hours per employee and certification programs 
• Safety technology and engineering controls including machine guarding, PPE, and ergonomic improvements 
• Safety culture indicators from employee surveys, suggestion programs, and leadership commitment 
• Continuous improvement in safety systems and performance

Smart packaging that delivers on every front. Celebrate solutions that masterfully balance sustainability, functionality, and customer appeal in ways that set new standards.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Packaging challenge definition identifying problems addressed and objectives 
• Innovative packaging solutions  
• Environmental impact with lifecycle assessment showing improvements 
• Consumer and customer response including testing feedback and market acceptance 
• Supply chain collaboration with packaging suppliers and scalability assessment 
• Commercial success demonstrating sustainability enhances business performance

Comprehensive commitment that raises the bar. Recognise mills demonstrating environmental excellence across all dimensions, establishing benchmarks that inspire the entire industry.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Sustainability strategy and governance with board oversight, executive accountability, and science-based targets 
• Climate action including emissions reductions and renewable energy adoption 
• Circular economy practices covering recycled content, water efficiency, zero waste, and closed-loop systems 
• Biodiversity and ecosystem protection with habitat restoration and sustainable sourcing 
• Water stewardship excellence demonstrating exceptional management beyond standard practice 
• Third-party verification through certifications and transparent reporting 
• Holistic integration showing balanced excellence across environmental dimensions

World-class performance, measurable results. Honour mills achieving outstanding manufacturing metrics that define what excellence looks like in tissue production.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Equipment effectiveness with OEE placing mill in top quartile globally 
• Manufacturing cost competitiveness in bottom quartile versus industry benchmarks 
• Quality consistency with statistical process control and customer satisfaction 
• Lean manufacturing with continuous improvement and waste elimination 
• Operational resilience with high availability and ability to maintain performance during disruptions 
• Technology partnerships (mills may highlight collaboration with equipment suppliers in demonstrating technical excellence)

Leadership that changes everything. Celebrate executives who have fundamentally reshaped organisational culture, performance, and future trajectory through visionary direction.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Visionary leadership with bold vision challenging conventional thinking and compelling case for change 
• Cultural transformation with measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and innovation culture 
• Strategic repositioning including market strategy shifts, business model innovations, and strategic pivots 
• Leadership development legacy with succession pipeline and mentoring culture 
• Measurable business transformation quantifying dramatic improvements in market position, profitability, and valuation

Building tomorrow's capabilities today. Recognise mills proactively preparing their teams for Industry 4.0, creating workplaces where human talent and technology amplify each other.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Future skills strategy with gap analysis and workforce planning 
• Reskilling and upskilling programs with certifications, apprenticeships, and learning platforms 
• Technology and human collaboration showing how automation augments workers and creates enriched roles 
• Flexible work and wellbeing including scheduling flexibility, mental health programs, and holistic benefits 
• Workforce engagement and retention with high engagement scores and low voluntary turnover 
• Employer brand strength with external recognition

Innovation that meets the market where it matters. Honour breakthrough tissue products that successfully address diverse customer segments and evolving consumer needs.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Product innovation across premium, private label, away-from-home, or specialty segments 
• Technical innovation enabling differentiated performance or sustainability 
• Consumer insight and validation through research and testing 
• Market success with quantified sales growth, market share gains, and distribution wins 
• Brand building demonstrating enhanced brand equity and customer loyalty 
• Sustainable positioning showing environmental credentials support commercial success

Impact that extends beyond the mill gates. Celebrate exceptional contributions to community prosperity and regional development, especially in rural or economically challenged areas.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Regional economic impact as employment anchor with quantified payroll and tax contributions 
• Local procurement and supplier development supporting regional businesses 
• Skills development partnerships with educational institutions and apprenticeship programs 
• Community infrastructure investment in facilities, events, and volunteer programs 
• Regional development collaboration with government and economic development initiatives 
• Recognition from regional authorities as exemplary corporate citizen

The pinnacle of industry recognition. Reserved exclusively for finalists and winners from other categories, this prestigious honour celebrates all-around excellence, visionary leadership, and transformative impact across every dimension of mill operations.

Our panel of judges are looking for (not all need to be accomplished to submit an application):

• Holistic business performance across financial, operational, and market metrics with sustained multi-year results 
• Industry leadership and influence through thought leadership, association participation, and mentoring 
• Balanced excellence across operational excellence, sustainability, innovation, people development, safety, quality, and community impact 
• Strategic vision and execution with differentiation, strategic investments, and forward-thinking positioning 
• Stakeholder value creation delivering value to shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and environment