August 2013 eNewsletter by Australian Institute of Packaging

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

Join the AIP on

YOU ARE INVITEDYOU TO JOIN THEINVITED AIP TO ARE TO JOIN THE AIP TO CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY Come and join us for a most-memorable evening with old and new colleagues, mentors and friends!

WHAT:

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is proud to be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September.

WHEN:

Thursday 12th of September

WHERE:

The Chapter House 197 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000 This striking building built in 1891 is adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral and is one of the CBD’s most imposing function settings. A truly historic and unique setting for the AIP’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

LIMITED NUMBERS FORonTHIS SPECIAL EVENT SO DON’T DELAY! Please email info@aipack.com.au or visit the events page for more information Pleasewww.aipack.com.au email info@aipack.com.au or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au for more information AIP National Office 34 Lawson Street Oxley QLD 4075 Australia  +61 7 3278 4490  +61 7 3009 9916  info@aipack.com.au  www.aipack.com.au

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE LATEST AIP ACTIVITIES FOR 2013

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY EVENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

To register to attend any of the events simply email info@aipack.com.au or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au

VIC When: Where: Time: Speakers:

In conjunction with APPITA

Wednesday the 7th of August Box Hill Golf Club 6.00 pm Craig Elvin Sales and Services Manager Visy Glama Craig will talk about trends in corrugated Point of Purchase (POP) in both Australian and overseas markets. He will look at board grades, paper make ups, the influence of China production, retailer influence on POP and design styles and design considerations. William Wu General Manager Cyclelink Australia William will provide a presentation on what Cyclelink is doing across the world and how Chinese Paper mills value different sources of recycled fibres.

QLD When: Where: What:

AIP TECHNICAL DINNER

QUEENSLAND SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

AIP are one of the host bodies

Thursday 29th & Friday 30th August Sofitel Hotel Brisbane Supply Chain Sustainability: Exploring its impact on you and your business Over 4000 delegates have attended the conference in this time. Will you be among them in 2013? www.qldscc.com

AIP 50TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER When: Where:

Time: What:

VIC

Thursday the 12th of September The Chapter House This striking building built in 1891 is adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral and is one of the CBD’s most imposing function settings. A truly historic and unique setting for the AIP’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 6.30 pm The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is proud to be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September. Come and join us for a mostmemorable evening with old and new colleagues, mentors and friends!

PACKAGING FOR PRODUCT LIFE EXTENSION HALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE When: Where: Time: Presenter:

VIC

Wednesday the 25th of September Viewpoint Centre REVISED COURSE 10.00 am Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP This half-day training course will examine the essential factors influencing shelf life, the requirements and assessment of procedures for its extension. It will examine the changes that take place in food during processing and storage their impact on shelf life. The technologies will include Modified Atmosphere Packaging, vacuum and gas packaging, canning and retort pouches, aseptic and clean fill packaging, active and smart packaging.

AIP TECHNICAL DINNER In conjunction with SCAA When: Where: Time: Speaker:

Wednesday 2nd of October Box Hill Golf Club 6.00 pm Philip Casey Research Program Leader (Polymers) CSIRO This presentation will discuss the multi-faceted aspects of global megatrends, consumer needs and regulatory trends together with sustainability in materials and materials technology development.

KIMBERLY-CLARK INGLEBURN SITE VISIT When: Where: Time: What:

VIC

NSW

Wednesday 20th of November KCA Ingleburn 10.15 am AIP members will have the opportunity to see the how the Ingleburn Mill safely produces Huggies nappies for Australia and New Zealand. The conversion process is high speed, and is supported by an automated quality control process and a mature quality management system. This enables Kimberly-Clark to deliver optimum quality products to the market that meet consumer expectations and conform to the product specifications.

NEW MEMBERS The AIP would like to welcome the following new Members...

