AIP August 2023 eNewsletter

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE AIP TO CELEBRATE THEIR

60th Anniversary

WHAT The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is proud to be celebrating it’s 60th Anniversary in September. Come and join us for a most memorable evening with old and new colleagues, mentors and friends!

WHEN Friday 1st September 2023

WHERE Crown Aviary

Crown Towers Hotel

Crown Melbourne, Level 3 Rooftop 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006

Imagine celebrating the AIP’s 60th Anniversary beneath the Melbourne skyline, with incredible views of the city and the Yarra River framed by rooftop gardens. Crown Aviary offers a breathtaking one-of-a-kind rooftop experience like no other, right in the heart of Melbourne. The Crown Aviary will be an exceptional destination for the AIP’s 60th anniversary celebrations. The dinner menu is curated by Award-winning Executive Chef, Kelly Jackson.

TIME 6.30 pm arrival

DRESS CODE Cocktail attire and suits

PRICE $195 +GST per person

$1560 +GST for table of eight

Book your tickets today so you don’t miss out as seating is limited in this exclusive venue.

2023

The AIP has elected John Bigley MAIP as its new president, succeeding Jason Fields FAIP, CPP

At the AGM on 28 June 2023, John Bigley MAIP was officially appointed into the role, which he will hold for the next two years. He brings years of packaging industry leadership expertise to the table.

Bigley said, “It is a great honour to be taking up the post of AIP President. Jason will be a hard act to follow but I look forward to working with the team through what will undoubtedly be a very exciting and challenging period for the packaging industry as we continue to drive collaboratively to address the 2025 National Packaging Targets."

In his handover to Bigley, outgoing president Jason Fields said, “The last three years have gone so fast, yet, so much has happened. I have been extremely lucky to have the support of a very knowledgeable, diverse AIP board and support team, which has shown unbelievable resilience and adaptability to continue to deliver education opportunities to our members. Indeed, the AIP has taken the challenges Covid presented and used it to our advantage to enhance our delivery by having virtual site tours which, instead of being restricted to 10 to 20 people, are now open to everyone no matter where they are in the world, with the added benefit that everyone can actually hear what is being said, over the background manufacturing noises.

Outgoing president Jason Fields did a commendable job in the role, especially during the pandemic years.

“I truly appreciate the trust that was placed in me as president and I hope I have met our members’ expectations. I am pleased that I hand over the reins with the institute in a very sound position, to a highly capable business person whom I am confident will continue to help the AIP evolve and deliver positive and engaging education and networking opportunities to all our members, as it is for the members that the institute exists."

AIP executive director, Nerida Kelton, acknowledged Jason Fields for his three-year term. “Jason Fields was our ‘pandemic president’ and during such a difficult time in the world he was able to ensure that the AIP kept its course and shifted its old school models to a more modern approach. The AIP was able to adapt its educational programs, site visits, training courses and forums to the virtual world and since then has thrived as an Institute. We thank Jason for being at the helm during this time and for all that he has contributed as president. It was wonderful to have the president at almost every single virtual event we had during the last three years; which is very rare,” Kelton said.

In addition to a new president, the AIP has a new treasurer and three new board members. The treasurer is Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence, the new Northern Region director is Lea Reynolds and the two new Southern Region directors are Michael Dossor and Warwick Armstrong.

Southern Region Director Warwick Armstrong MAIP, Treasurer Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence FAIP CPP, President John Bigley MAIP and Southern Region Director Michael Dossor MAIP.

Outgoing President Jason Fields FAIP, CPP

AIP President John Bigley MAIP

Position Vacant Chobani: Packaging Technologist

• Dynamic and diverse Packaging Technologist role supporting NPD & existing packaging.

• Based at their modern Dandenong South facility with access to hybrid working.

• Purpose-led organisation with a deep purpose to ‘make food a force for good’.

The Company

Inspired by Australia’s great people and amazing foodie culture, Chobani USA purchased the Gippsland Dairy brand to form Chobani Australia in 2011. Flash forward 12 years and Chobani is Australia’s #1 yogurt brand, living in the hearts (and tummies) of fans across the country.

But it has always been about more than yogurt. At their heart, Chobani is purpose-led, and takes seriously their belief in making a difference using food as a force for good. The Chobani team is passionate about supporting the communities in which they live and work, adopting a trail blazing approach to tackling Australian food insecurity through volunteering, donations, and community impact.

The opportunity

Chobani have a great opportunity for a curious and solutions focused Packaging Technologist to create and implement innovative new/improved packaging solutions to support their New Product Development (NPD) process.

In this autonomous role, you will manage the development of packaging solutions from brief to the handover with Operations where they will be ready for production. Briefs may either be builds on existing packaging types, or innovative, new packaging solutions.

This is an exciting time to join Chobani as they continue evolving and growing, and they look to innovate and move into new categories, and you will have the opportunity to proactively identify and drive Optimisation opportunities that will minimise wastage and provide cost-effective efficiencies, and work on more company-wide annual projects that will stretch and build your capability.

The role will predominately be based at their modern Dandenong South office, where you will have access to hybrid working. Some interstate travel and occasional weekend work (for testing) may be required.

Skills & Experience

Ideally to be successful in the role you will have:

• Demonstrated technical knowledge of a wide range of packaging materials, structures, and manufacturing processes, including but not limited to corrugated cardboard, Plastics (rigid & soft), & barriers properties of packaging.

• Excellent communication skills, able to ask the right questions to a variety of stakeholders.

• A solutions mindset, with a love of solving problems and coming up with creative ideas.

• A drive to improve the status quo, with a curious, continuous improvement mindset.

• Degree qualified preferably with a Packaging qualification (Engineering qualifications with Packaging experience may also be considered)

This is the perfect role for a curious, externally connected technical expert who enjoys solving business challenges and partnering different stakeholders to understand the commercial objectives and can find a way to make it happen. You definitely won’t know everything in this role, but with the right proactive attitude, and energy to learn and seek the solution out, your capabilities will be strengthened, and will enjoy working with a bunch of supportive and likeminded passionate CHO-peeps!

Benefits

At Chobani, social responsibility is in their DNA and that means you will be joining an organisation that is constantly seeking to make a difference for the community, people, and planet. Chobani offers free parking, a well-being program and a great rewards and recognition program, plus unlimited free yoghurt whilst in the office!

Position Vacant Diageo: Packaging Technologist

Location: Requirement of this role is that the role holder be based solely at their Huntingwood site.

About Diageo

With over 200 brands sold in more than 180 countries, Diageo are the world’s leading premium drinks company. Every day, over 27,000 talented people come together at Diageo to create the magic behind their much-loved and timeless brands including Baileys, Guinness, Gordon’s and Smirnoff. Join them, and you will collaborate with talented people from all corners of the world. You will innovate and push boundaries, shaping a sustainable and more inclusive future that we can all be proud of.

With diversity at their core, they celebrate their people’s individual passions, commitments and specialist skills. In their supportive culture, your voice will be heard and you will be empowered to be you. Just bring your ambition, curiosity and ideas, and they will celebrate your work and help you reach your fullest potential.

About the role

As a Packaging Technologist you will oversee packaging development related activities for all assigned Innovation, Renovation and Promotion projects. This role includes technical support to the manufacturing sites through collaboration with the Procurement team for supplier development and identifying cost savings and efficiencies. The role holder is also expected to contribute to the Diageo Society 2030 Sustainable targets.

This position is responsible to design, develop, validate and implement new packaging for Innovation, Renovation, Imports and Cost initiative projects. It will also render technical support to the Huntingwood supply site regarding all packaging related issues.

What does this role look like for you?

Are you an innovative individual who would like to design and develop new and improved packaging for a world leading alcoholic beverage company?

Diageo are looking for someone with a comprehensive understanding of packaging development as well as a person who can provide technical support to the wider team. You will also be passionate about sustainability and will work closely with the packaging manager on the Diageo Society 2030 projects.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and implement packaging for new, changed or promotional products in line with marketing requirement and sustainable guidelines to meet launch dates.

• Provide technical guidance for the application and approval of artworks to packaging components.

• Within Diageo formal process to meet mandatories and technical standards.

• Conduct trials and provide technical support to Huntingwood site to validate new packaging and processes.

• Liaise with suppliers on alternative packaging materials and technologies for innovative solutions and/or cost saving opportunities.

• Create, document and maintain packaging trial reports, packaging materials specifications and business critical data with SAP.

So, what about you?

• Understanding of packaging materials – preferably glass, cans, labels, paperboard and corrugate.

• Sound understanding of Packaging Development process and Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.

• Good knowledge of project management processes and practices and continuous improvement principles.

• 5+ years’ experience in packaging development preferably in consumer goods and high speed production environment.

What are the benefits?

Diageo are an organisation that creates products that are part of celebrations, and our culture reflects this. At Diageo, you will have the ability to work flexibly to ensure you can unlock your own potential through creating bold plans and executing your vision. You will also be rewarded through competitive salary and monetary benefits including bonus, flexible leave entitlements and product allowance as well as being supported via non-monetary benefits including an industry leading parental leave policy, volunteering days and workplace giving, and subscriptions to mental health and fitness platforms.

Diversity Statement

Celebrating their inclusive and diverse culture is core to Diageo’s purpose of “celebrating life every day everywhere”. This purpose is, in itself, inclusive in nature, as it values everybody irrespective of background, disability, religion, gender identity, sexuality or ethnicity.

They know that for their business to thrive and for Diageo to realise its ambition, they depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the 180 countries in which they operate and to reflect their broad consumer base. They view diversity as one of the key enablers that helps their business to grow and their values, purpose and standards set the conditions for them to respect the unique contribution each person brings. PLEASE

AIP Welcomes New Members

The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome Danielle Manetti MAIP, Sustainable Packaging Technologist, Jurlique International and Arvind Reddy Kolenu MAIP, Packaging Technologist - Sustainability, Fonterra to the Institute and share a little bit about who they are and what they do in the industry. Please join with us in welcoming them to the AIP.

1. Why did you join the AIP? What benefits do you believe the AIP offers all their members?

Danielle: When searching on-line for opportunities to build on my knowledge and skills in the packaging space, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) was the first result. Once I started perusing the website, the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology on-line course was identified as a great starting point and I have since commenced the training.

At the same time, I also signed up to be an AIP Member due to the additional benefits it could offer. This included the opportunity to increase networking within the industry, guidance from industry professionals and insight into relevant upcoming trade shows, exhibitions and events.

Arvind: I joined the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) because of my passion for the packaging industry and my desire to grow both professionally and personally within this field. AIP provides a valuable platform for individuals like me to connect, learn, and contribute to the advancement of packaging technology and sustainability.

One of the key benefits of being an AIP Member is access to exceptional professional development opportunities. The institute offers various educational programs, workshops, and training courses that enables me to stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in packaging design and technology.

2. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?

