PIDA 2023: Young Packaging Professional of the Year

The purpose of the Young Packaging Professional of the Year Award is to provide incentive and recognition to young professionals who are both currently working in and wish to continue their career path within the Packaging industry in both Australia and New Zealand. This can be within any industries such as Food, Beverage, Health, Beauty and Wellness, Domestic and Household.

The 2023 Young Packaging Professional of the Year winner is Lars Ljung , Sustainability Manager, Planet Protector Packaging

Citation: Seven years ago, armed with an outstanding academic record, a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master’s in International Business Management, and a Master’s in Environmental Management Sustainability, Lars Ljung joined the Planet Protector team. As a disruptive startup with audacious aspirations to rid the world of EPS, their vision resonated with Lars and knew that he had found his ‘tribe’. From the onset, Lars has achieved a high level of success and displayed exacting attention to detail and a competency and maturity well beyond his years. What shone through the most was that Lars shared Planet Protector’s mission and a deep passion to create sustainable impact. He was, and still is a visible leader and pioneer of change. Lars motivates and leads by example to inspire others to take smart risks and to learn.

As a young professional, Lars brings to the business a unique value proposition, rooted in the practical application of science and technology. Recently, Lars led the research and development of our building insulation solution. This comes off the back of the vertical integration of the operations, allowing the expansion into new verticals. He believes the development of more sustainable and high-performing natural products is an essential criterion for the building sector to reduce the environmental impacts of construction. Lars is keen on becoming a Green Star and NABERS-accredited professional. This experience would be invaluable to advance his career and to also get a better understanding of sustainability in the building space.

Lars is rewarded by knowing he is making a difference in the world. Lars truly is a leader of sustainable impact.