Benjamin McGee

Associate

VIC

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

Veronica Thompson

Member

VIC

Learn about new trends and technologies Discover new ways to do things to improve your business Expose your employees to better practices See how sustainability is affecting the flexo workplace

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE LATEST AIP ACTIVITIES FOR 2013

Make or Brea for Australia”

2014

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY EVENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Why you and your staff should be there:

“

To register to attend any of the events simply email info@aipack.com.au or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au

Terry McCrann has been a journalist for more than 40 years and since 1987 has written his column for News Ltd across Australia. He’s read in the Herald Sun and Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. He also writes for The Weekend Australian and Brisbane’s Courier Mail. He’s a Walkley Award winner and he’ll talk on :

AU & NZ

INDUSTRY EVENTS

THE 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL PACKAGING AWARDS PRESENTATION EVENING

(pic of guy doing backflip)

INTRODUCTION TO AEROSOL TECHNOLOGY COURSE

INTRODUCTION TO AEROSOL TECHNOLOGY COURSE & Optional Factory Tours

KEYNOTE

When: Thursday the 22nd of August Friday the 23rd of August Where: Macquarie Graduate School of Management Macquarie Park, Centre, NSW Macquarie Park, NSW MGSM Conference What: 2 Day Workshop plus optional day of factory 22-23 August 2013 tours. With Optional Factory Tours on 21 August 2013 www.aerosol.com.au

Join the ANZFTA Forum 5th and 6th of Septemb Melbourne Exhibition C

Y BIRDForANZFTA RATES more information: FORUM TAX INVOICE 013 tel: (02) 8095 9630 AUD $650 $550 ........... Numbers attending

training@aerosol.com.au www.aerosol.com.au

AUD $850 $750 ........... Numbers attending

AUD $155 ........... Number riday the 6th September

lton Melbourne South Wharf Hotel. ive the group price.

CSIRO SITE VISIT

SAYS LET’S GET FLEXIBLE IN 2013 Let’s stretch

on the Yarra

your imagination New to the aerosol industry or wishing to increase your on how you knowledge of the aerosol and industry matters? and 6th of September

night ur bookings

When: 5th can get more Where: the Hilton Princes Wharf Then theHotel, Aerosol Association of Australia’s two-day Introduction to Aerosol profit out of Technology course is for you. .............................................................................................. Melbourne Exhibition Centre your flexo ...........Fax............................................................................. What: foryour the fifth imagination year running, by experienced and respected business Let’s Delivered, stretch on how you local can .............................................................................................. and international aerosol industry practitioners, the course will leave you with get more outofof flexo business. a greaterprofit understanding the your components that make up this unique

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packaging solution, how aerosol technology works and, importantly, what affects its performance.

Why you and your staff should be there: Speakersabout will cover all aspectstrends of aerosol production, including propellants • l Learn new and technologies and formulation considerations, safety, testing, warehousing, industry • l Discover ways to do things to improve regulations, andnew sustainability. your business PAY ONLINE AT: In addition, Hidetoshi Miyamoto, R&D Manager, Daizo Japan and One Asia www.flexoaustralia.org.au • l Expose your employees to inbetter Network, will share some exciting innovations the aerosolpractices format! NO CHEQUES ACCEPTED • l See how sustainability is affecting the flexo Direct deposit facility at: Plus, now you can attend an optional extra day of factory tours on Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia workplace 21 August 2013 to see aerosol manufacture in progress at a can Branch: Epping

usive of GST) Hotel South Wharf Quote Ref: GFLEA

the Forum

2 541 692 097

egistration

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.com

When: Friday the 6th September Where: The Hilton Hotel, Princes Wharf 147 Quay Street, Auckland What: The 2013 Environmental Packaging Awards ‘Fast Forward’ Presentation Evening www.packaging.org.nz

BSB: 063599 Account: 1026 9456

factory, a valve factory and an aerosol filler.

Account Name: Australian Flexographic Technical Association

Groups of five or more from the same company are able to negotiate a special rate, so encourage your colleagues to book with you.

www.flexoaustralia.org.au

Annual Forum 2013

When: Monday 16th of September Where: CSIRO Material Science and Engineering, Gate 5, Normanby Road, Clayton The tour will be facilitated by CSIRO’s Business Development Manager Dilip Manuel who will provide everyone with an insight into one of Australia’s premier R&D facilities. AIP MEMBERS INVITED

2013 CORMACK INNOVATION AWARDS When: Where: What:

Cormack Innova on Awards

Smart Minds Practical Solutions

Thursday 31st of October Sydney We are back for our 12th Year! This year’s Award Presentation Night Save the date, it is set to be a great evening!

www.cormack.com.au

AIP PARTNERS

Find out how your company can become a partner of the AIP by emailing info@aipack.com.au Untitled-1 1

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AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

UPM RAFLATAC - INDUSTRY MENTOR TO PACKAGING SPECIALISTS

PM Raflatac Melbourne will join the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) education program as an industry mentor, opening its doors to students undertaking the Certificate in Packaging (level 3) to gain exposure to the labelling industry.

