AIP 60th Anniversary Commemorative Book

WHAT IS THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is the peak professional body for packaging education and training in Australasia; helping to shape the careers of generations of packaging professionals - from packaging technologists to international packaging business leaders along with a host of people in associated disciplines - sales and marketing, purchasing, production and environment. The AIP was founded in 1963 in response to a need for packaging technologists to interact and provide a professional identity for individuals within the packaging industry. Having served the industry for 60 years the AIP is the only professional body designed to provide professional and personal development to all levels of the packaging industry; educational offerings include the Diploma in Packaging Technology, the Certificate in Packaging, the Master in Food & Packaging Innovation, Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation, Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course, training courses, conferences, technical forums, site visits, Influential Women’s Mentoring program, internship program and more. The AIP covers Australia, New Zealand and parts of the ASEAN region.

AIP: OUR PURPOSE

• To serve as an independent professional body of packaging specialists.

• To promote professional standards of competency through education and training.

• To advance and promote the standing of packaging specialists as a profession.

• To serve and establish the confidence of the community in the packaging profession.

• To aim towards professional qualifications for all Members and the wider industry.

• To uphold professional integrity and ethics within the profession of packaging.

• To influence and assist regional and global packaging communities.

packaging solutions for the food industry

AIP FOUNDATION MEMBERS

The AIP was established on the 12th of September 1963 by a key group of foundation members listed below. Without their vision the AIP would not be here 60 years later.

FROM VICTORIA (Southern Region)

1. Noel McLennan 12th of September 1963

2. Arthur Harris 12th of September 1963

3. Frederich M. Flentje 12th of September 1963

4. Edward R. Dann 12th of September 1963

5. William A. Ross 12th of September 1963

6. Marcus Heselev 12th of September 1963

7. Alfred P Lambell 7th of July 1964

FROM NEW SOUTH WALES (Central Region)

1. Leslie Buck

2. Ray Cox

3. E.G Davis

4. A. Hislop

5. G. Jeudwine

6. F.H Ottaway

7. W. Smith

8. J. Trotter

The AIP logo was devised by the Foundation Members. It signifies several areas of packaging. It is related to the beehive which signifies perfect engineering and packaging technologies. It was also intended to bear the initials AIP in sequence.

OF LEGENDS & LEGACIES

BY LINDY HUGHSON MAIP

Written on the occasion of AIP’s 60th anniversary celebration. Dedicated to presidents past and present, and the selfless individuals who have grown this organisation into the influential force in education that it is today.

We’ll never truly know what stirred our founders seven hundred and some moons ago to take the lead and plant the seed like seasoned gardeners hustling Nature’s tides and temperaments weathering the worst to put education first.

Those doyens of old nurtured the sapling watched patiently as the roots took hold feeding life-force into healthy branches that could shelter the fold and spread wide their verdant tendrils turning wisdom to gold.

There would have been times when the elements conspired to break and shake even the most tenacious turner of the turf when cultivating a yen to learn met gale-force winds at every turn as industry gatekeepers shackled knowledge seekers.

Undeterred they trudged on boots muddied with grit digging deep to break ground until they found a way to put leaders behind lecterns presidents behind plinths turn technologists into teachers scholars into reachers for stars and preachers of our truth.

Seven hundred moons on many seasons come and gone our tree still bears fruit and sturdy it stands sprouting knowledge in many lands imparting skills to eager minds and hands all thanks to those legends of yore who settled the score and paved the way for our leaders today to caretake and grow an Institute for tomorrow.

John Bigley MAIP CURRENT - 2023

Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence PhD, FAIP, CPP

2020 - 2017

Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP 2016 - 2012

AIP PRESIDENTS

Jason Fields FAIP, CPP 2023 - 2020

Michael Grima MAIP 2017 - 2016

Craig Wellman FAIP 2010 - 2008

George Ganzenmuller Dip.Pkg.Tech.FAIP, CPP

2006 - 2004

Jeff Egan MAIP

2002 - 2000

Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP (Life) (decd)

1998 - 1995

Ian Fletcher FAIP (Life) (decd)

1993 - 1991

Adrian Henning MAIP

1988 - 1986

Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPP 2012 - 2010

Llewelyn Stephens FAIP 2008 - 2006

Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP (Life) (decd)

2004 - 2002

George Ganzenmuller Dip.Pkg.Tech.FAIP, CPP 2000 - 1998

Terry Waterson FAIP (Life) 1995 - 1993

Mark Kerr FAIP 1991 -1998

Don Ferguson FAIP (decd)

1985 - 1985

Noel Turner FAIP (decd)

1985 - 1984

Leslie Wright MAIP

1981 - 1979

Bruce Deitch MAIP

1976 - 1975

Kenneth Alexander FAIP (Life) (decd)

1973 - 1971

Mackenzie Gregory MAIP (decd)

1968 - 1966

Gordon Willis

1983 - 1981

Frank Kassowitz FAIP (decd)

1979 - 1976

William Hutton MAIP

1975 - 1973

Les Buck FAIP (decd)

1971 - 1968

Noel McLennan MAIP (decd) FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

1966- 1963

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We celebrate and congratulate The Australian Institute of Packaging on the milestone of 60 years as the peak professional body for packaging training and education in Australasia.

The Destination for Sustainable Packaging

he Founders Award was originally named to honour the Foundation Members of the Institute and to recognise their contribution to the development of packaging technology in Australasia. The Founders Award shall be given for outstanding performances which in a real way enhances the profession of Packaging Technology. In sixty years the Founders Award has only been presented to nine AIP Members for their outstanding, significant and long-standing contribution to packaging technology and the wider packaging industry.

2020

Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP

2012

Llewellyn Stephens FAIP

2002

Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP (Life) (decd)

1983

Les Buck FAIP (decd)

AIP LIFE MEMBERS

The AIP recognises Members with Life Membership who have contributed to the Institute as a volunteer for a long period of time and who have made a significant impact on the continuing growth and success of the AIP and the wider packaging industry.

2020

Terry Waterson FAIP (Life)

2016

Allan Kenny FAIP (Life)

2010

Michael Halley FAIP (Life)

2008

Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP (Life) (decd)

2018

Keith Chessell FAIP (Life)

2012

Richard Mason FAIP (Life) (decd)

2009

Ian Fletcher FAIP (Life) (decd)

2002

Colin Simpson FAIP (Life) (decd)

The grade of Fellow is the highest recognition to AIP Members, and is for significant, outstanding and sustained contribution to the technology, science or application to packaging and the field the recipient works in.

Current Fellows of the AIP

Peter Allen FAIP

Mary Anderson FAIP

Burton Beaumont FAIP

Frank Bova Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP

Keith Chessell FAIP (Life)

Nina Cleeve-Edwards Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP, CPP

Jason Fields BSc, FAIP, CPP

Joe Foster FAIP

George Ganzenmuller Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP, CPP

Michael Halley FAIP (Life)

Ian Hayes FAIP

Ken Howard FAIP

Nerida Kelton FAIP

Allan Kenny FAIP (Life)

Mark Kerr FAIP

Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence FAIP, CPP

Helen Lewis FAIP

Julie Liston Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP

Bob McFadyen FAIP

Bryan McKay FAIP

Ron Mines FAIP

Michael Mobbs FAIP

Michael Morgan FAIP

Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP

Jim Nash Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP

Jacky Nordsvan FAIP

Prof Pierre Pienaar MSc FAIP CPP

Barton Porter FAIP

Nola Porteus FAIP

Greg Roberts Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP CPP

Phillip Rolls FAIP

Alistair Sayers FAIP

Richard Smith FAIP

Llewellyn Stephens FAIP

Robin Tuckerman FAIP

Karli Verghese FAIP

Terry Waterson FAIP (Life)

Craig Wellman FAIP

Greg Windsor FAIP

FELLOWS OF THE AIP

HARRY LOVELL AWARD

In 2006 the AIP Board of Directors, acknowledging the important role of education and training, established the Harry Lovell Award in recognition of the commitment and contribution of Emeritus Professor Harry P. Lovell, OAM, FIFST CSC, F.INST PKG CSC, FAIFST, FAIP (Life) (decd), to education and training over thirty years in the Institute, and in particular to the Diploma in Packaging Technology. The Harry Lovell Award is presented to graduates of the Diploma in Packaging Technology who have achieved exemplary results in their examinations. This award is not awarded each year and is only presented to outstanding students in packaging technology.

2020

Alexandra Brayshaw Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP

2020

Alysha Baggett Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP

2018

Aleah Koerner Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP

2013

Maria Indrayati Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP

2010

Misbah Khan Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP

2009

Nina Cleeve-Edwards Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP, CPP

2007

Sarah Squire Dip.Pkg. Tech. MAIP

CERTIFIED

PACKAGING

PROFESSIONALS (CPP® )

Attaining the Certified Packaging Professional designation is an excellent investment in your professional development and the credential defines the packaging professional and allows organisations to seek out and hire the right professional based on verified knowledge, skills and industry contributions. Using the CPP® program to assess and evaluate one’s professional competency validates you as internationally proficient as a packaging professional; a cut above your peers.

DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

The Diploma in Packaging Technology degree is Internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry and since the 1980’s the AIP has been offering this to the Australasian region.

The Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification that prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study.

CERTIFICATE IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

The ideal first qualification for those working in the packaging industry. The Certificate in Packaging Technology is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging.

The Certificate in Packaging is a Level 3 PIABC course that is recognised as giving an excellent foundation in, and introduction to, the packaging industry. The new course, based on the revised specification released in 2022, provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and businesses.