Danielle: I entered the packaging industry rather serendipitously 51/2 years ago with Jurlique International. My progression during this time has been exponential, and being in the cosmetic industry has meant that I have had exposure to numerous packaging forms (e.g., bottles/jars, tubes, closures, cartons and shippers). Whilst my role is quite broad in nature, my area of expertise is in the sustainability sector. This includes supporting Jurlique's commitment to achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets and keeping up to date with trends in packaging sustainability within the cosmetic industry.

Arvind: I have been in the packaging industry for 2 years, with a primary focus on flexible packaging. Throughout this period, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience in various aspects of flexible packaging solutions.

My areas of expertise include:

Flexible Packaging Materials: I have a deep understanding of the different types of materials used in flexible packaging, such as films, laminates, and coatings. I am familiar with their properties, applications, and suitability for various products.

Packaging Design: I have been involved in designing flexible packaging solutions that cater to specific product requirements, considering factors like product protection, shelf appeal, and consumer convenience.

Printing and Graphics: I am well-versed in the printing techniques commonly used in flexible packaging, including Flexographic and Rotogravure printing. I understand how to optimise graphics for the packaging format to ensure brand consistency and visual appeal.

Overall, my 2 years of experience in the packaging industry, specifically in the field of flexible packaging, have provided me with a solid foundation in understanding materials, design, sustainability, quality control, and market dynamics, packaging sector.

Arvind Reddy Kolenu MAIP Packaging Technologist - Sustainability Fonterra

Danielle Manetti MAIP Sustainable Packaging Technologist Jurlique International

AIP Welcomes New Members

3. What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?

Danielle: As the Sustainable Packaging Technologist, my role is responsible for the coordination and execution of technical tasks associated with developing and qualifying new Jurlique packaging, and ensuring alignment with our core sustainability principles. The 4 key aspects (with a few examples) are:

1. Packaging sustainability development and integration for new and existing packaging:

• Conducing dossor and material recyclability assessments.

• Provide technical packaging and sustainability data to our CSR and Brand Marketing teams.

2. New packaging project development and implementation for promotional, retail, re-branding and operation projects:

• Coordination of packaging form and mould builds.

• Work through ideation, feasibility, development and implementation stages of packaging development.

3. Technical assessment and qualification of new packaging materials:

• Coordinate, develop and qualify new packaging new packaging materials in accordance with producers and specification.

• Perform testing on packaging to confirm achievement of acceptable durability, functionality and transport requirements.

4. Vendor capability assessment and development

• Challenge vendors to develop and qualify current and new sustainable packaging options suitable to Jurlique’s needs.

• Work with vendors to develop affordable, efficient and functional packaging solutions.

Arvind: As a Packaging Technologist in Fonterra, my primary responsibility is to ensure the efficient and effective packaging of dairy products while meeting regulatory, safety, and sustainability standards. I work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, quality assurance, production, and marketing, to design and implement packaging solutions that protect and preserve dairy products throughout their life-cycle. Below are some specific roles and responsibilities:

• Packaging Design and Development: Research, develop, and design innovative and functional packaging solutions for various dairy products.

• Collaborate with product development teams to create packaging that meets product requirements and market demands. Consider factors such as product compatibility, shelf life, transportation, and consumer convenience during packaging design.

• Material Selection and Evaluation: Identify and evaluate suitable packaging materials, including cartons, bottles, pouches, and films, based on product characteristics and industry standards.

• Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives: Work towards sustainable packaging solutions by exploring eco-friendly materials and optimising packaging designs for reduced environmental impact.

• Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated with packaging regulations and requirements related to food safety, labelling, and environmental considerations. Ensure that all packaging materials and designs meet relevant regulatory standards.

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

NAME GRADE STATE/COUNTRY

Bernadette Blackley Associate (AAIP) QLD

Guy Calcagno Member (MAIP) VIC

Peter Chau Associate (AAIP) VIC

Robert Cobban Member (MAIP) VIC

Callum D'Arcy Associate (AAIP) SA

Chris Dodd Associate (AAIP) NSW

Fiona Donaghey Associate (AAIP) NSW

Karin Engelbrecht Member (MAIP) WA

Babajide Fapojuwo Member (MAIP) QLD

Melinda Gosbee Associate (AAIP) NSW

Brendon Holmes Associate (AAIP) VIC

NAME GRADE STATE/COUNTRY

Arvind Reddy Kolenu Associate (AAIP) VIC

Danielle Manetti Member (MAIP) SA

Huzaifa Mohsinally Member (MAIP) New Zealand

Fernanda Moreira dos Reis Associate (AAIP) VIC

Tony Rubenstein Member (MAIP) NSW

Andrew Sheldon Associate (AAIP) NSW

Daniel Theuma Member (MAIP) VIC

Albert Tietz Member (MAIP) QLD

Benjamin Usback Associate (AAIP) NSW

Stuart Williamson Associate (AAIP) VIC

Welcome AIP New Corporate Partner: CEMAC

The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest Corporate Partner CEMAC. CEMAC share with the AIP more about their solutions and how they can help companies like Sancell. Since establishing in 1988, Sancell has soared to the forefront of the packaging industry as a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial insulation, bubble and foam wraps, cold chain solutions, and padded mailers. Their high quality products are versatile from industrial to household use, captivating customers across Australia and Asia Pacific.

In early 2022, Sancell embarked on a mission to further reduce their environmental impact by expanding their in-house recycling capabilities. Their main goal was to reduce the intake of virgin polymers, minimise waste sent to landfill and introduce more sustainable products to the market.

Sancell’s Continuous Improvement Manager, Davor Galista, reached out to CEMAC technologies, the renowned Australian distributor of PLASMAC machines. Through evaluation of FOAM waste samples, it became evident that the PLASMAC Alpha 45 side trim repelletising machine was the best solution for Sancell’s needs.

This newly developed model runs quietly, has a small footprint, and matches Sancell’s throughput of just 90kg per day – a pace that most machines find challenging to match. Davor could not be happier with the choice of PLASMAC.

Not only is it affordable, but it also upholds high safety standards, offers great reliability, and requires easy maintenance.

Today the PLASMAC machine is installed right next to Sancell’s FOAM extrusion line where the side-strips are fed directly into the intake feeding chute of the PLASMAC Alpha 45 recycling machine. With no fine-turning required, the machine began operating flawlessly from day one.

PLASMAC’s Alpha machines have the highest output per installed power in the market, ensuring low running costs and a rapid return on investment for Sancell. It’s direct extrusion design eliminates the need for prior size reduction, allowing Sancell to feed trims directly into the extruder. The Alpha’s Short Screw Technology, a short shear and low melt temperatures guarantee absolute minimum material degradation.

CEMAC technologies Jonathan Tan and David Goggin with Davor Galista, Sancell.

These pellets are then air-dried and conveniently collected just a few meters away, completing the recycling process efficiently.

By prioritising low waste and recycled content, Sancell has made remarkable strides in their business model. In 2023, Sancell proudly increased the recycled content in their Standard Bubble, Silver Sheen Thermal Liners and Bags, and Armour Padded Mailer Bags – to an impressive 50%. This includes a blend of 25% postconsumer and 25% post-industrial recycled materials, both locally sourced. Their commitment to in-house recycling has not only significantly reduced waste disposal volumes but has also resulted in substantial cost saving benefits.

When asked about the overall experience of securing the new PLASMAC machine, Davor stated "There is nothing I would change. Everything went very, very well from the first minute. CEMAC technologies did their research thoroughly and understood what was needed".

CEMAC technologies is the Australian Distributor of the world leading plastics recycling machinery suppliers PLASMAC and EREMA. Offering experience and expertise in plastics recycling from in-house applications right through to post-consumer materials.

t +61 (0)3 8400 6066 | w cemactech.com

AIP Member graduates from Master of Food & Packaging

The AIP would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Chris Feddersen MAIP, Managing Director, PackENG on graduating from the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree.

The Master of Food and Packaging Innovation is an inter-disciplinary degree that explores food processing, entrepreneurship and innovation in product and packaging design at an advanced level. The Master course is a joint initiative between the University of Melbourne and the AIP.

Q1. What made you undertake the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree?

Chris: I have been in the industry for a number of years now and I am really interested in packaging and how to it can be used across a number of industries. However, the main reason for me undertaking the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree was that it covered subjects that I am passionate about such as:

• Food Science and Innovation: The processing, preservation, and packaging really delves deeper into the field and I also have ability to contribute to advancements in the industry.

• Career Advancement: The program is attractive to a professional such as me as I am working in the food industry and want to advance my career to take on leadership roles, possibly specialising in food innovation and packaging.

• Meeting Industry Demand: The food industry is constantly evolving, with an increasing focus on sustainability, safety, and efficiency. Completing this degree equips me with skills and knowledge that align with current and future industry demands.

• Exploring Sustainable Practices: With growing concerns about the environment, I chose this degree to explore sustainable packaging solutions and eco-friendly practices within the food industry and food systems.

• Entrepreneurial Aspirations: Some may see the food industry as an opportunity for entrepreneurial ventures, and this degree can provide valuable insights into creating innovative food products and efficient packaging. I especially enjoyed the business subjects.

For those interested in research and development, this program could be a stepping stone to contribute to the development of new food products and packaging techniques. The University of Melbourne is well-regarded internationally. I was looking for a top quality degree and undertaking this degree can open up opportunities for global career

Chris Feddersen MAIP Managing Director PackENG

AIP Member graduates from Master of Food & Packaging

• Interdisciplinary Approach: The Master of Food & Packaging Innovation incorporates elements of various disciplines, such as food science, engineering, marketing, and sustainability, making it attractive to me. I enjoy a multidisciplinary approach to learning.

• Collaboration and Industry Connections: Studying at a reputable university often means access to industry connections and in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) this the best combination of industry knowledge meeting academic learning that I am aware in the industry. The option to do an internships can enhance career prospects.

• Addressing Food Security: With an increasing global population, there is a growing need to address food security and optimise food production and distribution. This degree can equip me to contribute to these important challenges.

Q2. How did you hear about the degree?

Chris: I believe that I heard about the degree when it first started ten years ago.

Q3. When did you graduate?

Chris: December 2022.

Q4. What were some of your key learnings from undertaking the degree?

Chris: Key learns from the Master has:

• Food Science and Technology: I gained an in-depth knowledge of food composition, properties, processing, preservation, and quality control. This involved learning about food chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, management competences, Product development, Commercialisation of science, sensory evaluation and many other interesting and useful subjects, 16 in total.

• Food Safety and Quality Assurance: Ensuring food safety and quality is crucial in the food industry. I learnt about food safety regulations, quality management systems, and techniques for maintaining high-quality food products.

• Food Packaging Technologies: This aspect of the program focussed on different packaging materials, packaging design, and their impact on food preservation and shelf life. I learnt about sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.