“The AIP really appreciates the contribution from UPM Raflatac in assisting our Diploma in Packaging Technology and Certificate in Packaging students.’ says Ralph Moyle MAIP, National President of the AIP. “Many of these students have a good knowledge of one, or maybe two areas of packaging, and we really appreciate UPM Raflatac offering assistance in the area of self-adhesive labels to the students who are not familiar with this area of packaging. The AIP will also be seeking other mentors from other areas of packaging to also assist this program.” AIP serves as an independent professional body of packaging specialists, promoting professional standards of competency through education and training. The level 3 certificate is designed to meet the training needs of a wide variety of people involved in packaging. From the new entrant to the industry who wants the best possible preparation for a career in the industry, to design, production, management, sales and marketing or purchasing personnel who wants to deepen their understanding in this field. “We are delighted to volunteer our services as an industry mentor”, says Carol Lawrence, Environment and Sustainability Specialist, UPM Raflatac. “Students visiting the Melbourne factory will be able to see how we manufacture self-adhesive labelstock. They will also get the chance to visit converters and see labels being printed and die cut ready for application onto packaging.” UPM Raflatac will also assist with two elective subjects to complete the certificate course; the use of printing and decoration for packaging, and the use of labelling and coding for packaging materials.

INDEPENDENT MEASUREMENT OF PACKAGING PERFORMANCE

Permeability testing - oxygen transmission and water vapour transmission. Analysis to determine what types of plastic materials are present in a sample, Permeability testing -ofoxygen transmission and water vapour transmission. including structures multilayered packaging. Analysis to determine what types of plastic are related presentproperties, in a sample, Mechanical testing of plastic films – tensile materials strength and tear including structures of multilayered packaging. resistance, puncture resistance, dart impact resistance and others. Mechanical testing of plastic films – tensile strength and related properties, tear Plus many other tests. resistance, puncture resistance, dart impact resistance and others. Plus many other tests.

Australia 1300 GunnLab New Zealand 0800 GunnLab 1300 GunnLab Email:Australia bruce@gunnlab.com.au New Zealand 0800 GunnLab www.gunnlab.com.auEmail: bruce@gunnlab.com.au

www.gunnlab.com.au

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

July-August 2013

tech speak

www.packagingnews.com.au

Balancing the benefits of lightweighting Lightweighting of plastic containers is usually adopted as a way to achieve production and cost benefits as well as environmental gains. however, as Stephen Barter explains, such cost savings need to be considered against the need to retool and upgrade production methods.

educing the plastic component of the overall package is a great environmental initiative, but in today’s competitive market, the opportunity to save money in the actual packaging cost is very appealing. However, quick savings in plastic could end up costing much more in other areas like filling and function failures. Extrusion blow moulding (EBM) for plastic bottles is a very flexible process

Behind the jaRgon Lightweighting: Making a product lighter or ensuring that it is at its optimum (right) weight, whilst ensuring that its existing product characteristics and hence product performance are not affected, can bring many business benefits, most notably cost benefits. BLow mouLding: A manufacturing process by which hollow plastic parts are formed. extrusion BLow mouLding: The process whereby plastic is melted and extruded into a hollow tube (a parison). This parison is then captured by closing it into a cooled metal mould. Air is then blown into the parison, inflating it into the shape of the hollow bottle, container or part.

and offers the most cost-effective method to reduce packaging costs by way of tooling and process adjustments. Effective weight reduction projects should start with an analysis of the bottle sales volumes. High-volume production bottles should be targeted for five per cent or less weight reduction immediately. In most cases this can be achieved with little effort, and the impact on the supply chain may be almost non-existent. The key to achieving quick weight loss is to ensure that processes remain stable. If the process becomes less stable at three per cent, choose this as the benchmark. It’s a small percentage value, but on large volume products the numbers will add up. For example, a 60g bottle with a volume of two million units per year can save 6000kg of plastic with a five per cent reduction in overall weight. Low-volume products require a more substantial percentage target to gain savings that are worth the effort and the investment involved. A change in the bottle weight of above five per cent will potentially affect the structural performance of the bottle and this may be an ideal time to re-evaluate the expectations of the pack. For example, is this expectation overstated? The bigger percentage changes become