WPO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Lifetime Achievement Award, in the field of packaging, was established with the aim of recognising practitioners, from all packaging disciplines, who have made a significant national or international contribution in packaging over a prolonged and sustained period. In so doing, the WPO acknowledges and rewards excellence in all aspects of packaging science, technology, design and application across the globe. This award is recognising people who have consistently pushed the boundaries in advancing packaging to serve the needs of an ever more demanding consumer base. These prestigious awards will celebrate and preserve, in perpetuity, the collective achievements of these innovators.

2022

2021

2019

2018

Keith Chessell FAIP (Life)

2020

Joe Foster FAIP

Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell, OAM, FAIP (Life) (decd)

Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP

Graeme Lang MAIP

ALAN ADAMS MAIP SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR APAC, SEE

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2005.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP is a fantastic network of professionals, providing connectedness and education with a balanced view of packaging. The AIP champions the packaging industry!

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Critical to our success.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: End of life of packaging coming into focus in social impact and creating the drive for circularity.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Join the AIP! Network and learn as much as you can. Share your knowledge.

My mentors are:

Nerida Kelton! Warwick Hall, Claude D’Amico, John Nickless, Robin Tuckerman, so many have helped and guided me.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Educating and sharing the importance and how to create robust strategies for sustainable packaging. I am very proud of my 2021 Industry Professional of the Year PIDA award recognising my on-going contribution to our industry.

PETER ALLEN FAIP

RETIRED GENERAL MANAGER

TECHNICAL & FIBRE OPTIMISATION, VISY BOARD

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

I have been a Member since 1982 which is 41 years.

What the AIP means to me

: The AIP means two things, firstly an Institute which has a group of dedicated followers with a passion for packaging, work and helping the new starters to understand the industry. Secondly is one of Education and Networking. The technical workshops, sessions, webinars, forums and conferences allow for better understanding, communication, learning’s and also the networking ability which I think is the most valuable part of all.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

An area that has lacked in the past in the industry, but the AIP have been able to develop are the half-day training courses and also degree level studies which have helped a lot of people, new and old, to progress their education.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

The late 90’s saw the beginnings of globalisation coming to Australia. The way businesses moved to react and also change the way products were designed and marketed, packaging included, was significant. Along with the retail environment and the major retailers following of the supply chain models from the UK changed the way of life for the corrugated industry and their customers.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Join the AIP and start to attend events, go to the Technical sessions, meet with the other Members and learn about the basics of all packaging materials. This will not only allow an opening of the mind, but also set up relationships which will help in business and create some friendships which will last a lifetime.

My mentors are:

There have been a few mentors along the way for me. The most important to me was Richard Pratt. Starting at Visy in 1981 as a tech guy who did not understand the paper industry and corrugated packaging was a challenge! The thing with Visy and Richard was that there was always a better way to do things and there was always a need to eliminate waste. I believe Richard understood the world of supply chains before the words were invented! The need to create, question everything but above all be hands on in the business and the community.

My greatest achievement in the industry: After forty plus years with Visy and in the packaging world I still enjoy the industry, the challenges and the people. The most important achievement is to understand that we must be prepared to change. Once we understand this we can create and cause things to change.

TIM

ALLMAN MAIP

OWNER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, COMPASS FOOD SOLUTIONS

I have been a Member of the AIP since: For seven years.

What the AIP means to me: Closed body of industry experts.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Is vital but sadly directed at packaging folk rather than general industry.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Vision systems for food safety.

My advice to those starting in the industry: Cross skill across all facets of manufacturing.

My mentors are: Pierre Pienaar, Graham Harvey.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Being able to now use those skills learnt in 25+ years in manufacturing as a coach.

KAILASH BAJPAI MAIP, CPP PACKAGING INNOVATION MANAGER, CHOBANI

I have been a Member of the AIP since: Since 1995 which is 28 years.

What the AIP means to me : Professional affiliation in Packaging arena.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Warranted, more than ever before because of environmental concerns, prevailing misinformation based on pseudoscience.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: China stopped taking waste products of other nations.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Seek, share and spread good work packaging has done and doing and will do in the future.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Office bearer for Victorian region, and gaining my Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation. I also enjoy passing my knowledge and skills to people willing to learn with in the work environment.

BURT BEAUMONT FAIP

I have been a Member of the AIP since: April 1997.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP is a chance to meet with industry associates for educational and networking opportunities.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: A key factor in the growth and sustainability of the packaging industry.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: The changes to the packing format of produce into the returnable plastic crates (RPC’s) and the flow on effect into other grocery categories.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Is to gain the qualifications you think you need and then to gain the experience to place yourself at the top of the list of available packaging technologists and to stay at that position by keeping up-to-date with industry trends and changes in technology, through the AIP educational portfolio and programs.

My mentors are: The Late Prof. Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Are the great friends and contacts I have made over the years.

RETIRED SALES MANAGER - AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, FIBRE KING

JOHN BIGLEY MAIP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ZIPFORM PACKAGING

I have been a Member of the AIP since: Since 2015.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP is a very powerful educational and collaborative network of packaging professionals.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Critically important to foster true collaboration, ensuring everyone with a voice is knowledgeable about their sector and able to contribute to the body of knowledge of the packaging industry.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Within Australia, the development of the 2025 National Packaging Targets.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Listen, listen, listen...try and find a good mentor....be a sponge and try to expose yourself to as many sectors within the industry as you can. A total immersion in the supply chain is important to decide which part you want to drill into more.

My mentors are:

My Dutch boss in Europe, before and after I left. I also use ex colleagues as sounding boards and voices of reason. In our industry you often find very like-minded people where you strike up trusting and open relationships.

My greatest achievement in the industry: 37 years in the same industry has flown by and I am still learning all the time. I would like to think my engagement in trade associations in Europe & Australia has helped the industry I have worked in. In reality I feel my most satisfying achievement has been in mentoring young managers on their own journey.

FRANK BOVA

I have been a Member of the AIP since: December 1987.

What the AIP means to me : "The AIP is the premier packaging technology training body in Australia and provides outstanding opportunities for networking with industry colleagues."

The AIP provides training and networking for work roles in all stages of the packaging supply chain. Packaging knowledge and expertise are essential to enable effective supply chain collaboration which drives innovative solutions that contribute to the growth of individuals, the economy, and the community.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

Providing education and training to everyone in the packaging industry is crucial, and the AIP plays a vital role in offering packaging education. Combining my Diploma in Packaging knowledge with my Mechanical Engineering Degree and leadership skill industry training along the way with the various organisations that I have worked for, has armed me with the knowledge and confidence to deliver many packaging system achievements over the years.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Over the past twenty-five years there have been many significant changes.

Key milestones have included:

• The NPC and later APC evolution.

• Cost saving drive of the nineties and early 2000’s.

• Digital computer to plate prepress technology 20022008.

• FMCG Manufacturing footprint shift to overseas and applying packaging technology challenges with emerging countries.

• Rationalisation of packaging suppliers.

• Increased industry wide focus in the 2020’s on packaging sustainability reporting.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Learn every day and in particular visit the factory floor and gain valuable practical knowledge. Constantly ask questions, respect and learn from all parts of the business and build 360-degree trust.

Invest time and energy into formal packaging training like the AIP Diploma in Packaging Technology or Certificate in Packaging. Build your profile in packaging using a continuous improvement mindset to deliver value in your packaging role.

My mentors are:

Finding the right mentor takes time, and not every interaction will lead to a mentorship relationship. Be persistent, keep learning, and be open to building meaningful connections both within where you work and across industry be it at suppliers, customers, or other organisations. A good mentor can make a significant difference in your professional journey, so invest time and effort in finding the right one. Over the years I have been fortunate to have excellent leaders as my managers and this has assisted me in gaining clarity with respect to career development.

My greatest achievement in the industry:

• Gaining recognition for delivering numerous packaging cost saving and sustainability improvement projects for over 40 years for every company I have worked for.

• Completed AIP Diploma in Packaging Technology and received UK Institute of packaging global award for leading exam result and essay 1997.

• Leading packaging development teams across the companies that I have worked for over the past 25 years and developing team members knowledge and leadership skills.

JOANNE COCKERILL Dip.Pkg.Tech, MAIP, CPP

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIST, MASTERPET AUSTRALIA

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2000, which is 23 years.

What the AIP means to me : A group of well-educated packaging professionals who educate and train people interested in packaging.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: What the AIP does best.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Glass milk bottles going to HDPE & PET bottles.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Obtain your Diploma in Packaging Technology and become a Certified Packaging Professional.

My mentors are: Harry Lovell, Matthew Issacc, Terry Waterson and Ralph Moyle.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Obtaining my Diploma in Packaging Technology and becoming a Certified Packaging Professional.

MARLENE CRONJE-VERMEULEN MAIP FUTURE WORKS MANAGER, CCEP

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2009.

What the AIP means to me : Knowledge centre for anything packaging.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Valuable.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: A: When people realised packaging can sell a product and B: is responsible for a very large carbon footprint.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Understand your product and process.

My mentors are: Did not have any in the packaging industry.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Setting up the first packaging lab for the first company I worked for.

KEITH CHESSELL FAIP (Life)

AIP EDUCATION TEAM + FOUNDERS AWARDEE CONSULTANT, SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING DESIGN

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

I joined the AIP on the 21st of September 2005.

What the AIP means to me :

In the early years (through to 2013) being a member of the AIP and attending regular technical meetings and conferences provided excellent networking to keep me up to date with what was happening in industry in Australia and Globally. I certainly enjoyed the friendships and gained a broader knowledge, and experience while participating in AIP events, educational training programs, and half-day workshops.