• Supply Chain Management: Understanding the complexities of the food supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to consumers, Traceability and providence issues and how to overcome these issues was this program.

• Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability in various industries, including food and packaging, I learnt about eco-friendly practices and the importance of reducing the environmental impact of food packaging.

all SMEs: New training course developed by the AIP:

Australasian Recycling Label –benefits for businesses and products.

AIP Member graduates from Master of Food & Packaging

• Regulatory Compliance: I also gained an understanding of the relevant regulations and guidelines that govern the food and packaging industries to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Research and Innovation: This Master's programs often included opportunities to engage in research projects , but I chose the industry placements to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative approaches to food and packaging challenges.

• Consumer Behaviour and Marketing: Understanding consumer preferences and behaviour can influence food packaging design and marketing strategies. This aspect of the program explored consumer insights and branding concepts.

• Food Engineering and Processing: I learnt about food processing technologies and engineering principles to optimise production processes.

• Emerging Trends and Technologies: Keeping up with the latest advancements in food and packaging is essential. May regulation are changing so quickly and I explored cutting-edge technologies and trends shaping the industry.

Q5. The UOM MFPI degree is unique in that it has 14 expert lecturers from the AIP running two of the units. What stood out for you about the AIP involvement in the degree?

Chris: I enjoyed hearing from industry leaders such as WPO President Pierre Pienaar and the major point of difference that the AIP brings to this degree is the other industry leaders which cover a detailed and in-depth, as well as current local and global perspective on issues and packaging technologies and trends.

Q6. What advice do you have for anyone else interested in undertaking this degree?

Chris: Having completed the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree from the University of Melbourne, I would be delighted to offer some advice for anyone else interested in undertaking this program.

First and foremost, I highly recommend researching the curriculum thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your career goals and interests. The Master's program at the University of Melbourne covers a wide range of topics related to food science, packaging technology, and innovation. It is essential to assess whether the courses offered match your aspirations and if the program's overall focus resonates with your long-term objectives.

Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in the food and packaging sectors will give you a competitive edge. The program is designed to equip students with the latest knowledge, so keeping abreast of relevant news, research, and emerging technologies will help you make the most of your studies.

Collaboration and networking are also vital aspects of this degree. Engaging with your peers, professors, and industry professionals will not only enhance your learning experience but also open doors to potential job opportunities or collaborations. The University of Melbourne provides ample opportunities for networking, so take advantage of them and build meaningful connections.

Furthermore, consider pursuing internships or work experiences during your studies. Gaining practical exposure in the food and packaging industry will complement your academic learning and enhance your understanding of real-world challenges and solutions.

Lastly, don't forget to strike a balance between academic commitments and personal well-being. Graduate studies can be demanding, so time management and self-care are crucial. Make sure to allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Undertaking the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree at the University of Melbourne can be a transformative experience. Embrace the challenges, seize opportunities for growth, and enjoy the journey as you expand your knowledge and expertise in this exciting field. Best of luck on your academic and professional endeavours.

AIP Member graduates from Master of Food & Packaging

Q7. Did you undertake an internship in the industry? If so where? What was this experience like?

Chris: I did undertake the internship, I was doing some work for Kmart Group and worked closely with Chris Foley, who is now the CEO of APCO, and it seemed like the natural way to increase real experience with current needs of one of Australia’s largest Retail businesses.

Q8. Since graduation how have you applied the degree?

Chris: As a graduate with a Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree from the University of Melbourne, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of food technology and packaging design. This program equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to make valuable contributions to the food and packaging industry.

In my role as a professional in the food and packaging industry, I can apply the content from my degree in several ways. Firstly, I have a deep understanding of food processing techniques and preservation methods, enabling me to develop innovative and sustainable food products. Whether it's creating new snacks with longer shelf life or devising novel packaging solutions to reduce food waste, my education has empowered me to tackle real-world challenges effectively.

Moreover, my time at the University of Melbourne also allowed me to explore the importance of consumer behaviour and market trends in shaping food packaging choices. With this insight, I can play a crucial role in designing packaging that not only protects the product but also appeals to consumers, ultimately driving sales and brand loyalty.

Additionally, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has been a significant contributor to my education and professional development. By being associated with AIP, I have gained continual access to industry experts, workshops, and conferences that provide valuable insights into cuttingedge packaging technologies and sustainability practices. The knowledge I acquire through AIP's resources has been instrumental in making informed decisions when it comes to sustainable packaging choices and reducing the environmental impact of the products I work with.

Overall, my Master's degree has given me a competitive edge in the food and packaging industry, and the collaboration with the Australian Institute of Packaging, has been invaluable in staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in packaging technology. As I continue my career journey, I am confident that the combined knowledge and experiences will allow me to make positive contributions to the industry and create a sustainable and innovative future for food packaging.

Q9. Any other feedback or comments you would like to provide?

Chris: The UOM MFPI, in my opinion is a great degree that can be curated to my interests and has helped shape my career. It would have been good to include some engineering subjects as well as Life cycle analysis, but I loved completing the business subjects.

INTRODUCING...

4P Technical Services provides an independent technical service to the Australian manufacturing industry, with core competencies including packaging and food technology, quality management, cost minimisation and continuous improvement.

• Packaging design, optimisation, and cost reduction

• Packaging sustainability, convent plans, projects and reports

• Supply chain efficiencies/cost reduction

• Process continuous improvement and problem solving

• Total product and process value analysis/cost reduction

• Quality systems and HACCP auditing

• Packaging training relevant to all business levels

• Artwork management system optimisation

• Technical project management

• Expert Witness support

Please contact Greg Roberts Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP CPP: 0437 868 958 • greg roberts@4ptechservices.com.au

www.4ptechservices.com.au

MASTER OF FOOD & PACKAGING INNOVATION

The Master of Food and Packaging Innovation is an inter-disciplinary degree that explores food processing, entrepreneurship and innovation in product and packaging design at an advanced level.

What’s in it for me?

You 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.

This unique course forms part of a joint University of Melbourne and Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) initiative. Industry is actively involved in this course, because they want to cultivate the skills they require locally.

Up-Coming Courses, Webinars & Tradeshows

SEPTEMBER 2023

AIP webinar on Single Use Plastic Bans across AU/NZ

WHEN: 6 September 2023

WHERE: On-line via zoom, 10.00 am to 11.00 pm AEST

WHAT: To be held on the 6th of September, and brought to you by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and National Retail Association (NRA), this webinar will provide a comprehensive update across all single use plastic bans in Australia and New Zealand.

With extensive s tate-based plastic bans coming into effect this year and over the next 3 years, it is important for businesses to stay up-to-date with developments.

Upcoming state-based bans include a diverse range of items and packaging, such as produce bags, coffee cups & their lids, takeaway food containers & their lids/windows, expanded plastic (not just EPS), and many other items.

As every plastic ban varies in definitions, rules and items in scope, this session will help Members and industry colleagues across Australia and New Zealand to receive a timely update in one concise session .

Ebony Johnson from the National Retail Association will be providing a dedicated webinar for AIP members and affiliates to provide a comprehensive update across all current and upcoming single-use plastic bans.

Ebony represents industry on multiple taskforces and committees, as well as managing the NRA’s business engagement programs. The NRA team are working with governments across Australia and New Zealand to deliver engagement and education programs to impacted stakeholders. Last year alone, they engaged over 100,000 retailers, suppliers and community organisations on single-use plastic bans and related sustainability programs. The NRA manage the National Plastics Ban hotline, visit hundreds of stores every day, and have detailed technical and commercial understanding of the ban and its implications for business.

SPEAKER:

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023

WHEN: 11 - 13 September 2023

WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

WHAT: Every two years, PACK EXPO Las Vegas brings together all packaged goods and life sciences industries for the most productive week of the year. This is where suppliers showcase their latest innovations and end users discover game-changing solutions to packaging and processing challenges. With thousands of solutions on display, PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 is the one show in North America where consumer packaged goods and life sciences companies can count on finding the right solutions for their next project.

FREE to ALL - AIP Members, Friends & Industry Colleagues

Ebony Johnson Policy Manager National Retail Association (NRA)

FoodTech PackTech 2023

WHEN: 19 - 21 September 2023

WHERE: Auckland Showgrounds

Up-Coming Courses, Webinars & Tradeshows

SEPTEMBER 2023

AIP to host training course & more alongside

WHAT: New Zealand’s foremost food and packaging technology exhibition where New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector encounters new materials, processes and technology from the world’s top suppliers. FoodTech PackTech (FTPT) is New Zealand’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show. Running strong for over 20 years this free to attend event brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion and the sharing of knowledge and expertise, critical in the sustainability and growth of the industry.

The AIP are a supporting association of the FoodTech PackTech New Zealand again this year and as a part of the partnership the Institute will be hosting four hours of packaging sessions on Day One, a training course on the Future of Flexible Packaging on Day Two and an exhibition stand.

We hope that you will join us as this will be our first time in New Zealand since the pandemic started..

AIP & FoodTech PackTech Sessions

WHEN: 19 September 2023

WHERE: Alongside FoodTech PackTech 2023, Auckland Showgrounds

WHAT: The AIP will be running a series of packaging sessions which will be designed as panel discussions covering a broad range of topics including packaging targets, waste directives, Sustainable & Circular packaging innovations and designs, incorporating recycled content into packaging, the future of soft plastics and flexible packaging, how to embed the 10 Sustainable Packaging Design Principles into your business, the role that packaging plays in minimising food waste, the future of fibre and renewable materials, the important role that the Australasian Recycling Labelling program plays across ANZ and updates for ANZPAC. The speakers will also include a number of our NZ winners of the ANZ PIDA Awards and the WorldStar Packaging Awards.

Flexible Packaging: Now & Into The Future: Training Course

WHEN: 20 September 2023

WHERE: Alongside FoodTech PackTech 2023, Auckland Showgrounds

WHAT: The Flexible Packaging: Now & Into the Future training course will cover the basic fundamentals of flexible packaging, its benefits, how you chose the specific structures to match the product, its performance, marketing challenges and how the packaging is manufactured.

With the latest challenges facing us regarding sustainability in packaging the course will discuss the options, pros and cons of Compostability vs Recyclability, moves to mono material recyclable packaging to meet CEFLEX standards and other innovative alternative materials now available. As an add on, the course will be looking at the future plans for flexible packaging and available closed loop collection programs, kerbside collection development, advanced recycling options for circular design and many others to meet Packaging and Food Waste Targets.:

Course Objectives:

The objectives of the course are to provide participants an understanding of:

• A good broad understanding of the benefits of Flexible packaging.

• The process of manufacturing.

• Where the future lies with flexible films and the changes ahead.

• Snap shot of some of the latest packaging trends and what are the driving forces.

• Understanding the challenges facing us with the sustainable packaging race toward.