more technical, and the impact on each of the processes will vary based on the shape and size of the bottle and design features. Bottles can be redesigned to reduce the weight yet still maintain and even improve the structural and physical performance. For example, a bottle that is relatively square with a single radius corner can be greatly improved by a series of compound curves around the perimeter of the bottle and a conical shape to the panels. Such design enhancements on high-volume products can pay for the capital investment. The resin saved in a package redesign will quite often pay for the associated tooling components and the impact on the shelf appeal can be very minimal or prove to be a style upgrade. ■ Stephen Barter entered the plastics industry in 1986 as a tool maker. Having completed trade qualifications he immediately moved into extrusion blow mould processing and is continuing to focus in this field today. Barter’s working experience includes production technician, production manager, sales, plant management and technical manager.

THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN wellman.indd 1

6/03/13 3:23 PM

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

TEST & INSPECTION

Challenge becomes opportunity T

he devastating earthquake at Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island in 2011 has resulted in a new growth era of testing for plastics packaging on both sides of the Tasman Sea. An innovative Kiwi player, GunnLab Plastics Testing founded in 1985, has relocated from its doomed premises in downtown Christchurch to a country location at Castlemaine, Victoria, in Australia, and grown its business substantially in both nations. Jumping the Tasman was an astute move. Victoria’s leading-state reputation for food manufacturing and export has benefited GunnLab and the presence of Australia’s Big Three in packaging (Amcor, Visy and Pact), all with headquarters in Victoria, has been a bonus for plastics testing contracts. Today, GunnLab boasts a wide range of regular small to large clients on both sides of the Tasman, which includes Snell Packaging and Safety in Auckland, Zespri International of Mt Maunganui, also in New Zealand, plus Australian packaging and food majors, VIP Technology and Mars Food. The Murray Bartley and Janet Clendon teams, respectively at Snell and Zespri in New Zealand, use Gunnlab regularly and are supportive of its growth and expansion of testing services. “We’ve been using GunnLab since at least 2008, involving flexible packs with testings at least six times a year,” said Michael Ford, senior packaging technologist, R&D, Mars Food, based on the NSW Central Coast. “Testing at universities is also available but they are much slower. GunnLab helps us with pouches, oxygen transmission and water vapour rates and punch resistance work.” Ford said GunnLab was “extremely dependable” and “highly professional”.

Natural disasters cannot always be predicted or defended against, but they can provide a fresh outlook for established companies, as Ken McGregordiscovers GunnLab’s Bruce Gunn said that insurance companies would not provide cover in Christchurch, New Zealand

Mars Food is part of one of the largest privately-held confectionery companies in the world, with $A1.33 billion (US$1.38bn) sales per year alone in Australia and more than 200 staff. In rigid plastics, VIP Packaging is part of the $A1 billion Pact group, associated with the Visy family, which controls Visy Group. Chris Redfern is technology manager, rigid plastics, VIP Packaging, based at Mulgrave, Victoria. He told Plastics in Packaging that the pact group and VIP were “long-term GunnLab users” with a big variety of VIP containers – and bottles regularly assessed at Castlemaine. Small 18.7cl PET wine bottles used by airlines Qantas and Virgin, plus fruit jars, were examples of VIP products analysed. Redfern said oxygen transmission and analysis was the major assistance from GunnLab with testing exceeding two years. “We are very happy with the support from Mulgrave. GunnLab is excellent at what it offers,” said Redfern. Bruce Gunn, managing director of GunnLab, said the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch caused minor damage to GunnLab’s premises, but a following 2012 geotechnical assessment forecast

worse news with a nearby unstable hillside. “We already had more Australian business than local business in 2011 so we decided to turn a challenge into an opportunity and relocate. Insurance companies would not provide cover in Christchurch.” At Castlemaine, GunnLab offers services into three major categories: Gas permeability, including gas transmission and water vapour; chemical analysis of plastics materials; and mechanical tests for plastics films. “We carry out a surprising amount of work for large companies when their labs are overloaded or when clients want independent testing. “Some of the world’s biggest names in food packaging buy huge amounts of packaging but may not to run a packaging lab. “Completely independent, we are not affiliated with any manufacturer nor food company. All testing and information is treated with utmost confidentiality.”