In recent years, through my involvement with the AIP Educational Team, I’ve had the privilege and the opportunity to give back and share the packaging knowledge and understanding I have gained. The opportunity to participate in AIP training events with the packaging industry, manufacturing companies, SMEs, NGOs, government groups, and a wide range of individuals has been amazing and broadened my understanding and learning.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

A key role of the AIP is to provide the development and upskilling of people working in the packaging and manufacturing industry. Especially for the role of Packaging Technologist, who in my experience are co-opted into their roles from manufacturing or engineering, or product development.

As well as on-the-job training and gaining packaging experience, the packaging technologist needs to be provided with a technical understanding of packaging, regulation changes, and design parameters (understanding and applying the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines). In recent years the AIP has had the opportunity to focus on SMEs with boot camps and one on one reviews. This has provided specific training for SMEs who have limited resources to understand the needs of sustainable packaging or to undertake formal educational courses.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

In the past 15 years, the recognition by Governments, Retailers, and Consumers regarding the environmental impact of packaging has significantly changed thinking and the approach to designing packaging. The focus has moved from cost reduction and lightweighting to adopting FSC board, renewable source materials, recycled content, compostable packaging, and in the last few years a demonising of plastic with a rapid swing to paper & fibre packaging.

Before 2000, there have been four areas that I’ve noted:

1) The development of plastics both rigid and flexible materials which revolutionised the formats that products could be packed and has provided enormous flexibility, reduced materials, and costs in packaging development design.

WPO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

KEITH CHESSELL FAIP (Life) CONT.

AIP EDUCATION TEAM + FOUNDERS AWARDEE CONSULTANT, SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING DESIGN

2) Major changes in the printing processes with the development of Digital technology, which has dramatically improved the quality and turnaround time, providing Brands the ability to meet consumer demands and improve brand shelf impact.

3) A rationalisation of the Australian packaging industry, which has changed Australian Food and Grocery manufacturing from Australia to a global supply chain.

4) Because of my age I can recall a few significant historical changes that only the older packaging people would be aware of: Metrication (1966-70); Palletisation standards (Jeff Wright and APM pallet charts); the commencement of Bar Coding; the transition for metal & glass packaging to plastic formats; Shelf Ready Packaging, just to name a few.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Enjoy the challenges and be open to discovering the diversity of materials and technology available in the world of packaging. Never stop learning and thinking you know it all. Take every opportunity to undertake educational training, visit many suppliers, and get involved with AIP activities.

My mentors are:

Unfortunately, when I started in packaging, it wasn’t really recognised as a profession. Our packaging suppliers were my educators with the large Australian packaging companies like ACI (glass & plastics), Smorgons (glass, plastics, and paper), and APM (paper), providing packaging innovations, technical expertise, and problemsolving.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Hopefully, I have been able to contribute something back to the industry that has given me many opportunities over the last fifty years. It has been a privilege to be part of a leading FMCG company with a vast range of packaging formats in the Food, Grocery, Beverage, Confectionery, Catering, and Export areas. This has provided the opportunity to develop a wide range of FMCG packaging that set the trend as a market leader in the Grocery, Beverage, and Confectionery segments. In the past 20 years, the opportunity to focus on sustainability and environmental aspects has enabled me to keep up to date and to provide guidance on trends, and technical issues to packaging teams. The other privilege during my 46 years of employment was to mentor, train and develop up to twenty-five packaging personnel, who have gone on to senior management roles and skilled packaging managers throughout the globe.

MANAGER,

I have been a Member of the AIP since: Since 2022.

What the AIP means to me : Access to latest industry developments and general market information.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Worthwhile, particularly as we try to introduce new people into the industry.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Happening right now with the journey to industry sustainability, recyclability & circularity.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Don’t be in a rush! Invest your time in learning the market, products & processes.

My mentors are: Gracious enough to allow me the time to learn and grow.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Still being here 30+ years later!

RAY DEVOY MAIP NORTHERN REGION SALES

FOOD PACKAGING, SEE

MICHAEL DOSSOR MAIP AIP EDUCATION TEAM MANAGING DIRECTOR, RESULT GROUP

I have been a Member of the AIP since: Since 2007.

What the AIP means to me : It is a part of my DNA and has enabled me to learn so much.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Something we all have to embrace and give back to the industry that has given us all so much.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Designing for sustainability and the growth of digital technologies in all printing technology.

My advice to those starting in the industry : You are working in an area that will never be replaced by a mobile device but can work hand in hand with the digital world. That is powerful and don’t waste that opportunity.

My mentors are: My first General Manager at Southcorp Bruce Bilney - he took me under his wing and I still talk with him 35 plus years later. I owe that man a lot!!

My greatest achievement in the industry: The Hungry Jacks UNO promotion. This solution is arguably the biggest packaging based promotion ever run in Australia by Australians. Bringing the digital and package world together.

CHIEF

I have been a Member of the AIP since: Since 2019 but my business has been a long-standing partner of the AIP for 15 years.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP provides me the opportunity to be able to give back to the industry through training and education.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Is so important for the new up and coming professionals who will be our future experts.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: The significant shift towards a more sustainability future with targets in place.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Embrace this opportunity and learn from within.

My mentors are:

Professor Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Achieving the AIP Industry Packaging Professional of the Year Award in 2019 and the WPO Lifetime Achievement Award.

JOE FOSTER FAIP AIP EDUCATION TEAM

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CLOSE THE LOOP GROUP

WPO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

1986 which makes it 36 years. I joined the AIP on the commencement of my Diploma in Packaging Technology way back in the second year of University studies in 1987 on the suggestion of my Dean of Food Technology Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP, way back when I had hair and I was enjoying learning about Food and Packaging Technology. I was also starting a journey into a great industry, meeting new mentors and making new friends.

What the AIP means to me :

The AIP is a team of peers that can come together whenever a challenge emerges and through collaboration, the team can create opportunity. As an organisation, the AIP has always been there behind the scenes to educate people interested in packaging and develop skills in the individual that progress the industry as a whole.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

A foundation driver of the Institute and a key element of linking people within the packaging industry.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

My strongest and proudest memories of my time within the AIP have been as President when the culmination of my team’s efforts enabled the AIP Conferences to make a comeback in 2000 onwards.

It was great to see the industry come together as one and proactively look for opportunities in the challenges of the times including making packaging safer with tamper evidence and juggling the dynamics of the retail ready packaging maze.

My advice to those starting in the industry : The packaging industry is as diverse and interesting as the people who work in it. One opportunity; one success can open doors into other areas and new fields that never seemed apparent at the start. My advice is to learn as much as you can, build your foundations and then challenge yourself. The beauty of our industry is that you are never alone; and through teams that the AIP support around the country, you will find help and you will make lifelong friends.

My mentors are:

There have been many kind, extremely intelligent and dynamic people who have helped shaped my time within the packaging industry but the one gentlemen who stands out is my Professor, my advisor on all things to do with the participation of a national board and my friend the late Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: That is a hard question to answer and I will leave that up to my peers.

AIP EDUCATION TEAM + FOUNDERS AWARDEE, PAST PRESIDENT

NATIONAL INNOVATION & OPTIMISATION LEADER, OPAL FIBRE PACKAGING AUSTRALIA

MICHAEL B HALLEY FAIP (Life) LIFE MEMBER

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

I joined on the 20th of September in 1973 which was 50 years ago.

What the AIP means to me : AIP means many things to me. It has widened my confrere list, improved my knowledge of old and new things and allowed me follow a passion for writing stories. It also was catalyst for several ‘adventures’ overseas.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

What the Institute was formed for! It is not a ‘fashionable’ subject and academic institutions pay little heed to industry needs. It has always fallen on the Institute to sponsor and arrange education programs for the wider industry. The current on-line experience would indicate that industry accepts this modern approach, but the risk of separation anxiety exists.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

The unit load development staring with the basic pallet and then methods of securing the load. The incompatible dimensions of the Australian pallet for exports using the ISO container was interesting. Probably metrication was also a significant change.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Never allow originality to give way to mediocrity.

It is OK to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I need help’. It is not important to know the answer! Knowing the question is the start to a solution.

My mentors are:

It is unfair to select from the array of people I have dealt with over the years. My boss Don Kellond, together with Noel Turner, Colin Simpson and Don Ferguson are high on the ladder.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Redrafting the Railways packaging specifications for dangerous goods is important, for that draft became The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail (ADG Code).

The stand out is that I developed the segregation chart using images of the labels rather than the proposed written name system.

NOEL HAVILL MAIP MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAVILL PACKPRINT DEVELOPMENTS

I have been a Member of the AIP since: Since 2013.

What the AIP means to me : Networking and education.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Important.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: The introduction of digital colour printing

My advice to those starting in the industry : Stay educated and up to date, even on technologies outside your current work area/interest.

My mentors are: My first boss in the industry (1976-1980’s) & my sales manager/friend (1978-1990’s).

My greatest achievement in the industry:

1: Creating and operating my own business in 2 countries over 20 years and 2: Staying relevant.

HARALD HENDRIKS AAIP MANAGING

DIRECTOR, PACFOOD

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2021.

What the AIP means to me: Help in uncertain days.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Evident.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Now.

My advice to those starting in the industry: Keep your eyes and ears open.

My mentors are: All of the AIP Education Team.

My greatest achievement in the industry: To make a living.

CONGRATULATIONS

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING

CONGRATULATIONS

60 YEARS OF EDUCATING PACKAGING PROFESSIONALS

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING

60 YEARS OF EDUCATING PACKAGING PROFESSIONALS

A remarkable achievement

A remarkable achievement

JANETTE HUGHES AAIP

QA IMPLEMENTER, MELBOURNE QUALITY ASSURANCE

I have been a Member of the AIP since: I joined the AIP in 2020.