LECTURER:

Joe Foster FAIP Education Team Australian Institute

of Packaging (AIP)

* = 12.5

CPP PTS

AIP to host Packaging Forum alongside FoodTech PackTech

19th of September 2023 | Auckland Showgrounds

The AIP will be running a series of packaging sessions which will be designed as panel discussions covering a broad range of topics including packaging targets, waste directives, Sustainable & Circular packaging innovations and designs, incorporating recycled content into packaging, the future of soft plastics and flexible packaging, how to embed the 10 Sustainable Packaging Design Principles into your business, the role that packaging plays in minimising food waste, the future of fibre and renewable materials, the important role that the Australasian Recycling Labelling program plays across ANZ and updates for ANZPAC. The speakers will also include a number of our NZ winners of the ANZ PIDA Awards and the WorldStar Packaging Awards.

Session 1: Setting the Scene on Packaging Regulations & Programs from a Global and Regional Perspective - 10.15 am to 11.30 am

Session 2: Australasian Recycling Labelling (ARL) Program - 11.30 am to 12.00 noon

Session 3: Incorporating Recycled Content into Innovative Packaging - 12.00 noon to 12.45 pm

Lunch Break: 12.45 pm - 1.30 pm

Session 4: Closed Loop Collection Programs - 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm

Session 5: Fibre & Renewable Materials Now & Into the Future - 2.30 pm to 3.15 pm

Session 6: How Brands meet the 2025 Packaging Targets - 3.15 pm to 4.00 pm

Nerida Kelton FAIP Vice President Sustainability & Save Food World Packaging Organisation

Liz Butcher Manager Waste Streams Policy Ministry for the Environment NZ

Nikki Withington MAIP NZ Coordinator ARL APCO

Ben McCulloch AAIP Product Manager (rPET) Martogg

Scott Porter NZ Sales Manager SEE

Deanne Holdsworth EGM Pact Packaging New Zealand Pact Group

Apoorv Mehrotra AAIP Business Development Manager Oji Fibre Solutions

Florian Graichen General Manager – Forests to Biobased Products Scion

Gaya Gamage Head of Quality Assurance thinkstep-anz

Julie Evans Key Account Director Tetra Pak

Joe Foster FAIP Chief Executive Officer Close the Loop Group

Chris Thomas Divisional Manager Packaging BJ Ball NZ Ltd

Huzaifa Mohsinally MAIP Export Business Manager for South East Asia, the Pacific & New Growth Markets Goodman Fielder New Zealand

Kitty Sandoval MAIP Senior Packaging Manager Frucor Suntory Oceania

Sarah Yanez MAIP, CPP Director Totally Wrapt Packaging

Lyn Mayes Scheme Manager - Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme The Packaging Forum

Rob Langford Chief Executive Officer The Packaging Forum

Raewyn Bleakley Chief Executive Food & Grocery Council NZ

Rachel Barker Chief Executive Officer Plastics NZ

Nerida Kelton FAIP Executive Director Australian Institute of Packaging

19 - 21 September 2023

Auckland Showgrounds

New Zealand’s foremost food and packaging technology exhibition where New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector encounters new materials, processes and technology from the world’s top suppliers

See us at stand 160

The AIP will have a stand, run multiple packaging sessions and a training course alongside FoodTech PackTech.

Up-Coming Courses, Webinars & Tradeshows

OCTOBER 2023

AIP Webinar: The Intersection between Check Locally & RecycleMate

WHEN: 18 October 2023

WHAT: Collaboration to deliver leading recycled advice for used packaging to the Australian community.

Recycle Mate helping navigate the transition: relaying the local kerbside recycling rules and providing geolocated directions to away from home recovery options, as new programs evolve.

Waste Expo Australia

WHEN: 25-26 October 2023

WHERE: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

WHAT: Waste Expo Australia is the country's largest gathering of waste management and resource recovery professionals. Alongside our largest ever conference program, running across 4 different tracks with 60+ individual sessions and over 100 leading national and international experts, Waste Expo Australia will feature 100+ brands with presence from both local and international exhibitors, providing a platform to discover the latest breakthrough innovations shaping the future of the waste, recycling and resource recovery industry.

Attracting more than 6,000 industry professionals, Waste Expo Australia is a must-attend event in the industry's calendar. Be part of this free-to-attend exhibition and conference from 25-26 October 2023 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The AIP will have an exhibition stand at Waste Expo Australia so please come and visit.

AIP Packaging Session at Waste Expo - Understanding the value of embedding Sustainable & Circular Packaging Design principles through award-winning best practice case studies.

WHEN: Thursday 26 October, 2.05 pm - 2.35 pm

WHERE: Alongside Waste Expo Australia, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

WHAT: The Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) have been designed to optimise packaging to make more efficient use of resources and reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality and safety. The SPG’s are designed to integrate the Sustainable Packaging Principles (principles) into the right business areas to achieve the optimal outcomes for packaging functionality and to collectively work to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets. ‘Sustainable Packaging’ is packaging that is not only fit for purpose and functional but that also has a lower environmental impact compared to an existing or conventional packaging. Sometimes achieving the lowest possible environmental impact can be challenging, particularly when balancing various environmental criteria with the other functional and commercial considerations. This session will showcase how to embed the SPG’s into your business through best practice award-winning examples.

SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE:

Nerida Kelton FAIP Executive Director Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP)

To be held alongside

Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP Education Coordinator Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP)

Up-Coming Courses, Webinars & Tradeshows

OCTOBER 2023

Active & Intelligent Packaging: Training Course NEW COURSE (VIRTUAL)

WHEN: 31 October 2023

WHERE: On-line via zoom, 9.00 am to 1.30 pm AEST

WHAT: Printed Packaging will NEVER be replaced even though nearly every other printed medium has shifted to digital and now sits on a smartphone or PC. Likewise, email and social media platforms are a crowded space where it is difficult to stand out.

We use smartphones and smart appliances, drive smart cars, and we increasingly purchase consumer goods that are supplied and transported in smart packages. So, what makes all those things ‘smart’ and how can 'smart packaging' be implemented?

This course is designed to assist anyone who is responsible for packaging, marketing, operations, logistics in the consumer goods and broader supply chain seeking to stay relevant in their consumers lives by using smart packaging solutions that offer out-of-the-box business value.

The course will provide attendees with a better understanding of the smart packaging solutions currently available to transform the way they package, deliver and market their products and connect directly with consumer or offer value that will ensure customers ‘come back for more’. Best Practice examples of award-winning packs from the PIDA awards and WorldStar Awards across Active & Intelligent Packaging will also be discussed in the course.

Discussions will cover Active & Intelligent Packaging in easy to understand terms, and will highlight applications being embraced by brands across various industries who are trying to leverage the benefits of smart packaging solutions to enhance their operations whilst at the same time providing an unparalleled customer experience. Is your business prepared for such transformations?

Course Objectives:

• Develop a better understanding of Active & Intelligent Packaging solutions and the core technologies involved in their delivery.

• Understand the global standards the underpin the smart packaging revolution.

• Learn how various smart packaging solutions could be implemented and developed.

• Understand applications and use case examples of active and intelligent packaging from inventory management, to customer interaction as well as recycling, brand protection and product recall.

• Learn how reducing food waste is possible via smart packaging.

• Understand how to use data for insights and increased sales for your products.

• Learn how to utilise smart packaging platforms to stay relevant in consumers lives and increase sales.

• Learn how smart packaging can help mitigate loss events in the supply chain.

LECTURER:

NOVEMBER 2023

AIP Virtual Site Tour: Opal Fibre Packaging

WHEN: TBA November 2023

WHAT: Opal creates fibre packaging solutions to suit every customer. A member of Nippon Paper Group, Opal has integrated operations across Australia and New Zealand, making them one of the region’s leading fibre packaging companies.

The virtual tour provides an overview of Opal's value chain, including their recycling operations, corrugated converting and digital printing capabilities and the production of recycled paper bags for the grocery sector.

Opal looks forward to showing you around some of their key sites through the AIP virtual tour of Opal.

MEET THE TEAM:

Michael Dossor MAIP Education Team Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP)

Brad Hinds Group General Manager Opal Fibre Packaging ANZ

Julian Mathers Group General Manager Opal Converting and Packaging Plus ANZ

Daniel McHugh National Sales Manager Opal Recycling

Jacob Chretien General Manager Technical and Strategic Projects Opal Paper Division

Jenni Booth General Manager Opal Specialty Packaging

UltraGuard™ Solutions for improved barrier properties in polyethylene

UltraGuard™ Solutions by Milliken is a line of performance additives that brings value to polyethylene parts by improving barrier properties. It can be used in films, and in injection molded, compression molded, and blow molded parts.

These additives cut by up to 50% the transmission rate of any substance (such as moisture or oxygen) that passes through the polyethylene bottle.

White opaque HDPE bottles are commonly used for OTC (over-the-counter) drugs, prescription drugs and nutraceutical products because they have good moisture barrier and light protection properties. Barrier enhancement in HDPE pharma bottles is particularly valuable because it can help to extend the potency of drugs toward the end of their shelf life.

As an added benefit, UltraGuard Solutions also provide sustainability benefits. To meet the barrier requirements, pharma bottles typically have much thicker walls than needed from a purely functional point of view. PE resin formulated with these additives enables bottle makers to reduce the weight of these bottles by up to 20% while still providing enhanced barrier properties. These lighter-weight bottles, therefore, use significantly less material and lessen their overall impact on the environment.

Polyethylene with UltraGuard Solutions provides controlled crystallization allowing for enhanced properties.

downgauging increased shelf life

For more details and information please contact us at asiachem@milliken.com or visit us online at chemical.milliken.com

up to 60% improved barrier

Reduced (20%) Wall Thickness

AIP partnership with FoodPro a huge success

The AIP was an association partner at FoodPro 2023, which is the largest food manufacturing show in the Southern Hemisphere that showcases not only the latest processing and packaging machinery but also a wide range of packaging. Usually held every three years, the pandemic caused a six year hiatus and FoodPro is finally back in Melbourne and sold out!

The AIP are proud to be an Association Partner of the show with AIFST, and the Institute brought an extensive packaging education program to the four day event, including 2x packaging sessions and 2x training courses.

Our first packaging session for the week with Warwick Armstrong MAIP, Jasson Mills MAIP, and Alan Adams MAIP as our speakers discussing all things sustainable meat packaging and how to find the balance between food waste and packaging waste. The speakers showcased their PIDA and WorldStar award-winning packs.

Our newly appointed President John Bigley had the opportunity to meet new and some longer standing Members, and our ED, Nerida Kelton visited a number of stands in search of PIDA and WorldStar Packaging awards on display and caught up with many members. A nice surprise was that a number of our Master of Food and Packaging degree students from the University of Melbourne also came to visit us and sit in the packaging session which was great to see!