More information from GunnLab,188 Hargraves Street,Castlemaine, VIC 3450, Australia.Tel: 61 35470 6060.www.gunnlab.com.au VIP Packaging, Plastic Packaging, 45-49 South Road, Drouin,VIC 3818, Australia. Tel: 61 800 032 002. Fax: 61 35625 1375. www.vippackaging.com.au

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

NADNASLOV

intervju interview

NASLOV

PODNASLOV

Pierre re eP Pienaar, ie Immediate Past President e ent of A Australia Australian alian Institute alian te o of em Packaging (AIP) and WPO Board m member

Training and d edu educ educati education ucaatiion u uc ucatio are the key trends ends en dss in i packaging industryy p

Australian ustralian strralian stralian n Inst Institu Ins Institute stitu u of Packaging (AIP) hosted t d th the e 2013 Wo Wor Worl WorldStar r ar Packaging Packagin a ing ing Awar Awards arr and accompanying events. e W We e discuss d discussed ssed se ed the tth h e events e S dney, Sydn dney, dn y,, as w e as current trends in packaging c g d ry w re e in Sydney, well industry with Pierre Pi aar, Piena aar, Imm IImmediate media Past President of AIP an med m a oa member. e Pienaar, and WPO Board

OKVIR AMBALAŽA

Treninzi i edukacije glavni su trend u ambalažnoj industriji

Australski Sydney je od 6. do 10. svibnja bio “ambalažni centar svijeta” i stoga smo za razgovor zamolili Pierrea Pienaara, člana Upravnog odbora WPO-a i donedavnog predsjednika Australskog instituta za ambalažu (AIP). S obzirom da je 2013. godina u kojoj Australski institut za ambalažu obilježava 50 godina djelovanja, okupiti svjetsku ambalažnu elitu australskom Institutu bila je, kako kaže Pienaar, iznimna čast. Četverodnevno događanje uključivalo je dodjelu nagrada WorldStar, sjednicu članova Upravnog odbora Svjetske organizacije za ambalažu (WPO), sajamsku izložbu AUSPACK PLUS 2013 i Tehnološki forum u organizaciji AIP-a. Vrhunac događanja bilo je, kako ističe Pienaar, proglašenje najboljeg od najboljih, odnosno proglašenje dobitnika ovogodišnjeg President Awarda. Ove je godine nagradu osvojio njemački Wipak Walsrode za svoju ambalažu koja govori (TalkPack). S obzirom da je gospodin Pienaar uz ambalažnu industriju vezan već 27 godina, i da je kao član Upravnog odbora WPO-a zadužen, između ostalog, i za edukaciju, posebno ističe upravo važnost konstantnih treninga i edukacija unutar branše jer, kako kaže, ambalažna industrija mogla bi pretrpjeti ozbiljnu štetu ako sama sebe ne shvati ozbiljno i ne osigura poslodavcima i posloprimcima kontinuiranu edukaciju s ciljem unaprjeđenja znanja i mogućnosti. Naravno, tu su i zahtjevi kupaca koji već dugo nameću svoje trendove.

Australian Institute Inst t of Packa Institut Packaging ackagin n (AIP) AIP) P) hosted h tar Packaging A the 2013 WorldStar Awards from May 6 till May 10 this year. A total of 54 prizes were awarded to creative teams from around the world. Alongside the WorldStar Packaging Awards, there was a number of accompanying events organized where the Australian Institute, as one of the youngest members of the WPO, wanted to introduce itself to the world. We discussed the events in Sydney, as well as current trends in packaging industry with Pierre Pienaar, Immediate Past President of AIP and WPO Board member. P: Sydney, Australia became the “center of the packaging world” in the period from 6th till 10th of May. Did you fulfill your expectations? O: From our perspective we more than achieved our goal. We had set certain levels of expectations and these we certainly achieved far more than we had anticipated. The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) which has been operating in serving its members in the packaging industry for 50 years has only been a member of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) for 3 years. One of our main objectives was to get the local packaging industry aware of AIP’s involvement within the international packaging fraternity using the WPO as a means. This we achieved, and the local industry was “blown away” by what they experienced during Packaging Week in Sydney, Australia. What city better than Sydney can introduce all our visiting WPO members, a taste of Australia, the land down under.

