Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) is proud to announce that Account Manager, Alex Curran, has won the Rising Star Award at the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) Awards 2026, while Darren Tickle, Site Manager at its St Helens facility, was named runner-up in the Unsung Hero category. The awards, presented on 5 March at The Grand Hotel in Brighton, celebrate outstanding individuals who are making a significant impact across the foodservice packaging sector.

The Rising Star Award recognises young professionals in the first five years of their careers who are already making a meaningful contribution to their companies and the wider industry. Alongside national recognition, the award includes an FPA contribution to a Packaging Higher & Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University.

Since joining kp, Alex has quickly established himself as a dynamic force within the business, building strong customer relationships and demonstrating a proactive approach to operational problem solving. After becoming an Account Manager, he has continued to raise the bar, managing national distributor accounts with maturity, clear communication, and a strategic mindset.

Commenting on the win, Daniel Tudela, Senior Commercial Vice President at kp Food Packaging, said: “On behalf of the business, I’d like to congratulate Alex on winning this award. Since joining kp, he has stood out as a dynamic force and quickly built a strong foundation in customer relationships and operational problem-solving. After becoming an Account Manager, he has continued to raise the bar, managing national distributor accounts with maturity, clear communication, and strategic focus.

“Whether visiting customers, exploring new product opportunities, or supporting colleagues, Alex leads by example and makes a meaningful contribution to our business. He’s had a remarkable journey so far and is a brilliant example of what can be achieved early in a career through passion and commitment. He’s exactly the kind of person who represents the future of our industry.”

In addition to Alex’s success, Darren Tickle was recognised as runner-up in the FPA’s Unsung Hero Award category, which celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to drive their teams, communities, and organisations forward.

Darren has worked with kp for more than 24 years, starting as a packer on the thermoforming line before progressing to Site Manager at the St Helens site. During his career, he has played a key role in securing partnerships with major customers and helping the business prepare for incoming regulatory changes.

He also successfully led a multi-million-pound transition project that secured the future of the St Helens facility and helped establish kp as a pioneer in expanded polypropylene manufacturing in the UK. Steffen Kast, Senior Vice President Operations, kp Food Packaging, commented: “Darren has established himself as the beating heart of our St Helens facility and a driving force behind some of its most significant transformations. Time and time again, we’ve been impressed by his leadership and his commitment to making processes better, strengthening operational performance and empowering his team. “His positive attitude and collaborative spirit make him a role model for colleagues, and we are proud to see him recognised by the FPA judges.”