Ralph Moyle CPP FAIP and Nerida Kelton FAIP joined a live podcast with PKN Packaging News and Food & Drink Business and Lindy Hughson which you can see via their YouTube channel or via https://lnkd.in/g5KRgYFd

Day 2 of FoodPro in Melbourne was even busier than the first and the AIP had the opportunity to run not one, but two training courses. The first was Flexible Packaging now and into the future with Joe Foster FAIP and the second was our NEW Active and Intelligent Packaging course with our newest member of the education team Michael Dossor MAIP. The feedback we received from both courses was overwhelmingly positive.

We also had the special opportunity to formally present some of the ANZ WorldStar Packaging award winners that were unable to join us in Germany their trophies including Alan Heathcote from Sealed Air NZ and Craig Walker MAIP from Goodman Fielder.

We are very pleased to also see a number of our Members proudly displaying their PIDA and WorldStar awards on their stands. So it links so nicely to the poster area near the registration desks in the foyer outside the halls.

Some of our Master of Food and Packaging Innovation students from the University of Melbourne also came to the stand to say hi and we spent all day catching up with so many of our Members.

The third day of FoodPro saw AIP hosting a packaging session focussed on award-winning innovative Sustainable Packaging designs. A huge thank you to our fabulous speakers Richard Fernandez MAIP, Felicity Kelly AAIP and Gilad Sadan MAIP for taking time out of their busy schedules to support the AIP educational program for industry. A special shout out to Keith Chessell FAIP for moderating the panel discussion and to Anhely Millán MAIP and Laurine Georges for manning the AIP stand all day.

We truly appreciate everyone that supports the AIP at events like this and we look forward to seeing you all again at the next edition of FoodPro!

AIP partnership with FoodPro a huge success

AIP partnership with FoodPro a huge success

Sustainable meat packaging panel at Foodpro

Cross-industry collaboration to drive marketready and recycle-ready sustainable solutions is top of the agenda for packaging converters SEE, Amcor Flexibles and Plantic, who presented on innovation in this space at an AIP education forum at foodpro on Day One.

In a panel session deftly moderated by Australian Institute of Packaging education co-ordinator Ralph Moyle, foodpro attendees heard from Alan Adams MAIP, director of Sustainability for APAC at SEE (formerly Sealed Air); Jasson Mills, technical director R&D Amcor Flexibles; and Warwick Armstrong, general manager Business Development & Marketing at Plantic Technologies – the trio all highlighting sustainable packaging innovation brought to market with the dual benefit of preventing food waste and driving circularity.

Adams opened the session and set the context for the panel discussion by emphasising the importance of collaboration to enable the industry to “ truly make a genuine difference for business and the planet”.

Alluding to the National Packaging Targets, Adams said, “2025 is just around the corner… we need to be launching solutions that make a difference today.”

He added that the biggest impact the packaging industry can make is “designing out food waste”, which he pointed out accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions.

Other focus areas that should drive innovation, he said, are reducing carbon emissions and developing a circular economy.

“Today, more than ever, society is tasking us with being more circular with the finite resources we have, so developing sustainable packaging in any industry is really a balancing act – balancing those environmental impacts generated by packaging with the impacts delivered by the product itself.

“We absolutely have to design for that sweet spot that optimises outcomes with the minimum amount of resources we can consume – and that really takes a holistic approach.”

Adams ran through several innovations SEE has brought to market, a highlight being the Hydralock meat tray, which, through clever design adopting the principle of surface tension, has delivered a tray that eliminates the need for soaker pads to absorb the meat fluids, preventing hundreds of tonnes of the latter material from entering landfill. The clear tray is recyclable and contains 10 per cent PCR content.

Adams said that although Australia does not currently have the recycling infrastructure in place to recycle material onshore, in the next few years it will, and then there will be a high demand for feedstock. He says we need to design now to be recycle ready for when that recycling capacity comes onstream.

Day 1 of foodpro 2023 included a panel discussion on sustainable packaging for the meat industry. The panellists were (l to r) Ralph Moyle, AIP; Alan Adams, SEE; Jasson Mills, Amcor Flexibles; and Warwick Armstrong, Plantic Technologies.

Sustainable meat packaging panel at Foodpro

He went on to speak about advanced recycling, and the pilot project SEE has initiated in partnership with Melbourne company Advanced Plastics Recycling (APR), to convert post-consumer plastic film and trays into oil, which can be refined and converted into new resins that can in turn be made into high performance food contact packaging. The process he said will divert 900 tonnes of plastic per annum from landfill, capturing it as a resource for new packaging.

Picking up from Adams and developing the theme of designing packaging to be recycle-ready, Amcor Flexibles’ Jasson Mills spoke about the PIDA and WorldStar award-winning Ecotite R, the first ANZmanufactured PVC-free shrink bag for meat. Until recently, PVC has been the barrier material of choice in the protein industry, but locally and globally the meat industry is moving away from PVC and Ecotite R offers a sustainable alternative.

The development didn’t happen overnight, it took three years of R&D. Mills related how Amcor’s Australian team drew on global innovation resources within the group and then a solution was developed that needed to be adapted, using Kiwi engineering ingenuity, to suit machinery on the ground in Australia.

Following successful trials the product has been commercialised and Amcor is starting to gain a foothold in the meat market. It is now eyeing other protein categories like cheese.

Mills said independent reports have shown that Ecotite R is 6 per cent lighter than the PVC alternative, and depending on the gauge of the bag, offers up to 60 per cent lower carbon footprint and 55 per cent less water consumption.

Mills, like Adams, stressed the importance of designing packaging that will be ready for onshore recycling infrastructure.

He said that across the Amcor business around 92 per cent of all packaging they make is recycle-ready, reusable, or compostable.

Warwick Armstrong picked up from Mills, expanding on the discussion around balancing the imperative to reduce plastic waste while preventing food waste.

Plantic Technologies, a Kuraray company, specialises in packaging solutions developed from plant-derived sources, and has won numerous PIDA and WorldStar Awards for its innovations.

Armstrong discussed several examples, highlighting a collaborative solution that was chosen for the World Packaging Organisation’s President’s Award at the WorldStar Awards, the meat tray for Coles Finest brand.

What’s notable about this rPET tray is that the company is partnering with local plastic recycler Martogg, which is located in close proximity to Plantic’s manufacturing site – thus using local PCR content and manufacturing MAP and VSP trays locally, in collaboration with a local retailer to meet its requirements. An example of Australian made packaging at its finest.

The event wrapped up with several questions from the floor around the integrity of the recycled content packaging and other circular solutions in the pipeline.

Ralph Moyle took the opportunity to remind the audience that on Day Two at foodpro the AIP will be running two training courses, one on flexible packaging run by Joe Foster, CEO of OF Packaging and Close the Loop Group, and the other on Active & Intelligent Packaging, run by Michael Dossor, Group GM of Result Group. Both Foster and Dossor are consummate experts in their respective fields, with attendees standing to gain invaluable knowledge by attending.

sustainable insulated packaging to grow your online business?

During

We

AIP partnership with FoodPro a huge success

AIP partnership with FoodPro a huge success

AIP partnership with FoodPro a huge success

AIP Packaging Sessions @ Foodpro 2023

AIP Packaging Sessions @ Foodpro 2023

PKN Podcast LIVE returns as AIP educates at FoodPro 2023

The PKN Podcast LIVE set up its studio at the recent FoodPro 2023...

Multiple AIP Members and speakers at AIP packaging sessions were interviewed during FoodPro. Please enjoy!

Lindy Hughson talks packaging education with Nerida Kelton FAIP & Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP from AIP.

Lindy Hughson, Publisher of Food & Drink Business, and Scott Henschke AAIP from Confoil, talk about the award winning DualPakECO.

Harald Hendriks AAIP, Managing Director of Pac Food, discusses recyclability & compostibility of their innovative food packaging solutions with Lindy Hughson.

Gilad Sadan MAIP from Navi Co Global chats with Lindy Hughson, Publisher of Food & Drink Business, about fibre based produce packaging.

Talking about smart packaging with Michael Dossor MAIP from Result Group and Lindy Hughson, Publisher of Food & Drink Business.

Jessica Ansell AAIP of OF Packaging joins Lindy Hughson, Publisher of Food & Drink Business, to discuss their impressions so far of the FoodPro event.

Lindy Hughson talks sustainable food packaging with Alan Adams MAIP, Sustainability Director for APAC at SEE.

AIP partners with AWRE 2023

The AIP was an association partner of the 2023 edition of the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) in Sydney with the AIP hosting three packaging sessions covering innovative sustainable packaging design for the wine industry with Lars Ljung, Jack Glover and Leo Jin, finding the balance between food waste and packaging waste targets with Brendon Holmes AAIP, Alan Adams MAIP and Michael Dossor MAIP and then the value of embedding the Australasian Recycling Label on your packaging with Bonnie Marshall Sarah Sannen and our very own ED. Nerida Kelton. A special shout out to Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP for moderating all of the sessions.

Over the two days the AIP hosted 3x packaging sessions with 9 speakers that saw close to 250 people in attendance. THANK YOU to all of our speakers who took time out of their busy schedules to come to Sydney with us to support the AIP. To all our Members we look forward to seeing you again soon!

In addition, the AIP team spent the last two days constantly in conversation, networking and meeting so many people; including new and old friends and colleagues.

That is a wrap for AWRE 2023 and we look forward to being back as an association partner in 2024.

AIP partners with AWRE 2023

AIP partners with AWRE 2023

AIP partners with AWRE 2023

AIP partners with AWRE 2023

AIP partners with AWRE 2023

AIP represents packaging at the AWRE

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is connecting with the waste industry at the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) held in Sydney this year, from 26-27 July.

AIP vice president, Nerida Kelton, told PKN that the institute’s presence at the expo was about representing the packaging industry in the waste and recycling sector, and “helping it to understand that we are working hard with the brands to design out waste, so that when they get to the end of life, they are recycle ready, that they are mono-materials and that they can be picked up in material recovery facilities”.

While a large portion of the expo hall was devoted to recycling and waste processing machinery, there were several packaging brands exhibiting, showcasing a range of bioplastic and compostable packaging materials. Several recycling companies were also present, with various innovations for sorting and collecting recyclable waste.

Day one of the two-day event saw the first AIP session held, which was focused on circular and sustainable packaging design, and featured PIDA Award-winning speakers share their innovations, which were themed around wine.

One of the speakers was Lars Ljung, sustainability manager at Planet Protector Packaging, who opened his talk by explaining his company “is on a mission to rid the world of polystyrene” , and then went on to

share some of the innovations the company has made using waste sheep’s wool as a substitute, under the brand name Woolpack, in particular, the PIDA awardwinning Wine Protector solution.

PKN spoke to Ljung at the expo, who shared his thoughts on the difficulty of balancing more sustainable packaging and reducing food waste, which he said is “one of the most interesting dynamics that we have to bear in mind as the legislation is constantly changing”. He said that as people are becoming much more aware of the impact food waste has on us, this also needs to be taken into consideration when designing packaging solutions.