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THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROMTHE CROATIAN PACKAGING ASSOCIATION

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

P: The 90th WPO Board Meeting took place in Sydney alongside the Auspack Plus 2013 trade show, gathering board members from all over the world. Can you tell us what the main conclusions on the Board Meeting were? O: We loved being host to the WPO members and they all told us how pleased they were to be in Australia. The majority of visiting members had never been to Australia, so this being their first to the culture and its uniqueness was mind blowing for some. The Board meeting amongst others saw the launch of the new WPO website, this was most exciting. Another first was the introduction of residential Packaging Technology training in Asia and Africa, this being lead by the AIP and supported by the WPO. P: How many exhibitors did you have on Auspack Plus 2013, from how many countries? What was the highlight of the exhibition? O: AUSPACK PLUS 2013 had the biggest offering with 308 exhibiting companies including 112 international exhibitors (including co-exhibitors) from 18 countries. Exhibitors occupied the largest space in history of AUSPACK in Sydney with display of almost 7300 sqm. They have put the success

down to knowing the market, listening to what the industry wants and providing the right platform for business, education and networking. Over four days we had 5922 visits to the show. P: The WorldStar Awards ceremony took place as well. WorldStar is the most prestigious international packaging competition and this year there were 54 WorldStar winners from around the world. What is your opinion about this year winners? O: As always the caliber of entries was outstanding. For me it was innovation and “standing out from the crowd” which was most prevalent amongst the winning packs. We also saw smaller developing countries win awards and this was most encouraging and hopefully will encourage other countries to participate in future years. P: Special award was announced for sustainability and marketing, which this year was given in memory of Dogan Erberk the well-respected Vice President of the WPO. Can you tell us more about that? O: Special awards were announced, the Marketing Award is a new category launched in 2012. The purpose is to choose the packaging that works

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THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROMTHE CROATIAN PACKAGING ASSOCIATION

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

best as a marketing tool, surprising and enchanting the consumer and building a strong relationship between consumer and the brand. The packaging should also create value and best translate the essence and assets of the brand on an emotional and rational level before the consumer, fulfilling all his expectations before the product. The 2013 Marketing Award was given in memory of Dogan Erberk, an active member and a Vice President of WPO, from Turkey, who passed away last year. P: The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the President’s Award which is chosen from all the WorldStar winners and is considered to be “the best of the best”! Who won this year’s President Award? O: The highlight of the evening was definitely the announcement of the President’s Award. This year the award was won by Wipak Walsrode, Germany for a pack which talks - TalkPack. P: Last year the World Packaging Days were organized by the Croatian Institute of Packaging and Graphic Arts Tectus-IatT in Split. Have you used our experience, how much was it useful in organising that event this year? O: Every Packaging Week is different because each country brings their own flair to the event. Croatian Institute of Packaging and Graphic Arts Tectus-IatT was extremely generous in offering help wherever they could, and the AIP extends a hand of friendship to them for the generosity and kindness. The challenge for such events is always to work within the budget. I think each country must bring their own culture when hosting such gatherings, because the visitors want to experience that country as much as they can whilst attending. We organised very Australian events which were enjoyed by all. On the last day those that did the tours were rewarded with good Aussie weather, golden beaches and exotic wildlife like kangaroos, koalas and dingoes.

intervju interview

Pierre Pienaar, Immediate Past President of Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and WPO Board member

intervju interview

P: What was presented on Technical forum organized by the Australian Institute of Packaging? O: This event was very international, and we used only international speakers. The presenters were all of a high caliber and addressed mainly the packaging aspects, challenges and future of packaging in their regions. The WPO is most fortunate in having a pool of knowledgeable, well-versed and excellent presenters that all countries can call on. P: Can you tell us what trends in your opinion are key in packaging industry? O: Training and education. When did you last attend a training course or call for your employees to receive up-to-date knowledge? Are you among the best in your industry? The packaging industry will suffer if it does not take itself seriously enough and ensure that its participants are continually being educated to improve packaging knowledge and skills. I’d like to suggest that backto-strong-basics, consolidation of business, a cooperative, consultative approach within the industry underpinned by ongoing education will ensure you reach the future in a vibrant industry P: The Australian Institute of Packaging celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year. Can you tell us more about your Institute and about achievements that you have accomplished over half a century of work? O: The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) was founded in 1963 in response to a need for packaging technologists to interact and provide a professional identity for individuals within the industry, and fifty years later we continue to do just that. AIP is the professional body for packaging technologists and other individuals involved within the packaging industry throughout Australasia. The primary function of the Institute is to offer educational and technical training for individuals within the packaging industry as well as crossfunctional networking opportunities. Over the fifty years hundreds of packaging technologists have been