What the AIP means to me : Knowledge, support, sustainability.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Important, vital.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Many of the packaging players supporting APCO.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Become a Member of AIP + AIFST.

NERIDA KELTON FAIP VICE PRESIDENT SUSTAINABILITY & SAVE FOOD, WPO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - AIP

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

2005 - only because I wasn’t allowed to be a Member before this.

What the AIP means to me :

The AIP has grown into a very strong educational community that offers like-minded people from diverse backgrounds and skillsets the opportunity to network and learn. The AIP is a safe place for many packaging professionals across Australia, New Zealand and Asia to come together to learn more about the industry and to develop personal and professional skills.

I always remind everyone that you do not have to be a Member of the AIP, it is not mandatory or tied to regulations. So the next time you attend an AIP event please look around and realise everyone is a part of the Institute by CHOICE

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

Training & Education is critical and paramount and a must have for everyone. I continue to learn every single day and am in awe of the many technical packaging professionals surrounding me. The AIP is the vessel for this in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

I would have to say when the 2025 National Packaging Targets were announced the packaging world as we knew it changed. I believe that the Federal targets not only brought all the packaging designers and technologists much closer to the AIP and our educational offerings but it also made companies look at their packaging teams in a different light. The targets helped to elevate the recognition of technically skilled packaging technologists, engineers and designers in many businesses.

Packaging professionals are more recognised now than they have been in many years. Whilst companies are providing budgets for training and education now through the AIP we still don’t see enough upskilling of staff. We would love to see more companies provide budgets for the Diploma in Packaging Technology, the Certificate in Packaging, the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology. It is also important that we have more Certified Packaging Professionals in the Australasian Region to ensure that we don’t have knowledge and skill gaps in the future.

If the Federal Government mandates the 2025 National Packaging Targets then hopefully we will see more packaging professionals come to the AIP to receive internationally recognised higher education qualifications in packaging technology.

NERIDA KELTON FAIP

CONT. VICE PRESIDENT SUSTAINABILITY & SAVE FOOD, WPO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - AIP

My advice to those starting in the industry : Everyone that starts in the industry should enrol in the AIP degrees so that we can continue to have skilled packaging professionals leading the teams in the next few decades. Everyone needs to have knowledge in the fundamentals of packaging.

My mentors are:

I have been surrounded by so many brilliant minds since I started in this industry over 25 years ago but the key people who have guided and supported me have been Vince Aisthorpe and David Doherty from the Supply Chain & Logistics side of the industry and then from the packaging side I was so lucky as George Ganzenmuller, Llew Stephens and the late Harry Lovell were there from the day I started in the AIP. If it wasn’t for George barging into my office one day asking for sponsorship I wouldn’t be a part of the AIP!

I was there when Pierre Pienaar also arrived on our shores and he has been one of my greatest supporters over the years. He has always encouraged me to grow and learn and I would not be the Vice President of Sustainability & Save Food without Pierre. He made me feel like it was a role that I was capable of leading, even though the position had been held by technical people in Europe before me.

I have also been very lucky to spend a lot of time with Keith Chessell and Ralph Moyle and I am honestly like a sponge trying to absorb even 5% of what they both know. They are both incredible people who support me every single day to learn more and to have the confidence in my skills and knowledge. If you want to really learn about packaging then listen to the technical experts like all of these professionals I have mentioned, as they are not only great teachers, but they are amazing mentors and friends.

My greatest achievement in the industry: I don’t reflect on my achievements very often as I believe that they were attained from a team of people, but I am very proud to have helped develop the Certified Packaging Professional program for the Australasian region, helped to create the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) awards, continually support the region to enter the WorldStar Packaging Awards each year.

If I had to pick one it would be my Fellowship as I am not a packaging technologist and I have had to learn everything I know by attending many training courses and workshops and seminars over 25 years. It is also about listening and learning from the technical experts around me.

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

November 1967 which is 56 years.

What the AIP means to me : It has provided me with a career defining association throughout almost all my working life, gave me a wonderful industry group of peers with which I have learnt so much, encouraged me to guide, teach and mentor others throughout. In retirement I have reflected often on those experiences and motivated me to remain in touch with as many colleagues as possible. Many times discussing trends and new innovations.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

So vitally important. On job training cannot provide In any way all that is available through education. Again the experiences in learning and sharing with others cannot be underestimated. When I started the only Education available in Victoria, and I also believe in other states was a Certificate course – very much typical of the training courses provided for like Technologists in so many disciplines so it has been of great encouragement to me to see what is now available through the AIP Education courses, seminars

ALLAN KENNY FAIP (Life)

RETIRED LIFE MEMBER AND FELLOW

and conferences. There were however in the early 70’s some excellent textbooks which were used as the Packaging Technologists ‘Bible’. Probably the best known and used was ‘the Packaging Encyclopaedia’ published by McGraw Hill in the states. Not sure if that is still available now but in those days it was evolutionary and updated probably every two years.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

The advancement in sophisticated structures and laminated materials enhancing shelf life properties, increasing recyclability and sustainability. Likewise the promotion of better management in the material usage, design of packaging to reduce waste and streamline manufacturing and packing line times.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Listen, learn, and actively involve yourself in Industry Associations, forums, events where you can share with peers.

My mentors are:

I believe I was fortunate enough to have more then one. Keeping in mind the Institute was only a couple of years old when I joined all the members seemed so willing towards in helping develop the skills with others. However Don Collett (my Packaging Boss at Kraft for eighteen years pr obably moulded me more

ALLAN KENNY FAIP (Life)

into why I believed in and demanded setting high quality standards in every aspect of my work). One other who instilled the belief that quality was premium over quantity was my Father, who as an engineer with the army had the same requirements, philosophy and beliefs. Others who I also regarded as Mentors were Don Kellond from Victorian Railways (he was Victorian Chairman in my early years) and was Michael Halley’s boss then, in later times supplier technical representatives from the Corrugated Paperboard, Carton board and Flexible films divisions at Amcor and Visyboard.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Endeavouring and succeeding to improve the quality of the manufactured Packaging materials by setting challenging, achievable but consistent high standards in their manufacture. This was done by close consultation with suppliers’ technical people and their suppliers. In my later work in setting printing quality standards involving using performance measurement and fingerprinting, particularly with the use of analysis tools not normally used for that purpose. I guess I will never forget one new to the industry representative asking his technical people ‘why not’ and the unacceptable answer to him of ‘it’s always been done that way’. We need to be prepared to challenge and change.

I have been a Member of the AIP since: I started in the food industry the 1st of April 1982 and joined the AIP later that year. I have been a Member for 41 years.

What the AIP means to me :

The AIP has not only given me the opportunity to learn and understand more about packaging but has also allowed me to meet and become friends with a large number of like-minded people. It is the people that have motivated me to maintain a connection with the AIP.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: One of the most important issues that needs to be maintained and developed.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: This industry is dynamic which is always changing which is one of the many reasons I have always been interested in packaging. I am passionate about the sustainability of the packaging industry in Australia. We need to have packaging that is sustainable (as an example from renewable resources) for us to have a sustainable industry.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Build up a network of like-minded people in the industry. A good network will allow you to solve any issue you may encounter.

My mentors are:

I have had many – To name a few: Mike Morgan FAIP, Llew Stephens FAIP, Bruno Madonna.

My greatest achievement in the industry:

I have had the pleasure to work with a large number of people within the industry. I have been lucky to be able to introduce and train new people to the packaging industry; many of these people have stayed, grown and progressed as packaging technologist and managers. I don’t say this is an achievement of mine but it is an area I have derived a great amount of pleasure.

MARK KERR FAIP

PACKAGING MANAGER, DON KRC (A DIVISION OF GWF)

DR CAROL KILCULLEN

-LAWRENCE

Phd, FAIP, CPP TREASURER & PAST PRESIDENT SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST, UPM RAFLATAC

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2011.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP is the first place I go to seek information about packaging be it through the many knowledgeable connections I have made, courses I have attended or webinars and site visits to learn about industry developments.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Paramount. We as an industry are constantly reinventing ourselves with new products and ways of working and the overall result means we are generating smarter and more sustainable packaging.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Progress towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets and the leadership position taken by the AIP to ensure the industry is educated to keep up with the essential pace of change.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Find your network through the AIP ‘family’. Whether it is on-line or in person, the connections you make are for a lifetime and they will be the first people you seek out to help you launch your own innovations and solve those technical challenges.

My mentors are:

The late Prof. Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP, Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPP, Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP, Keith Chessell FAIP, Nerida Kelton FAIP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Ensuring the label enhances packaging recyclability to create true circularity for packaging.

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2019.

What the AIP means to me : An institution that provides the latest trends and shares knowledge with it’s Members and the wider industry.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Adding value to the collective knowledge and initiatives of the people in the industry.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Shifting of the focus towards sustainability from cost reduction, with the industry collaborating on a holistic view on solutions.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Do not let the challenges of this industry overwhelm you. Take them as opportunities to improve yourself exponentially and become better in the craft of Packaging.

My mentors are:

The Packaging Department of Central Philippine University, especially Mr Bernie Cangrejo and Dr Lejo C. Braña.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Being able to pass my knowledge and experience to the next generation of packaging.

JAMES PATRICK MANEJERO MAIP, CPP PACKAGING ENGINEER, MEAD JOHNSON B. V./RECKITT BENCKISER

ANHELY MILLÁN MAIP

FOUNDER, SUSTAINABILITY FOR KIDS

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2015.