The AIP's Nerida Kelton shows a Todd Beck from ColgatePalmolive the AIP stand.

The AIP's Ralph Moyle introduces the speakers from the left: Lars Ljung, Leo Jin, Jack Glover

Leo Jin, senior business manager at UPM Raflatac presented the company’s wash off labels, as well as the PIDA silver winning Rafcycle label liner recycling service. As many in the recycling industry know, labels often present a challenge for recyclers, due to the adhesive used, which can leave a residue on the packaging. Jin said that Raflatac’s product can be fully washed off in the recycling process, thus helping to increase the amount of material recycled and put back into use.

Jack Glover, marketing director ANZ of Accolade wines presented the company’s Banrock Station Eco Bottle, a flat, recycled PET wine bottle, which he said he proven to lighten the load in transport, thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint. This bottle had also taken silver for recycled content in the sustainability category of the PIDA Awards earlier this year.

AIP Educational Sessions @ AWRE 2023

AIP Educational Sessions @ AWRE 2023

AIP Educational Sessions @ AWRE 2023

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Auspouch offers the complete package – Bags, Pouches and Fillers. With 16 years as Industry leaders in soft packaging for Oceania’s food and beverage industry, Auspouch invite you to see just how our complete packaging service can help your business evolve and expand.

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Email: sales@auspouch.com.au

Check Locally Logo update

Following the collapse of REDcycle, brand owners are required to update any soft plastics labelling that directs consumers to 'Return to Store' or 'Store Drop Off'.

The ARL Program thresholds for soft plastics were revised last year and are now in effect. Packaging that meets these thresholds is now eligible for the new Check Locally logo. If your packaging does not meet the new thresholds, the Not Recyclable logo must be applied.

PREP has been updated with these thresholds. The assessment is available for all APCO members to use . New projects will automatically apply the new thresholds. Old projects can be updated manually. APCO are continuing to improve the user experience for old projects with PREP with an aim to automate the update across all projects. APCO will let you know when this is available.

Please see below the detailed steps and a handy decision tree to help understand required actions specific to your situation.

Check Locally Logo update

Uplifted ARL soft plastics thresholds now in force

Up-Coming Tradeshows

In order to qualify to use the Check Locally logo, soft plastics will now need to meet new thresholds. These were gazetted in 2022 and will now take effect. The new thresholds are aligned with global best practice and CEFLEX. They encourage design for circularity and enable higher value recovery. All ARL members will be provided with instructions on how to assess their packaging against the new thresholds.

All members are invited to attend any events across Australasia

APRIL 2020 APRIL 2020 February & March 2021 April 2021

Key threshold changes are listed below and in the table.

• Primary materials: the polyolefin content has increased from a min 70% to 80%.

Interpack: New Dates

Drupa: New Dates

• PET, PVDC, Paper and Aluminium (not including metallised layers) are not accepted at any % inclusion.

• Nylon, EVOH and PVOH decreased from 30% to 10% inclusion.

• AlOx, SiOx and Acrylic are considered recyclable up to 10%.

• PVC, PS and Bioplastics/compostable plastics remain unacceptable at any percentage.

WHEN: 23 Feb to 3 March 2021

WHERE: Dusseldorf, Germany

WHAT: Internationally the most important event in the packaging sector and the related process industry, interpack will be held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. Both exhibitors and visitors can look forward not only to an entirely new Hall 1 and a new Entrance Süd but they can also benefit from an overall clearer hall structure with even more sharply focused segments. This means even shorter distances thereby making for more efficient trade fair visits.

Interpack’s unique selling point is its distinctive solutions package and coverage of entire value chains. This includes processes and machinery for the packaging and processing of packaged goods plus packaging media and materials and the manufacturing of packaging aids as well as services for the packaging business.

WHEN: 20 to 30 April 2021

WHERE: Dusseldorf, Germany

WHAT: There is no other industry event that has such great international appeal as the leading trade fair for printing technologies. More than half of its visitors come to drupa with specific investment projects.

drupa provides crucial impulses for print, media, packaging production, and industrial applications – especially in the vertical markets as well. The world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies offers outstanding networking opportunities and potential for excellent business dealings. This is where innovations are brought into the market, new business models are developed, and new partnerships are formed.

Brands can start reviewing their thresholds and artwork now and will have until 1st July 2025 to complete their on-pack updates, after which time it will be an ACCC expectation. To review the ACCC correspondence and their guidance to brand owners and retailers, please see https://documents.packagingcovenant.org.au/other-public-documents/ACCC+Letter+To+APCO+-+Soft+Plastics+ARL Labelling for New Zealand

The last edition of interpack attracted 2,866 exhibitors and 170,899 visitors from 168 countries and thanks to busy orders from three-quarters of the decision-makers among them made for significant impulses in the sector.

The thresholds for New Zealand remain unchanged. Download the New Zealand guide here

drupa is an international magnet for visitor target groups from a wide variety of industries. In addition to the printing and packaging industry, there are also groups from vertical markets such as consumer goods, luxury goods, cosmetics, bank and safety technology, and many more. More than half of its visitors come to drupa with specific investment projects. AIP Members to receive discounted visitor tickets.

PERFECT YOUR PROCESS

Are your packaging artwork processes up to scratch? There’s a whole raft of improvements to the process that putting a digital packaging solution in can help with.

Want to learn more? Talk to Esko.

Improving Plastic Packaging Circularity - an industry roadmap for recyclate quality specifications

The lack of defined quality standards for mechanical recyclates hampers the supply chain efficiency and industry alignment that is required to meet voluntary and legislative requirements for recycled content in consumer products. To address this, amongst other initiatives, the supply chain should collectively establish pragmatic and industry-aligned recyclate quality specifications that accelerate circularity targets.

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd, have collaborated with stakeholders to demonstrate the feasibility of creating harmonised specifications for quality recyclates. This work has shown the potential for achieving such alignment as a foundation to create a stronger market for secondary plastics worldwide.

Download the full report here

WasteMINZ releases guidelines for New Zealand

WasteMINZ have released their 'Guidelines on claims about recyclability, recycled content, reusability and repairability' for New Zealand.

This guideline has been developed with two key aims:

• To help organisations avoid making inaccurate or misleading claims about the recyclability, reusability, repairability or recycled content of their products.

• To help customers and consumers make informed pre-purchase choices with regards to the properties and post-use destinations of the products they buy.

Inaccurate or misleading claims regarding the features of products risk breaching the Fair Trading Act 1986 and are detrimental to national and global efforts to reduce pollution and climate change.

This guideline provides an explanation of terms relevant to packaging and products for which Aotearoa New Zealand households are the intended or actual end-users.

Download the guide here

Best practice communications for waste minimisation guide for New Zealand

This guide, Best practice communications for waste minimisation, is part of a strategic approach by the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) to improve the behavioural effectiveness of central and local government waste-related communications to households.

A key focus is on supporting correct and increased participation in kerbside recycling and food scraps collections, as part of the standardisation of kerbside collections across Aotearoa New Zealand. It also goes beyond household waste collections to cover minimisation of food waste and single-use plastic waste.

This guide draws on the latest behavioural science, evidence and industry best practice in effective public-facing communications, to provide clear guidance on how to write, design, deliver and test both print and digital communications.

It brings together nationally agreed elements (key English terms, te reo Māori translations and waste stream colours) with examples of best practice household waste communications locally, and from around the world, tailored to the Aotearoa context.

Download the full guide here

Stewardship Integrated Throughout Biochar Industry Roadmap

The encompassing view of stewardship that the GlobalPSC espouses has been integrated throughout the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap, launched 21 June at Old Parliament House in Canberra by the ANZ Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG).

The GlobalPSC and several of our members were actively involved in bringing the Roadmap, believed to be the world’s first biochar industry roadmap, to fruition. Our GlobalIPSC CEO Russ Martin led Roadmap development through consultancy MS2, and Executive Committee members Dr. Mayuri Wijayasundara of Anvarta and David Hubbard of CINCH Transform also contributed through their participation in the ANZBIG Advisory Board.

Russ led a panel discussion (below) with leaders from the water, agriculture, biochar and biochar technology sectors with an overview of how stewardship can and should go well beyond recycling of ‘traditional’ materials such as packaging and electronics to encompass circular economy (including regenerating natural systems), carbon dioxide removal and circular carbon, energy, climate change and enhanced delivery against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These principles have been embedded throughout the Roadmap and integrated in strategies and actions for significantly scaling up the Australian biochar industry.

Biochar is viewed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as one of the most cost-effective means of carbon dioxide reduction. Recent estimates indicate that biochar could mitigate up to 6.6 billion tonnes of CO2e globally per year by 2050, which is roughly equivalent to the US’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. The Roadmap shows how a range of potential co-feedstocks, including biosolids, forestry residues and agricultural residues, can be treated through pyrolysis and gasification to produce a vast array of products suitable for agriculture, construction, water treatment and other industries.

Download the Roadmap here

CSIRO releases new book on community efforts to eradicate plastic waste

Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has published a new book that sheds light on the innovative and impactful ways communities throughout the world are addressing the plastic pollution challenge..

The book, titled “Ending Plastic Waste: Community Actions Around the World,” is a compilation of testimonies, suggestions, and facts from experts in the field and is meant to serve as an inspiration for lowering environmental plastic waste.

It features 19 initiatives from 15 countries, including Australia, including the use of reusable menstrual products, transforming thongs into pieces of art, and developing a recycling application to help reduce waste going to landfills.

Download the book here

Embrace the Power of Digital Printing

Corrugated inkjet printing represents a gamechanging approach that revolutionises the packaging industry with its unparalleled advantages and remarkable versatility. In the fast-evolving world of packaging, Kissel+Wolf Australia educating and empowering businesses with cutting-edge digital solutions. Join us as we delve into the transformative capabilities of digital inkjet printing, rede fi ning how brands approach packaging and deliver unparalleled experiences for customers.

Speed, Agility, and E ffi ciency:

One of the most signi fi cant advantages of corrugated inkjet printing is its exceptional speed and agility. Unlike traditional printing methods that require extensive setup time, inkjet printing allows for rapid job changeovers and quick setup. Businesses can now respond to market demands swiftly and efficiently, reducing lead times and gaining a competitive edge.

Cost-Effectiveness and Waste Reduction:

Corrugated inkjet printing eliminates the need for costly printing plates, which translates to signi fi cant cost savings. The on-demand nature of digital printing minimises excess inventory, reducing storage costs and material waste. Businesses can print smaller, customised runs economically, enabling them to cater to niche markets and personalised customer preferences.

Personalisation and Variable Data Printing:

Corrugated inkjet printing empowers brands to connect with consumers on a personal level. Variable data printing allows for individualised packaging with unique texts, images, or codes. Brands can engage customers with personalised promotions, messages, or even serialised products, enhancing the overall customer experience and driving loyalty.