trained and many have obtained either a diploma or a certificate in Packaging Technology. In latter years we have offered half-day training courses in specific areas of packaging. The Corporate Program is available for individual companies who wish to select specific components for the purpose of in-company training. This type of training is important not only for technologists and engineers, but also buyers, sales and marketing staff. The programs can be tailored to meet company requirements in conjunction with a flexible delivery. P: Packaging industry is a really fast evolving industry so to remain current one must educate and inform oneself all the time. Is it hard for small manufacturers? Can they stay competitive in this industry? O: Packaging is a cradle to grave issue that affects every one of our lives, whether producer or consumer, whether a small or a large manufacturer, or whether an end consumer. No-one can escape the impact of packaging. No-one in industry should escape continually learning about the importance of this ubiquitous part of production. As a packaging technology consultant, I frequently hear the cry of recruitment organisations and of industry about the shortage of skilled people in the packaging industry. P: Although the information today can be easily spread through the internet, exhibitions are still very popular. What role will exhibitions have in presenting new products in the future? O: My involvement in the packaging industry over the past twenty-seven years has seen a distinct shift from consumers who wanted quality in the product and were seeking from the pack to protect the product, and not much else; to a world that has raised a generation on immersion in visual literacy. The question, therefore, is what ought we to be doing about the visual information on our packaging to ensure our product is the one that visually stimulates the consumer while also offering sufficient, reliable facts for an impatient information seeker?.

P: Your message to Croatian packaging industry... O: Any packaging consultant would love the gift of prophesying but, sans that, there are some clear trends that have emerged in the packaging industry which warrant serious attention: 1. Food safety remains the number one issue for the public and will continue to affect packaging materials. Consumers’ demand for smaller, healthy portions will increase the demand for new packaging. 2. Sustainability is a major trend affecting operations in packaging. Considerations in this area are now a fact of life with bioplastics and renewable resources such as sugar cane being serious participants in the event. 3. Private Labels. The growing private label industry now represents a threat to the branded product. In 2009 private labels were responsible for 45% of products sold in Europe and 25% in the USA. 4. Packaging Enhances Product Value. Internationally and nationally branded consumer product companies and their partners subsequently need to respond by offering their customers enhanced value in the packaging. If the pack is all you have in a quality, pricecompetitive market, innovation becomes a priority. . 5. Economy and Education. As we recover from the worst economic slump in decades, trends from this recession include an increased demand for refurbished or upgraded packaging machinery and surges in the demand for copacking and contract packaging operations. Reduced labour costs, introduction of automation and technology, rigorous evaluation of all expenditures in order to maintain productivity and the elimination of poorly performing business lines and products have meant only the best can stay. At the end I thank the Croatian Institute of Packaging and Graphic Arts Tectus-IatT for this interview and wish the Croatian packaging industry well into the future. Interview by: Nataša Gajski Kovačić

08 > 2/2013

THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROMTHE CROATIAN PACKAGING ASSOCIATION

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

WITHOUT DATA YOU ARE JUST ANOTHER OPINION! Written by Michael B Halley FAIP

John has been involved with the Government Innovation Insights programs. Improving operational excellence amongst Australian firms lies at the heart of everything Insights to Excellence does. Uniquely operators do not advise or consult which allows unprecedented access to leading firms through which best and next practice is showcased to all. An event, called an Insight typically lasts 3 to 4 hours and is structured around a site tour or Gemba walk (the idea of gemba is that the problems are visible and the best improvement ideas will come from going to the gemba).

John McBride MAIP, Charlie Hong MAIP

he above statement underpinned the desideration from John McBride MAIP and Principal of John McBride and Associates when he addressed the July meeting of Australian Institute of Packaging in Melbourne following the Annual General Meeting of the Institute. John’s inspiring address was followed by an equally informative coverage by Charlie Hong MAIP Sales Director at Titan Packaging. Colin Simpson the first Life Member of the Institute had graced us with his company for the AGM and one could not but reflect on one of Colin’s mantras 'we always have a good meeting when one of our own is the presenter.' John McBride was to tell us about best practice and tell us about he certainly did. Having worked for over two decades in packaging plants addressing issues with can making and filling lines John determined that benchmarking is the greatest tool management can have. He advised that a computer program will not fix problems and to never trust data collection, and to be also be careful with Manufacturing Requirements Planning and the like systems. John has experienced as much as 3.5% difference between the performance reporting data collected (and relied upon) by management and engineers. Manufacturing lines that are straight can be up to 15% inefficient. He showed photographs indicating how a 'cranked' production line can be flexible and reduce the number of personnel to deliver the finished articles. His message was 'analyse the line before bolting it down'!