What the AIP means to me : Connections to the industry and latest updates.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Key to deliver sustainable packaging and meet 2025 National Packaging Targets.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Setting sustainability targets for packaging and design guidelines.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Build a strong network and stay connected with industry experts.

My mentors are:

Nerida Kelton FAIP, Keith Chessell FAIP, Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Being a finalist of the AIP 2023 Industry Packaging Professional of the Year Award.

RON MINES FAIP

PAST AIP SECRETARY DIRECTOR, AZMINE

I have been a Member of the AIP since: December 1987 which is now 36 years.

What the AIP means to me :

From day one it has been the fellowship of industry people. Without the dedicated people within the AIP, it would not be the successful organisation that it is today and will be into the future.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: An admirable goal and a high priority. Unfortunately, there are still many people working in the packaging industry who have never heard of AIP.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: I have two. 1: The implementation and on-going development of barcoding and 2: The change from rampant packaging consumerism to the current focus on sustainability.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Find the AIP and join up. There are so many benefits from membership.

My mentors are:

The Late Ian Fletcher, Frank Kassowitz, Jim Nash, Terry Waterson, Harry Lovell, George Ganzenmuller, Llew Stephens, Craig Wellman, Ralph Moyle, Nerida and Mark Kelton.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Being recognised with my Fellowship of the AIP.

MIKE MOBBS FAIP RETIRED

I have been a Member of the AIP since: I have been a Member since May 1966 which is 57 years. I was also recognised with a Fellowship on the 27th of May 1984.

What the AIP means to me :

The AIP has opened many opportunities and has supported me in my journey through the Packaging Industry.

It became a wonderful source of information and development of skills through networking and education.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Critical to the advancement of the Packaging Industry, through innovation, and refinement of design.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: The change from Imperial to Metric Measure for Packaging in Australia from 1976 through 1988.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Join the Australian Institute of Packaging and promote yourself through networking with members of the AIP Enrol in the Packaging Courses such as the Diploma in Packaging Technology and the Certificate in Packaging which are supported by the AIP.

My mentors are:

1963 – 1969 Edward (Ted) Stephens FAIP

1969 – 1984 Noel Turner FAIP

My greatest achievement in the industry: Having a share and direct input into the metrication change of detergent cartons and bottles and the resultant economies of cost reduction for the packaging materials, and for the transport and storage costs through to the consumer.

RALPH MOYLE FAIP, CPP

AIP EDUCATION COORDINATOR + FOUNDERS AWARDEE MANAGING DIRECTOR, PACKAGING SOLUTIONS WITH RALPH MOYLE

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

15th August 2004.

What the AIP means to me : There are many answers to this question but the, most powerful is to be a member of 'a group of likeminded individuals' acting as volunteers who can maintain and grow a 'not-for-profit' organisation over 60 years and take it to world organisations and be respected for their professionalism and endeavour. I am so proud to be a member of this group of wonderful people.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

The force that drives growth, success and personal fulfilment of all who accept its core need.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: That it does not stop changing. The only constant is change.

In Australia (and most of the western world), the influence of the retailers forcing change back through the supply chain is the most significant in the past

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

20 years and this is most clearly demonstrated by the requirements for Sustainable Packaging which challenges many of the criteria for sound packaging performance.

In the third worlds – the changes due to population increases increase the challenges of protecting food against waste.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Stay alert, stay focused, listen and learn to all those around you. Find a person with passion, drive for packaging, and work with them.

My mentors are:

I have been fortunate to have many. In packaging –George Ganzenmuller FAIP who coerced me into the Northern Region and provided quality leadership, Llew Stephens FAIP for his always-balanced thoughtful views and dedication, the late Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP for proving you can be firing on all cylinders at any age. In management, Barry Collet, The Danes at Plumose and Fletcher Jones. In life – my father.

My greatest achievement in the industry: To have the passion to learn new aspects and influences that packaging can bring to our society and never change this approach.

WPO

I have been reflecting on my initial AIP membership with AIP in 1970 and packaging generally from 1961 as a 16 year old when my roles with Unilever covered quality assurance and product/ packaging development.

A stint at Unilever in London in 1970s saw a break in my AIP membership but I did get to spend some time at PIRA (Packaging Industry Research Association) now operating as Smithers UK (https://www.smithers.com/industries/ packaging/manufacturers-and-users/distribution-testing/ distribution-testing-laboratory-locations/packagetesting-leatherhead-uk).

Unilever as it is now known has always been looking to adopt the latest, sustainable technologies to enhance consumer satisfaction and improve productivity. Starting with soaps production (Sunlight) in 1880s it expanded by acquisitions and organic growth into a multiplicity of consumer (FMCG) and industrial products and services.

Every one of these operations has had and still has specific requirements for safe and effective delivery to the end users and meeting their needs.

Over the years the emphases on these requirements have changed with transport modes, packaging material sophistication, enhanced design tools, manufacturing technologies, consumer sensibilities to climate change and attendant reduce, reuse, recycle mandates.

These changes have been applied across the broad spectrum of society and industry. In Australia we are very fortunate to have companies and institutions which are the equal of their international equivalents.

An outstanding example of this is AIP with the standing that its Members have and the well respected training programmes that it delivers not just in Australasia but throughout South East Asia.

AIP’s vision is:

The AIP remains the only professional body designed to educate, train and develop packaging technologists and other individuals involved within the packaging industry throughout Australasia.

And, it can be said, to build on professional packaging competencies in our region.

So when I think back 63 years to my entry into the workforce I am very conscious of how far we have come in a material and social sense and the individuals who have driven and facilitated change.

In Australia, Unilever back then fostered leading exponents of their respective fields and their involvement with industry groups for the betterment of all.

Around 1993 Unilever’s Packaging R&D in the UK approached the Australians to provide a training course in packaging for the whole of its S-E Asia operations. There were ca 15 participants for the two week course with sightseeing organised for the intermediate weekend.

Myself together with Ron Blacker of Unifoods saw this as a wonderful opportunity to involve AIP, to promote the packaging profession and to draw on AIP members as well as the companies that Unilever worked with. Ted Stephens, the AIP NSW Chairperson enthusiastically took up the challenge and was a key person in recruitment of speakers. A contingent of Unilever specialists presented on the latest materials and manufacturing technologies. Participants were finally tested on the course as a whole which was rated by the UK personnel as a success. Needless to say AIP NSW saw this as a model for further engagement with industry and to further education and professional training but at the time it proved difficult to replicate the scale and scope.

A follow-up was that I was seconded to Vietnam in 1994 to assist with the establishment of joint venture companies in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) in the south and Hanoi in the north.

Unilever installed the latest appropriate technologies and equipment which had their own learning curves. My brief was to source manufacturers of packaging materials, to offer recommendations on equipment upgrades and better design principle to take full advantage of the manufacturing potential.

Nevertheless, a seed had been sown and we now see fruition with AIP taking its much in demand education and training programmes to the region.

It success owes much to Pierre Pienaar and as President of the World Packaging Organisation AIP is represented at the highest level amongst its peers.

Turning specifically to AIP the Founders in Victoria and NSW included the following whom I was privileged to know and interact with in later years:

JIM NASH Dip.Pkg.Tech.FAIP CONT. RETIRED

Victoria

• Fred Flentje (1963) of Unilever (AIP Victoria) was an occasional visitor to Sydney after dried soups were moved from Balmain.

NSW

• Leslie Buck

• Eric Davis CSIRO

• John Trotter

Turning to later recipients of the Founders Award with whom I worked:

• Frank Kassowitz FAIP (Unilever and SAA) in 1987 and National President 1976-1979

Apart from the afore mentioned I was privileged to work with:

Noel Turner FAIP (Unilever) National President 1984-1985

Noel was instrumental with the able assistance of Ian Fletcher in raising the status of AIP, making it the professional body for practitioners of packaging and distinguishing it from the NPA which at the time saw itself as the leading advocate for the packaging industry except that it was largely focused ultimately on the interests of the businesses in the field of packaging. NPA was dissolved some time later.

Ian with Noel also initiated the Diploma in Packaging Technology course ca 1983 using IoP for course material to start with. Lectures were held at Unilever Balmain and there were visits to relevant companies in the Sydney region. I think this has been covered by others elsewhere.

Continuing the theme of AIP personnel whom I worked with:

• Late 60s to late 70s: Bruce Barnard and Frank Kassowitz with Unilever (EOI) at Balmain.

Each became secretaries of AIP (NSW).

• Bob McFadyen Unilever (Rexona). Bob was at the cutting edge of stress/strain analysis of plastics containers well before most people knew of such analysis. He spent time with Unilever Research in the UK.

Early meetings of AIP NSW were held at the Materials Handling Facility adjacent to the then CSIRO Food Research Laboratory. The site is now the Macquarie Innovation District.

There were many great people with whom I worked and it would not be fair to name a few and omit others. Some of you will have recall of those years but to all AIP Members, celebrate your 60th anniversary. It has been a long journey, it has not ended, AIP the organisation and you as Members have bright prospects for the future although challenging in many ways. You will overcome!

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2020.

What the AIP means to me : It is a tool and resource to help learn grow and understand the packaging world.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Essential and will assist to drive change and make a difference to the world of packaging and create a space for celebration and recognition.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: What can be done without the box thinking.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Watch, listen and ask questions. Constantly check on the developments and keep up to date with the developments as they happen.

My mentors are: I didn’t have one. Regional areas miss out in this area a lot and we don’t get to network like the big city’s or the big corporate world.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Nothing yet.