Eco-Friendly Solution:

Sustainability is a paramount concern for businesses today. Corrugated inkjet printing o ff ers a greener alternative to traditional methods. With aqueous pigment inks, reduced material waste and energy

consumption, inkjet printing signi fi cantly minimises the environmental footprint. Embracing eco-friendly practices reflects a company's commitment to the planet and resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

High-Quality Printing and Precision:

Inkjet printing's advanced technology ensures high-quality printing with impeccable precision. It can reproduce intricate designs, intricate patterns, and vibrant colours with unparalleled accuracy. Brands can rest assured that their packaging will look exceptional, e ff ectively enhancing their product's appeal on the retail shelf.

Versatility and Adaptability:

Corrugated inkjet printing works seamlessly across various substrates, from standard corrugated cardboard to specialty papers. Its adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, electronics, cosmetics, and more. Businesses can con fi dently explore new markets and expand their product o ff erings, all with the support of inkjet printing's exceptional versatility.

Corrugated inkjet printing is a transformative force, o ff ering numerous bene fi ts that outshine traditional printing solutions. With its speed, cost-e ff ectiveness, design versatility, and sustainability, inkjet printing unlocks new opportunities for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive market.

Kissel+Wolf Australia’s approach to digital inkjet printing is changing the packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand. Their end-to-end solutions, coupled with local service & support, local consumables and parts, provides our customers with the tools they need to excel in a fast-paced market.

Embracing digital inkjet printing not only enhances efficiency and cost-e ff ectiveness but also empowers brands to create captivating, personalised packaging that leaves a lasting impression on their customers. Join us at Kissel+Wolf, and together, let's take your packaging to new heights. For more information on Kissel + Wolf fi bre-based packaging Ssolutions, please visit https://www.kissel-wolf. com.au/corrugated-packaging-solutions-2

The #1 platform for Specification Management

Digitize & manage all your specification data – from raw materials, and ingredients, to packaging and finished goods – and collaborate across teams and suppliers with Specright.

Learn why more than 1 million products are on Specright at www.specright.com

Specright releases State of Specifications Management Report 2023

AIP Corporate Partner Specright have released their 2023 State of Specifications Management Report.

In this report, you will learn:

• Why legacy systems, like PLMs, ERPs, and non-purpose built solutions are proving to be insufficient to manage the granular level of specification data.

• Initiatives companies are trying to address and optimise for with specification data.

• How to tackle growing sustainable packaging legislation and regulatory pressures with specification data.

This report underscores the pressing need to address specification data challenges now. If your company continues to manage data with outdated methods, your business will be exposed to increased risk, inefficiencies, and impact on overall business goals. We hope the insights in this report will showcase the value of taking a different approach to data management – starting with the foundational data –to change your business for the better with Specification Management.

Download the report today

How can designing intuitive Save Food Packaging play a role in reducing food loss and waste?

This is just one of many questions that the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre asked the AIP Executive Director, Nerida Kelton in this month's episode of #FoodWasteMatters . How can we manage the design trade-offs between food waste and packaging waste and why it is so important to look at fit-forpurpose and functional packaging designs first to ensure that we don't have unintended consequences.

We also discussed many examples of innovative Save Food Packaging design that can make a real difference in the fight against food waste. Tune into this month's episode for an important discussion on the future of Save Food Packaging design.

Watch the episode here

Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide now translated into Thai

The Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide has recently been translated into Thai, making it the 10th translation now available through the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) website.

The ‘Packaging Design for Recycling Guide’ is a starting point to understand Best Practice examples using state-of-the-art technology that can then be applied and tailored to suit the recovery and recyclability capabilities and infrastructure on a regional and local level.

The formal launch of the Thai Translation was undertaken at ProPak Asia in Bangkok with the President of the WPO, Prof Pierre Pienaar, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida Kelton, members of the Thai Packaging Association and the translators of the guide from the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University all in attendance.

Jeeranuch Buddeejeen, Ph.D. (Industrial Engineering), Lecturer (Packaging Technology and Product Management), School of Science and Technology at the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University formally launched the Thai guide and wanted to thank the WPO for their support in making this translation possible.

“Thank you very much to the WPO for allowing us the opportunity to not only translate this important global packaging design for recycling guide, but also to enable the University to be able to use the guide in their curriculum,” Ms Buddeejeen said.

"I hope that all of the young packaging designers at universities and entrepreneurs in the packaging industry globally can gain knowledge and understanding of the standard for circular packaging design that is set out in

this guide. I believe that good packaging design will help Thai people to have a better quality of life and make our planet better," she said.

“The team of translators also delivered the guide to the university's central library and 10 campus libraries so that is accessible to everyone to use. Our management team would like to thank the World Packaging Organisation and the Thai Packaging Association for such a wonderful experience over the last 12 months. My goal now is to establish a Sustainable Manufacturing and packaging Excellence Centre so that students and industry can practice and test the application seriously.” Ms Buddeejeen said.

Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food for the WPO added that the opportunity for Members of the WPO to be in physical attendance at this launch was very special.

“During ProPak Asia we had the opportunity to meet many of the members of the translating team and also many students who are using the Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide in their degrees. We need to see more academic institutes like the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University training students to design out waste at the start and teaching them to better understand the end of life for packaging materials through collection, sorting, recycling and reprocessing

Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide now translated into Thai

capabilities. It is so important that all students across the globe are trained in designing with recyclability in mind so that they design out all unnecessary materials, packs and waste at the start,” Mrs Kelton said.

“Design for recycling is part of circular product design and represents an important basis for holistic sustainability assessment. Accordingly, circularity means that the packaging is designed in such a way that the highest possible recycling of the materials in use can be achieved. The goals here are resource conservation, the longest possible service life, materialidentical recycling (closed-loop recycling) or the use of renewable materials. Circular packaging should therefore be designed and manufactured in such a way that it can be reused (reusable solution) and/or that the raw materials used can be reused to a large extent as secondary raw materials after the use phase (recycling) and/or consist of renewable raw materials,” she said.

In conclusion WPO President, Prof. Pierre Pienaar added that he believes that an exciting future awaits our Thai colleagues and everyone that is now able to reference this WPO Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide.

“I am confident that this guide will make the student’s lives easier as they work towards more sustainable packaging design and development in Thailand. I would encourage everyone in Thailand to please use it and tell all of your colleagues about how they can access the guide through the World Packaging Organisation website for free. I would also like to thank

those from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University and the Thai Packaging Association (TPA) for all of their hard work and efforts that they put into translating this guideline so that all of Thailand can now use it freely and intentionally. Acknowledgement must also be extended to Patra Khunawat from the Thai Packaging Association who led this project with the University. We wish all of the students much success in their packaging careers.” Prof. Pienaar said.

The Thai translation is available to download and access for free via the World Packaging Organisation website.

The global ‘Packaging Design for Recycling Guide’ has been developed by the WPO, Circular Analytics, FH Campus University of Applied Sciences and ECR Community.

6th Edition arrives in Australasia

Order your copy of the New 6th Edition of the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Textbook today!

Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, 6th Edition is more comprehensive and better than ever.

The newest Edition contains a reorganised and expanded discussion on sustainability, the circular economy, packaging law, a more in-depth discussion of e-commerce, additional on-line resources, and updated information on technical considerations, standards, and testing procedures!

Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, 6th Edition is peer-reviewed to add to the extensive past contributions of Walter Soroka, with fresh insights from nearly 100 packaging subject matter experts.

This revised Edition also includes a chapter review answer key and an updated look at considerations for machinery in packaging, including robotics, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

If you are thinking about starting your Certified Packaging Professional designation or undertaking modules from the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course then this textbook is for you!

Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan

Introducing the Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan, a collaborative effort between Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Products Federation, the Australian dairy industry and SFWA.

Supporting industry sustainability, this plan will help to reduce food waste, save millions of dollars annually, conserve resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan is the Australian dairy industry’s response to the Australian Federal Government’s goal of halving food waste by 2030.

Food waste from the dairy supply chain has previously been identified as one of the six highest Australian food waste sources. This Sector Action Plan reflects the Australian dairy industry’s commitment to sustainable practices, including reducing waste, which is highlighted in the 2021 Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework report.

There are a range of initiatives and practices currently implemented by dairy farmers, individual dairy manufacturers, and retailers that contribute to reducing dairy food waste across the supply chain. However, further opportunities to tackle dairy food waste exist.

This has been recognised by the Dairy Manufacturers Sustainability Council and the Australian Dairy Products Federation and its members, who have identified a need for collective action across the industry.

The result of this collective action is the Dairy Food Waste Action Plan. This has been developed by Dairy Australia in partnership with the Australian Dairy Products Federation and Stop Food Waste Australia. There has also been input from Dairy Manufacturers Sustainability Council members and other dairy companies, with support from Sustainability Victoria. Its development has increased transparency of dairy food waste across the supply chain, and it provides a

Dairy sector food waste action plan

pathway for the industry to collaboratively tackle this waste challenge. Australian dairy industry and current dairy food waste Dairy is Australia’s third largest rural industry, featuring 4,420 dairy farms and 455 processing factories across the country. In 2021/22, the total annual milk production was 8,554 million litres, with 86 per cent produced in southeast Australia.

The Dairy Food Waste Account compiled as part of this Sector Action Plan reports that there are currently 0.71 million tonnes of actual dairy food waste being generated across the dairy supply chain. The by- products from cheese production (e.g. whey), process wastes associated with dairy product manufacturing, and the disposal of finished product to landfill, are key waste categories.

Calling all SMEs: New training course developed by the AIP: How SMEs can reduce their onsite packaging waste.

First Victorian Container Deposit Scheme Refund Point Landed

TOMRA Cleanaway has installed Victoria’s first refund point under the State’s new Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, in Buninyong, Victoria.

“We’re very excited to have landed the first CDS Vic refund location, a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), where locals will be able to conveniently drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling,” TOMRA Cleanaway CEO, James Dorney, said.

“Our Reverse Vending Machines are quick, convenient, and automated, and able to be seamlessly integrated into retail and community locations.”

Located at FoodWorks in Buninyong, locals will be able to recycle eligible bottles, cartons and cans, and receive 10 cents per item in return from 1 November 2023.

TOMRA’s world-leading Reverse Vending Machine technology will scan and verify each container as it is deposited, and then provide options to the user to either receive the amount through a retail cash voucher, via digital transfer direct to a bank account, or for the amount to be sent as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.

“This is the first of a number of machines to be rolled out in this area and across the state over the coming weeks and months, and we’re looking for more community partners to host registered refund points –including shopping centres, retail outlets, clubs, parks, sporting grounds, and community centres.”

Refund point types including outdoor Reverse Vending Machine, standalone Reverse Vending Machines suitable for supermarkets and retail shops or clubs, and Over The Counter refund points.