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

Many times we were reminded that anything visual are the best way to communicate and John reinforced this with many visual aids. He raised concerns about benchmarking in Australia as there are often only a few operations to compare whereas overseas as many as thirty plants maybe available. His best case experience is South African Breweries that got into the Toyota developed lean thinking and has now become the dominant brewery in the world and owns our own C&UB. No matter what, it is hard to stray from the three pees (PPP) and again they came to the forefront but in John’s experience they are People Plant and Process. He showed factual data that incorrect diagnosis or treatment is the second biggest mortality contributor in Australia. In manufacturing he has seen mortality due to inactive management and failure to understand basic principles. Exampled was General Motors which had total access to Toyota Technology through a joint venture operation but failed to adopt even the basics. Kodak failed because 'it fed itself its own manure'! Car manufacturers’ profitability range from plus 5.9% of profit to sales to the one with minus 17.7%. In the soft drink industry 83% of the cost is packaging and John demonstrated that some critical analysis could reduce these costs and improve profitability. Quality yield by availability by performance is the equation to success. If a workforce is more than 15% of one ethnic group productivity will be overrun by second agendas. The best performers in the food industry are those that had the least waste.

WITHOUT DATA YOU ARE JUST ANOTHER OPINION! Written by Michael B Halley FAIP

The global expertise of John McBride was evident but his time had come to default to being an audience member and listen to Charlie Hong. It was a unique situation where a plant visit was combined with a stand-up presentation but Titan Packaging managed to do exactly that when each delegate was given a package of sweets in a Flat Bottom Bag.

Charlie explained that flexible packaging goes hand in hand with flexible contents when he said that the contents do not conform to a specific shape. Spouted packages are a growth product as are retort pouches. Particularly in Tuna products and baby foods these and other flexible packs are eroding the traditional can and glass containers.

Simply by looking at Our Signature Flat Base Box Pouch one was visually shown (which would have pleased John McBride no end) all the attributes of a flexible package for 21st Century FMCG packaging. The easy open-ability and reseal-ability advice and instruction gave way to a listing of the Key Features.

Clear films are becoming popular and can now even be used for retort-able packs but the real advantage is to allow consumers to actually see the contents and not be guided by graphics that may not be true description.

They are: • 100% Flat base (no more wobbles) • Unique box-like silhouette • Suitable for automatics packaging • 5 surfaces for branding identity • Space saving design • Save 30% on storage and distribution. The automatic packaging attribute was shown on the reverse of the pack where an advertisement for a pouch packaging line was depicted in words and image. The available materials and the typical transmission rates together with Titan Packaging product range were encoded in the folded side gusset panels of the pouch. We could have taken the package and had an innate knowledge of Titan and flexible packaging but Charlie and his colleagues wanted to let us know that their mission was 'bringing real solutions to companies.' Humour was displayed on some of the slides used during the presentation but the company attitude to critical examination was depicted when two international packaging standard symbols were shown side by side. The umbrella indicates keep dry and the goblet signifies fragile contents. Titan Packaging bent is, when it rains drink wine! (1)

Interactive and promotion friendly packs that are truly portable for on the go lifestyles are part of the burgeoning inventory. Modified atmosphere packs can work to improve shelf life and reduce packaging and product wastage. With sustainable and biodegradable films available the effects on the climate is enhanced as the mass of the used package was already ahead of the field in the waste stream. Comparison with glass both in original manufacture and the waste recycling streams was discussed. Charlie Hong is really an advocate for flexible packaging but displayed synergy with John McBride’s gospel. He advised that there are around 100 alternatives to get an optimum package but cautioned “flexibles may not be the only solution but certainly a good alternative”. The evening ended with a question session after which Chris Fice thanked the presenters in word and kind whilst handing them a certificate of appreciation. (1) I have seen fibreboard boxes with the this way up arrow on the side but a palletising pattern on the base flaps)

MICHAEL’S MOMENT Although the Signature Flat Base Box Pouch is innovative and clearly marked with both words and graphics to assist consumers to open the package some heated discussion occurred about this aspect. Contrary to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's statement, climate change is NOT the "great moral, environmental and economic challenge of our age" - It IS the ability to produce packages of all types that even the highly disabled can open easily.

AIP NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2013

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