SUSAN O’NEILL MAIP PROCUREMENT MANAGER, HAZELDENES

PROF PIERRE PIENAAR MSc FAIP, CPP

AIP EDUCATION DIRECTOR & WPO PRESIDENT + FOUNDERS AWARDEE DIRECTOR, PACKTECH SOLUTIONS

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2001.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP Provides the platform for us in the industry to interface and communicate with like-minded people. In addition it allows us the opportunity to liaise and gather with packaging people across the world. Most important it gives us the opportunity to ensure that we remain abreast with packaging development across the globe.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

The cornerstone of the AIP. Education is the pillar of our ever-changing industry in which it is paramount, if we are to remain relevant that we ensure that we are in a constant state of learning.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

The significant move from packaging tablets and capsules in bottles to blister packaging.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Embrace the reality that nothing in the plan you make for yourself may happen the way you anticipated. That’s okay, there’s no need to stress. There will be beautiful discoveries to be made on the way that may take you far off track and there are wonderful futures down those paths too.

My mentors are:

The late Prof Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP (Life).

My greatest achievement in the industry:

1. Being the only person in the global packaging industry to have been a national president of a packaging institute in two different countries (South Africa and Australia).

2. To have been mentored by the late Prof Harry Lovell and taking over his role as AIP Education Director when he retired.

3. Serving as a Two-Term President for the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

GREG ROBERTS Dip.Pkg.Tech.FAIP, CPP

AIP JUDGE FOR WORLDSTAR STUDENT AWARDS DIRECTOR, 4P TECHNICAL SERVICES

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 1986.

What the AIP means to me :

In the early days the AIP provided great training, and also the chance to contribute to such training. I also had some great mentors such as the late Harry Lovell and the late Ian Fletcher. The technical dinners were a great way to develop my professional network, being invited to judge various packaging design competitions over the years has been a real honour.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: I have completed the Diploma in Packaging Technology through the AIP and also encouraged a number of my staff to do the same - a great grounding in packaging applications. The CPP accreditation is an excellent recent initiative.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: The move from traditional purchasing departments to strategic sourcing and long-term contracts stifled many development opportunities.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Spend time understanding how the intricacies of how the materials you are working with are made, and also how they work through the packing processes. Develop the ability to imagine.

My mentors are: Harry Lovell, Ian Fletcher.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Chief judge of the Australian Student Packaging Design awards in the late 1980s and undertaking the Certified Packaging Professional designation in more recent years. I am also a current judge for the AIP for the WorldStar Student Awards.

I have been a Member of the AIP since: April 1970 which is 53 years.

What the AIP means to me : I have fond memories of completing the Diploma in Packaging Technology course and learning a great deal about packaging technology in my early days in the pharmaceutical industry.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: I attained a Diploma in Packaging Technology (Credit) – and graduated in 1973.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: The change to PET from PVC – which solved a lot of issues for product interactions and instability.

My advice to those starting in the industry : You will be surprised at how complex and technical the packaging industry is. It is always improving through innovation.

My mentors are: Nick Jones, then Lecturer in the Packaging Diploma at Sydney Technical College. Also, Frank Kassowitz FAIP – Project Officer for packaging area of Standards Australia and a very active AIP member.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Probably when I organised the AIP educational seminars and turned them around from a loss to a profit making activity.

LLEW STEPHENS FAIP

PAST PRESIDENT, PAST VIC CHAIRMAN, FOUNDERS AWARDEE PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, LION

I have been a Member of the AIP since: January 2002.

What the AIP means to me: Industry wide technical information source and education provider.

• Increase my knowledge of packaging technology.

• Discuss packaging with industry peers in a relaxed environment.

• Seek out leaders in different packaging fields that I can then contact if the need arises.

• Keep abreast of new technologies.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

Vital if members are to keep up to date with today’s fast moving technologies and we Australian manufactures of packaging and packaged goods are to compete successfully in a global market. Our small population and significant transport dictate that packaging developed in Australia have unique challenges.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Shelf life extension using barrier materials and modified atmosphere packaging and the impact plastics has had across the full range of packaging segments.

My advice to those starting in the industry: Look outside your area of expertise to see if technologies used elsewhere can be modified for use. You will be surprised at how complex and technical the packaging industry is. It is always improving through innovation.

My mentors are:

Many including the AIP Southern Regional team - John Upstill, Ian Fletcher, Michael Halley, Karli Verghese and of course Harry Lovell.

• John Upstill FAIP and Ian Fletcher FAIP in AIP terms.

• Michael Halley FAIP for his willingness to volunteer. Various extremely knowledgeable and passionate industry leaders:

• Colin Edbrooke – cap application technology.

• Phillip Higgins FAIP – cap technology.

• Richard Smith FAIP – passion for the industry across rigids and flexibles.

• Alistair Hall for his willingness to offer advice in all aspects of bottle design and manufacture.

• Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP – For his on-going commitment and passion for education and maintenance of industry standards.

• All of the presenters at AIP conferences, training sessions and dinners for their willingness to share their experiences.

• Michael Grima MAIP - As a packaging designer and for his willingness to understand manufacturing .

• A long list of marketers I have worked with for pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

• The numerous manufacturing managers and team members I have worked with who were willing to support new ideas.

• The packaging suppliers I have worked with who often worked to timelines that were locked in to launch dates rather than 'normal development' timings.

• Nerida and Mark Kelton at the AIP Australasian Office for their commitment to the AIP, often under extremely trying circumstances.

My greatest achievement in the industry: The 2Lt Daily Juice bottle redesign that significantly improved palletisation capacity.

PAUL TIMBRELL MAIP GENERAL MANAGER, TECHPACK

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2015.

What the AIP means to me : Single source of improvement, training and guidance for Australian Packaging.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Important to ensuring we protect goods in an efficient, effective and safe manner.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Now with environmental expectations exceeding our ability to meet them.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Don’t be afraid to get technical.

My mentors are: My father and my suppliers.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Helping advance the light weighting of milk bottles and caps via introduction of foil seals with non-TE band caps in 2012.

GENELLE TRANSOM AAIP

PROCUREMENT CATEGORY MANAGER – PACKAGING & CONSUMABLES BEAK & JOHNSTON

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2020.

What the AIP means to me : The Institute helps me to keep in touch with educational activities, changes and updates in the category. The AIP is also a great source for networking.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Essential if we want the category to be more robust and stay up to date with the everchanging environment.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: All around flexibles and the challenges with Return to Store and REDCycle.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Is to be prepared that all things in packaging takes time. Nothing happens quickly.

My mentors are:

Most of my suppliers. Being able to draw on their knowledge has been invaluable.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Is pushing the business I work for to join APCO and move into more sustainable materials.

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JIGISHA TRIVEDI MAIP PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, 7-ELEVEN

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2017.

What the AIP means to me : The AIP feels like home for me as a packaging professional. It has given me the warmth and knowledge about the packaging industry in Australia required to settle in a new country being a migrant.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Very important as it will lead the packaging industry towards a more sustainable and circular future.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Shift from linear to a circular economy. More recent one is the progress we are making towards recycling of soft plastic as a kerbside option with advance recycling systems.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Join AIP and become a Member. You will gain a lot of knowledge and network of people that can help you thrive in your career.

My mentors are: Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP, Jason Goode FAIP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Winning an Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) award and then a WorldStar Packaging award for packaging of the delivery chips (hot chips).

KEVIN TRUONG Dip.Pkg.Tech, MAIP, CPP

PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, PRIMO FOODS

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2009.

What the AIP means to me : AIP is a source of not only packaging related resources, knowledge and information, but also inspiration for me.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: Of paramount importance. Education & training:

• Helps expand the knowledge & skills base for the industry, which hopefully results in better paid jobs.

• Helps dispel many myths, misconception and misperception about packaging and its impact on the environment.

• Helps drive towards a circular economy for packaging.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: For the past few years an unprecedented focus has been placed on packaging and its sustainability with the ultimate goal of achieving packaging circularity.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Give it your best plus some. Be hungry for knowledge and experience. Be patient. Be humble.

My mentors are: Chris Low, Ian Hayes FAIP, Cameron Dellar MAIP.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Launched a brand new snacking product portfolio with an incredible cross functional team at Primo Foods.

ROBIN TUCKERMAN FAIP RETIRED

I have been a Member of the AIP since:

February 7, 1979 which is 44 years.

In the 70’s I joined Wrightcel, a Courtaulds subsidiary after a number of years working for German multinationals Hoechst AG and Kalle AG, as a representative for their flexible packaging and reprographic businesses in Australasia. On joining Wrightel I was introduced to AIP Member Dereck Hartley, who convinced me to apply for Membership.

On April 4, 1979 I proudly accepted my tie and Certificate of Membership at the Toorak Club and much to my surprise found myself on the AIP Committee and the Editor of the fledgling 'AIP Newsletter'.

What the AIP means to me :

A comfortable place where I can meet with kindred souls and share ideas, a glass of wine and a few laughs. The networking opportunities are extremely valuable and the friendships gained priceless. I guess I took the advantages of being a Member of the AIP a bit for granted, but this all changed when I started my own consultancy in 2005. I was able to use the contacts gained as a result of my more than 30 years involvement in the Institute to make RT Consulting and Pack-Partners successful and respected 'go to' places for people, companies and organisations seeking help with packaging related issues.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

Critical, but so is the need to attract young people, particularly young women, to the industry. Somehow we must communicate to students at the secondary and tertiary levels that the packaging industry is a vibrant, fun and rewarding industry and I would like to see younger members of our industry acting as Packaging Industry Ambassadors at school vocation functions.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

When Richard Pratt (not the late 'Visy Richard Pratt') returned from a visit to the States and opened the first supermarket in Australia in Frankston, Victoria. His 'Safeway' 'self-serve supermarket changed the face of FMCG packaging from one of 'bring-your-own' and 'returnable multi-use' packaging to pre-packed and single use packaged goods…and the rest is history!