“As a partner, the benefits of being a refund point host include attracting customers, supporting fundraising for local community groups and charities, and earning extra revenue,” Mr Dorney said.

“We will work with interested partners on the best configuration that suits them, within the CDS Vic scheme.”

At the launch, Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt MLC, said "Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme will be the most accessible and convenient in the country, making it easier than ever to recycle here in Regional Victoria and across our state."

"CDS Vic will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products, while reducing the amount of litter in Victoria by up to half."

TOMRA Cleanaway has been appointed by the Victorian Government to deliver CDS Vic in 28 Local Government Areas across the west of Victoria and western suburbs of Melbourne, with almost 180 refund points to be established and hundreds of jobs in the Victorian Circular Economy created. It’s estimated half a billion eligible drink containers are disposed of annually across this region alone.

“We’re very excited to be part of Victoria’s new Container Deposit Scheme, and look forward to partnering with local businesses, charities and community groups across the State,” Mr Dorney said.

If you’re interested in partnering with TOMRA Cleanaway to host a CDS Vic refund point, please visit www.TOMRACleanaway.com.au

L-R; Tony Circelli, Head of Recycling Victoria; The Hon. Ingrid Stitt, Victorian Minister for the Environment; James Dorney, CEO TOMRA Cleanaway; and Jim Round, CEO of Vic Return.

Packaging gets voice in CSIRO food security report

An 18-month collaboration between CSIRO and nine partners from government and industry, including the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), has culminated in the roadmap Reshaping Australian Food Systems. The role of packaging in preventing food waste was one topic under the spotlight in the report.

LEAD ECONOMIST AND agriculture and food lead, CSIRO Futures, and one of the report’s lead authors, Dr Katherine Wynn told PKN the thinking around reshaping food systems is driven by a number of challenges including disruption to supply chains, increasing input costs, and labour shortages.

AIP executive director Nerida Kelton said roadmaps such as this are important to the industry, and as a stakeholder in food and beverage manufacturing, the AIP could contribute.

“Because it was themed around sustainability and productivity, we wanted to ensure there was a balanced approach to the food waste and packaging targets. If we’re looking to the future, we need to have balanced discussions about the impacts of both. The roadmap takes them into account and how they should be embedded in the business of all food businesses,” Kelton told PKN

CSIRO executive director, Future Industries, Kirsten Rose added, “Australia’s food systems currently support an estimated 70 million people across the nation and through our export markets, so it’s critical those systems are robust enough to meet future needs.

“This roadmap represents a collective approach to tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the security and health of our food.”

FACING FOOD INSECURITY

“There were also statistics, particularly around food security, that we all found shocking. In the last 12 months, 33 per cent of Australian households have experienced food insecurity,” she said.

Foodbank Australia general manager Sarah Pennell told PKN being one of the nine partners was fascinating and a privilege.

“Being in the food relief sector our view can be quite focused and specific, so to be in a room with a lot of very smart people taking a really broad picture of an issue, and then getting a picture of the interconnectedness, meant it was a real privilege to be involved,” Pennell said.

Pennell said her role was to be the “voice of the vulnerable”.

“We have an enviable food system but there are lots of challenges, which are only likely to increase.

Above: An 18-month collaboration between CSIRO and nine partners from government and industry has culminated in Reshaping Australian Food Systems, a roadmap to help make the system more resilient, sustainable, equitable and healthier.

Right: AIP’s Nerida Kelton says these type of roadmaps are important to the industry.

We have to make sure that when looking at food system resilience, both those that can pay for their food and those that can’t are taken into account.

We have to make sure that when looking at food system resilience, both those that can pay for their food and those that can’t are taken into account.

“We currently have half a million households going without enough food on any given day, that’s a significant portion of the population that needs consideration. Solutions can’t make their lives harder or push more people into insecurity and vulnerability,” Pennell said.

“We currently have half a million households going without enough food on any given day, that’s a significant portion of the population that needs consideration. Solutions can’t make their lives harder or push more people into insecurity and vulnerability,” Pennell said.

In his keynote at The Australian’s Global Food Forum earlier this month, federal industry minister Ed Husic said, “Researchers are developing new products and processes, tackling this huge issue of food waste. Foodbank estimates we probably waste eight million tonnes of food in this country, a year, of which 70 per cent is still edible. Finding new ways to work together on that is hugely important. We’ve got smart people in this country, great businesses who are open to new opportunities, big problem solvers.

In his keynote at The Australian’s Global Food Forum earlier this month, federal industry minister Ed Husic said, “Researchers are developing new products and processes, tackling this huge issue of food waste. Foodbank estimates we probably waste eight million tonnes of food in this country, a year, of which 70 per cent is still edible. Finding new ways to work together on that is hugely important. We’ve got smart people in this country, great businesses who are open to new opportunities, big problem solvers.

PACKAGING AS A SOLUTION

PACKAGING AS A SOLUTION

Kelton said that because the roadmap was exploring innovations and new technologies, the AIP wanted to make sure packaging, sustainable packaging, and the ability to incorporate intelligent packaging into the food system were discussed.

Kelton said that because the roadmap was exploring innovations and new technologies, the AIP wanted to make sure packaging, sustainable packaging, and the ability to incorporate intelligent packaging into the food system were discussed.

Wynn said, and Kelton concurred, that one of the interesting research projects in the roadmap looked at improving smart intelligent packaging design, to help control food waste by being able

Wynn said, and Kelton concurred, that one of the interesting research projects in the roadmap looked at improving smart intelligent packaging design, to help control food waste by being able

1

1 Enabling equitable access to healthy and sustainable diets

Enabling equitable access to healthy and sustainable diets

2 Minimising waste and improving circularity

2 Minimising waste and improving circularity

to monitor food quality, managing food to have a good shelf life, and the right physical environment to store food in terms of temperature and humidity to reduce emissions, improve shelf life and storage.

to monitor food quality, managing food to have a good shelf life, and the right physical environment to store food in terms of temperature and humidity to reduce emissions, improve shelf life and storage.

“In addressing the challenges around the amount of food waste, stakeholders made specific note that we need more investment in production and manufacturing capabilities, and then coordination across the supply chain to identify and redistribute those byproducts effectively,” Wynn said.

“In addressing the challenges around the amount of food waste, stakeholders made specific note that we need more investment in production and manufacturing capabilities, and then coordination across the supply chain to identify and redistribute those byproducts effectively,” Wynn said.

Pennell said, “More Aussies are becoming insecure, so when the cost-of-living gets a shock, it is the people already under stress who suffer first, suffer then most, and take the longest to recover. We need a

Pennell said, “More Aussies are becoming insecure, so when the cost-of-living gets a shock, it is the people already under stress who suffer first, suffer then most, and take the longest to recover. We need a

3

Facilitating Australia’s transition to net zero emissions

3 Facilitating Australia’s transition to net zero emissions

4

Aligning resilience with socioeconomic and environmental sustainability

4 Aligning resilience with socioeconomic and environmental sustainability

better system and that is going to cost money and resources, and it’s a question of who can afford it and who can’t.

better system and that is going to cost money and resources, and it’s a question of who can afford it and who can’t.

“This isn’t just a burden for the food system either, it’s about the economy, the welfare system, social supports and more. In this case, I was making sure the future of our food system doesn’t throw even more people into insecurity.”

“This isn’t just a burden for the food system either, it’s about the economy, the welfare system, social supports and more. In this case, I was making sure the future of our food system doesn’t throw even more people into insecurity.”

“Working with CSIRO, the government and other agencies involved made me realise the interdependencies and moving parts on this issue. We will only find solutions if there is more communication and more collaborative efforts.”

“Working with CSIRO, the government and other agencies involved made me realise the interdependencies and moving parts on this issue. We will only find solutions if there is more communication and more collaborative efforts.”

Wynn said the roadmap looks at opportunities, research

Wynn said the roadmap looks at opportunities, research

5

Increasing value and productivity

5 Increasing value and productivity

priorities, and policy, infrastructure, and investment actions but does not assign responsibility for their delivery.

priorities, and policy, infrastructure, and investment actions but does not assign responsibility for their delivery.

“We want to see the report motivate discussion and consensus around broad objectives for our food system. To date, there has been a lack of a whole of system response and the roadmap has gone some way to address that,” she said.

“We want to see the report motivate discussion and consensus around broad objectives for our food system. To date, there has been a lack of a whole of system response and the roadmap has gone some way to address that,” she said.

Husic said, “No country has got a greater reputation for producing premium, safe, sustainable food than our country, and we need to build on that. We can’t sit on our hands or rest on laurels. We have to keep investing in innovation and building resilient food systems well into the future.” ■

Husic said, “No country has got a greater reputation for producing premium, safe, sustainable food than our country, and we need to build on that. We can’t sit on our hands or rest on laurels. We have to keep investing in innovation and building resilient food systems well into the future.” ■

TO DRIVE PROGRESS, FIVE SYSTEM-WIDE FOCAL AREAS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED THROUGH CONSULTATIONS. THEY INCLUDE 2030 TARGETS AND 2050 GOALS.

2023 WORLDSTAR SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL AWARD GOLD WINNER

2023 WORLDSTAR ACCESSIBLE PACKAGING DESIGN SPECIAL AWARD SILVER WINNER

2023 WORLDSTAR PACKAGING THAT SAVES FOOD SPECIAL AWARD SILVER WINNER

TO DRIVE PROGRESS, FIVE SYSTEM-WIDE FOCAL AREAS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED THROUGH CONSULTATIONS. THEY INCLUDE 2030 TARGETS AND 2050 GOALS.

BELIEVING IN PRINT

The print market is changing, and the transition from analogue to digital technology is accelerating. Creating inkjet technology that drives the industry forward, we introduce a level of quality, speed, and usability that exceeds expectations and gives creative control to the user. We develop our products so customers can effortlessly reach the future and achieve their own goals.

With over 80 years moving forward, we never stop improving and creating value from innovation that helps change the world.

With print, the possibilities are endless.

Introducing

the new High Speed Model

• High performance mode of 5,400 sheets per hour

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AIP: Peak Professional Body for Packaging Education & Training in Australasia

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, half-day 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 Asia. To find out more email info@aipack.com.au or www.aipack.com.au

Annual Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards

Coordinated by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the Annual Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards are designed to recognise companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field in Australia and New Zealand.

PIDA Categories include:

Food

• Beverage

Labelling & Decoration

• Health, Beauty & Wellness

• Outside of the Box

Accessible & Inclusive Packaging

• Domestic & Household

• Sustainable Packaging

• Marketing

Industry Packaging Professional of the Year

• Save Food Packaging

• Young Packaging Professional of the Year

• ABA Scholarships

• AIP President’s Scholarship

The PIDA Awards are the exclusive award program for all Australia and New Zealand entries into the prestigious WorldStar Packaging Awards, which are coordinated by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The AIP are the Member for Australia and New Zealand for the WPO. To find out more email pida@aipack.com.au