My advice to those starting in the industry : Is to listen and learn, by attending AIP Functions, studying for the Diploma in Packaging Technology or Certificate in Packaging and/or attending the Half Day Training Courses. Immerse yourself in the industry by attending packaging related exhibitions and getting on the circulation list of industry magazines such as PKN Packaging News. Social Media is also becoming a valuable source of information regarding new packaging developments both here and overseas.

My mentors are:

I have had many mentors over the years, but the most memorable is my dear friend the late Professor Emeritus Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP, who helped me over the hurdle of thirty years of (relative) job security to the challenging world of consulting. I also thoroughly enjoyed working with Harry on the Packaging Council of Australia 'The Pack Pack' which is an Education Kit for Primary Schools. I particularly value a hand written spread sheet that Harry put together, listing the history of every packaging medium known to mankind (This has been passed on to the AIP for perpetuity).

My greatest achievement in the industry: Was being admitted as a Fellow of the Institute in front of several hundred of my peers at the AIP Conference Dinner on June 15, 2006.

TERRY WATERSON FAIP (Life)

PAST PRESIDENT & LIFE MEMBER GENERAL MANAGER, METALPRINT AUSTRALIA

I have been a Member of the AIP since: June 1985 which is 38 years.

What the AIP means to me:

A professionally operated organisation that has established its credentials globally and this in turn has given AIP Members like myself access to international technologies. Personally I have always appreciated the camaraderie of Members and their willingness to share.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

Critical to the future of any industry but in particular the Packaging Industry went through a period of poor recognition of packaging technologists in their organisations. I feel the education programs and seminars conducted by the AIP has significantly contributed to positive change creating more opportunity for packaging professionals.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: It might be a little strange to say this but the growth of companies by acquisition of smaller rivals has condensed the industry players which can have effects on progress and opportunities for Packaging Professionals.

My advice to those starting in the industry: Be involved and take the opportunities to attend AIP conferences and Training programs to network and make contacts across the wide spectrum of packaging operations. The benefits will be appreciated during your career.

My mentors are: I did not have any specific mentors. Much of my packaging knowledge was gained from personal experiences in materials, applications and processing. The opportunity for attendance at Conferences/Training programs did not exist.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Introduction and implementation of the Cheerpack Spouted Pouch packaging system to the Australian food processing industry from a Japanese patent. This included and involved designing and implementing Filling systems for Baby Food and Yoghurt with pouches being filled through the spout and in the case of Baby Food being subjected to retort conditions after filling. It is now a common place product in Oceania supermarkets.

JAMIE WELLER MAIP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ANZ – INDUSTRIAL PRINT & PACKAGING, KISSEL & WOLF AUSTRALIA

I have been a Member of the AIP since: 2023.

What the AIP means to me :

An excellent way to ensure existing and new Members can keep up with the latest developments and strive in an ever-changing industry.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is: The boom of e-commerce during COVID and the need for digital transformation.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is: Is to embrace the journey and maintain a genuine thirst for learning each day. Engaging in this remarkable field can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

My advice to those starting in the industry : Embrace this opportunity and learn from within.

My mentors are: Too many over the years.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Has been helping customers in their digital transformation.

CRAIG WELLMAN FAIP

PAST PRESIDENT, TREASURER & CENTRAL REGION DIRECTOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WELLMAN PACKAGING

I have been a Member of the AIP since: It feels like a lifetime but I officially become a Member in November 2000.

What the AIP means to me :

The AIP is a phenomenal organisation creating the space for like-minded professionals to collaborate, mentor and develop relationships that are both professionally and personally rewarding in a field that we are collectively passionate about.

Providing Education & Training to everyone in the industry is:

The basis for a well resourced and sustainable packaging industry derived through excellence and innovation. It is the most valuable asset that we have.

My strongest memory of significant change within the packaging industry is:

The fundamental shift to carbon footprinting, sustainability and 'green' strategies that pay their way. As one example the PET resin with 25% renewable content coupled with downstream vertical integration of PET bottle making & filling enabling extreme light-weighting of containers and significant line speed improvements.

My advice to those starting in the industry :

My mentors are:

Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP and Llew Stephens FAIP; as they mentored my development from the AIP NSW Executive through to the roles of AIP President and Vice President before that.

My greatest achievement in the industry: Representing the Australian Institute of Packaging as its President, taking the first steps towards joining the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and contributing to a significant expansion in the Institute’s training and education portfolio.

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THE HISTORY OF AIP EDUCATION

The early years

In 1954 the first steps towards the recognition of packaging technology as a profession was marked by the founding of the National Packaging Association.

In Victoria with another Division in New South Wales in early 1958. The association was largely promotional and was essentially a non-technical and non-trade body but it recognised that there was an absence of a cadre of professionally competent technologists the effects of which were being felt by certain sections of the packaging industry.

However, the National Packaging Association had been responsible for the sponsorship of a vocational course in packaging at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a number of members were lecturers of the course.

As a consequence, John Pritchard NSW State Chairman approached Leslie Buck (Australian Sisalcraft) to take up the ‘professional’ cause and to develop an appropriate response.

The Foundation Meeting lead to the establishment of the Australian Institute of Packaging was held on the 6th March 1963 with eleven members from various industrial companies and the CSIRO.

Amongst its key aims were:

1. To serve as a professional institute.

2. To advance the science and technology of packaging.

3. To establish the confidence of the community in the profession.

4. To encourage the study of packaging technology.

Education was perceived as the core activity and the primary role of the Institute. It also indicated that membership would form the backbone of lecturers.

In 1964 the Sydney Technical College after lengthy negotiations with the Dept of Technical Education initiated a similar course within the School of General Studies.

In 1966 the Queensland Division of the AIP was formed.

By 1970 the course in NSW had expanded to a four-year Certificate course whilst other states were still engaged in working towards a similar target.

At the same time the AIP enjoyed joint participation with other professional bodies e.g. Australian Society of Dairy Technology, Plastics Institute of Australia and was also a represented on the Packaging Industry Standards Committee of the Standards Association of Australia.

In 1972 strong criticism was voiced of the course at Sydney Technical College where it was stated that “courses were not being properly conducted, lack of printed lecture notes, inappropriate text books were cited as contributing to ineffective teaching.”

It is important to note that the instruction was provided in the main by permanent staff whose basic expertise was not in the field of packaging. Attention also focussed on an AIP/RMIT course (Certificate of Business Studies Packaging) with the aim of offering the course in various formats across the states.

The Packaging Council of Australia had offered Packaging Appreciation courses and the Queensland Division expressed interest in these programs.

In 1977 the Packaging Certificate Course at Sydney Technical Course was abandoned but the two-year Packaging Appreciation Course was maintained by the School of Management for ‘what seemed to be mainly political reasons’.

By 1978 it was clear that a more unified approach was necessary and to this end various overseas options were explored. Amongst these was an audio/visual course prepared by the Packaging Association of Canada and the 5-10 day Residential courses run by the Institute of Packaging in the U.K.

THE HISTORY OF AIP EDUCATION

In the period 1979-81 the focus finally centred on the IoP’s Diploma in Packaging Technology (UK) offered through Distance Learning. The course had operated in some twenty-seven countries over 26 years and had earned a sound reputation.

The AIP determined that this would meet the Institutes requirement and an agreement was formulated.

This development coincided with the migration to Australia of two IoP members, one of whom had been extensively involved in the IoP’s Residential Programs.

An established tutor had already been associated with TAFE in Melbourne made up the group with a Tutor in each state. Initially the Tutors were employed by the Cambridge Extension College –a reputable college which had several distance learning programs.

One of the Tutors resigned in 1987 and a further tutor left in 1992 and neither was replaced.

In the ensuing years the course gained momentum and the numbers of students grew proportionately. Throughout the 80’s and the 90’s short Residential courses were run very successfully by the AIP attracting full complements of students.

At the same established educational institutions started to exercise interest in packaging as a developing area. At the same time packaging as a subject was being extended and given new status within some food technology courses. In 1983 the Queensland Agricultural College had introduced a Graduate Diploma in Packaging supported by industry with an overseas travel scholarship attached.

Later following the Dawkins changes to the higher education sector the University for Western Sydney (Hawkesbury) examined the prospects for a B.Sc with packaging as a major but there was little support. Hence in 1988 Victoria University set up a Master’s program in packaging.

A notable academic was imported from the USA to ‘kick start’ the program and thirty-seven students were enrolled. Sadly, this fell from grace over several years and only some seven students graduated. Several attempts were made to rejuvenate the program without success and finally in 2009 the university withdrew from packaging education.

In 1989 a short course sponsored by the AIP and PCA was run in Melbourne at Moorabin TAFE.

In the late 90’s the AIP introduced its own Certificate in Packaging which was endorsed by the IoP (UK). In a modified format it served as a program for the Department of Defence until the introduction of the Certificate of Packaging by the PIABC in the United Kingdom.

In 2002 the Packaging Industry Awarding Body Company was formed - a UK Government accredited body responsible for the development of curriculum and accreditation of centres. This process brought a new dimension and standards to the Diploma of Packaging Technology coupled with a new Certificate in Packaging. Tutors required formal accreditation and centres to meet stringent requirements. The course was developed after extensive consultation with industry requirements. In the Distance Learning mode, the instructional material has been developed by the Institute of Packaging - The Packaging Society (UK)and licensed to the AIP and other accredited centres.

The future was assured as we moved to greater recognition of the qualifications with the Diploma recognised formally as the benchmark for a Professional Packaging Technologists.

The courses were reviewed and updated at regular (3 yr) intervals and are well established, and a mark a new phase in the recognition of packaging at a professional level.

Edited but originally written by the late Emeritus Prof Harry Lovell, OAM, FAIP (Life).

THE HISTORY OF AIP EDUCATION

Update to AIP Education

NB: Professor Pierre Pienaar took over from Emeritus Harry Lovell as Education Director for the AIP ten years ago and continues to lead the ever-growing educational team and expanding portfolio of offerings today.

Prof. Pienaar provides an update to the current and expanding education portfolio for the Institute.

Diploma in Packaging Technology & Certificate in Packaging (est in 1980’s)

Having run these courses since the 1980’s, the Certificate in Packaging Technology course (1 year) and the Diploma in Packaging Technology course (2.5 years) remains the backbone of the AIP educational offerings and is formalised curriculum through the PIABC in the UK.

The Certificate in Packaging (Level 3) is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging.

The Certificate is the ideal first qualification for those working in the packaging industry.

The new course, based on the revised specification released in 2022, provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and businesses.

Whilst the Diploma in Packaging Technology (Level 5) is Internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry.

The Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification that prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study.

The AIP have qualified and approved tutors that guide and teach the students in a distance learning format. The students can then set their own pace and decide to sit the necessary exams in June and November of each year.

Student numbers

The student enrolment numbers for these two courses have varied widely over the years but have averaged approx. 8 student enrolments per a year over the past 15 years. The AIP realises the need for on-going education thus ensuring that people in our industry have the opportunity to increase their knowledge. Education is the cornerstone of the AIP, so we have to continue to drive the enrolments each year irrespective of numbers.

Training Courses 2005

In 2005 the education team realised that more regular and on-going training was needed in the industry across the wide range of packaging topics, and so began what is known as AIP Training courses. We had to fit in with what the industry could easily accommodate, which was a half day of training. The first training under this banner was to the Industries Group in Victoria on the topic of Introduction to Plastics. It was a great success, so the AIP moved it to NSW and QLD, where it was equally well received and so began the addition over the ensuing years of 28 such courses offering the following topics. Since the pandemic the course have been offered virtually as well as physical and continue to be one of the most successful bite-sized offerings the AIP has in its education portfolio.

THE HISTORY OF AIP EDUCATION

INTRODUCTORY COURSES

1. Introduction to Circular & Sustainable Packaging Design.

2. Introduction to the Australasian Recycling Labelling Program.

3. Introduction to Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.

4. Introduction to Accessible & Inclusive Packaging Design.

5. Introduction to Packaging Materials 6. Introduction to Plastics.

7. Introduction to Print Technology 8. Introduction to Corrugated Boxes.

9. Introduction to Packaging Economics 10. Introduction to Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Packaging 11. Introduction to Active & Intelligent Packaging.

12. Introduction to the Cold Supply Chain.

13. Certified Compostable Packaging: Now & into the future.

INDUSTRY SPECIFIC COURSES

14. The New World of Plastics Technology: Polymers & Recycling.

15. The Use of Lifecycle Assessment Tools for Sustainable Packaging Design.

16. The Role of Packaging In Minimising Food Waste.

17. Packaging for Product Life Extension.

18. Food Safety-Packaging Standards and Regulations.

19. Flexible Packaging: Now & Into the Future.

20. Packaging for Transport.

21. Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Barrier Materials.

22. Future of Sustainable Labelling

23. Packaging Specifications 24. The value of Recycled Content in your business 25. Packaging in the Beverage Industry

ADVANCED COURSES

27. Advanced Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.

28. Advanced Course in the Australasian Recycling Labelling Program.

Annual AIP Scholarship program (2012)

There will always be students who really want to gain additional knowledge but also pursue formalised education that is recognised globally. In many cases the student simply does not have the means to do so. In 2012 the AIP approached various associations and organisations willing to sponsor such students where ultimately the student as well as the packaging industry benefits. Every year since introducing such offerings the AIP has selected students to offer them sponsorships that applied to both the diploma and certificate courses. The results over the years have been outstanding. Currently the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) offers 2 scholarships each year. Where the AIP has had outstanding applications for these scholarships, the AIP themselves have stepped in and offered an additional scholarship now known as the President’s Scholarship.

THE HISTORY OF AIP EDUCATION

Corporate Partnering Program (2014)

The program was set up as interest was growing from a business perspective to have the own in-house training. The first such training took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK).

Here companies opt for a tailored training program that focuses on their specific requirements and provides a bespoke learning experience for a specific group of employees or an entire workforce. The Corporate Program is available for individual companies who wish to select specific components from the Certificate in Packaging or Diploma in Packaging Technology programs for the purpose of in-company training. This type of training is important not only for technologists, engineers, quality assurance personnel, but also buyers, sales, and marketing staff. The individual components are available in assessable or non-assessable format enabling participants to progress towards the complete qualification. The programs can be tailored to meet company requirements in conjunction with a flexible delivery. This allows the program to be delivered with minimal interruption to company operations.

Master of Food & Packaging Innovation (2015)

The University of Melbourne created the Master of Food and Packaging Innovation, in partnership with the AIP, as an inter-disciplinary degree that explores food processing, entrepreneurship and innovation in product and packaging design at an advanced level.

The AIP brings qualified, experienced lecturers from industry to discuss elements necessary for Design in Packaging and Materials in Packaging. It is a most rewarding course, and the AIP delivers up to date and relevant information to these students from all around the world. Class numbers on average are 50-60 students per year, although in 2023 the course exceeded 100 students.

The student will learn the skills necessary to develop valuable and innovative food products that address key issues such as transportability, durability, tamper proofing and perishability issues, as well as key environmental, economic, social and ethical factors.

Certified Packaging Professional Designation (2016)

In 2016, the AIP realised that due to globalisation that there was certainly a need for global recognition in knowledge within the packaging industry. The Institute looked at various options of such programs around the world and ultimately settled with the accreditation program for packaging technologists in the IoPP in the USA. The AIP were the first professional body for packaging training and education in the world to offer the CPP outside of the IoPP.

The Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) program is designed to assess and evaluate one’s professional competency that validates you as internationally proficient as a packaging professional.

THE HISTORY OF AIP EDUCATION

The AIP now has Certified Packaging Professional in Australia, New Zealand and many parts of Asia and the numbers continue to grow year on year. This designation is now globally recognised by the World Packaging Organisation as the technical benchmark for all packaging professionals across the globe.

Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (2019)

In 2019 the AIP established a need for a learning offering that could accommodate students wanting to access bite-sized modules that covered the science and technical application in packaging in their own time and at their own pace. The Institute researched a solution and found it in USA through our local sister-association the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP).

The AIP has seen the enrolments grow exponentially since the pandemic and students

continue to enrol each month. The Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course is also the foundational training to prepare for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) exam offered through the AIP. The AIP also offers a residential version of the FPT course over 4x Two-Day Semesters across a 12-month period.

AIP Education Team

The AIP has a very dedicated, experienced team that gives of a huge amount of their time in assisting, helping, lecturing, training, and advising both students and people from the industry. Collectively the Institute would have more than 300 years of experience in the AIP Education Team.

Written by Professor Pierre Pienaar, Education Director, FAIP, CPP

AIP RECEIVES GLOBAL CONGRATULATIONS FOR 60th ANNIVERSARY

On behalf of the Institute of Packaging South Africa, it is with great pleasure and admiration that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) on reaching the extraordinary milestone of 60 years of dedicated service to the packaging industry of Australia and New Zealand and the global community through the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). This remarkable achievement symbolises six decades of unwavering commitment, innovation, and leadership in advancing the field of packaging. Throughout the years, the AIP has consistently showcased the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and ingenuity, making invaluable contributions to the packaging industry on both national and international scales.

The Australian Institute of Packaging has been instrumental in fulfilling its core objectives of providing technical and educational packaging training, fostering networking opportunities amongst its members, and facilitating business collaborations within the industry. Your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have not only elevated the packaging profession but have also contributed to the sustainable growth and development of numerous businesses and professionals within the sector.

One of the AIP’s remarkable achievements is its continuous commitment to packaging education. Through your educational programs, workshops, and certification courses, you have equipped countless individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this ever-evolving field. Your dedication to staying at the forefront of packaging technology and practices has ensured that Australia and New Zealand remains a global leader in the industry. Moreover, the AIP’s emphasis on networking and collaboration has fostered a strong sense of community among packaging professionals. By providing platforms for sharing ideas, best practices, and industry insights, you have facilitated meaningful connections that have undoubtedly sparked innovation and driven the growth of the packaging sector. Your dedication to creating an inclusive environment where professionals can come together to learn, grow, and thrive is truly commendable. The AIP’s role in facilitating business opportunities amongst its members is equally noteworthy. By organising conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows, you have created spaces where industry leaders, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and explore avenues for growth. Your efforts in promoting business partnerships have not only contributed to the success of individual organisations but have also helped to drive the packaging industry forward as a whole.

As a leading member of the global packaging community through the World Packaging Organisation, the Australian Institute of Packaging has consistently represented excellence, innovation, and thought leadership. Your active participation in international events, collaborations, and initiatives has strengthened the bond between packaging professionals worldwide and has ensured that the packaging industry continues to evolve and meet the challenges of the future. The Institute of Packaging South Africa extends its warmest congratulations on this momentous occasion. Your legacy of excellence and your commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous packaging industry will continue to inspire future generations of packaging professionals.

May the Australian Institute of Packaging enjoy many more years of success, growth, and impactful contributions to the packaging industry and the global community.

Once again, congratulations on this incredible milestone!

Mr Charles Muller National Chairman The Institute of Packaging South Africa