One of the core objectives of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is to ensure that individuals are recognised for their significant contributions to the packaging industry. Dr Carol Lawrence, National President of the AIP had the opportunity at the gala awards night on the 2 May to present five AIP Special Awards. The AIP Special Awards are not given often and are designed to recognise inspirational individuals who have contributed significantly to the packaging industry over many years.
The first award is the AIP Fellowship
The grade of Fellow is the highest recognition to Australian Institute of Packaging Members. The key requirement is a significant and sustained contribution to the technology, science or application to packaging.
AIP FELLOWSHIP TO JACKY NORDSVAN
Jacky Nordsvan,Packaging Specialist, Nestle Australia has been recognised with a Fellowship for her work in the packaging industry over the last 25+ years that has resulted in change in the packaging industry, bringing packaging sustainability, recyclability, labelling, and accessibility, to the forefront of packaging design. She has helped develop tools and processes and engaged stakeholders to enable informed decisions on packaging sustainability and packaging accessible design in the concept phase of packaging development, which is key to improving environmental performance and packaging accessibility. Jacky is also a very strong collaborator across the industry and have been instrumental in a number of collaborations between business and industry. Her work has included working with Planet Ark, Arthritis Australia and the Sustainable Packaging Alliance, as well as being a Brand Owner Director on the Board of the Australian Packaging Covenant since 2016. Please join us in congratulating Jacky Nordsvan, Packaging Specialist, Nestle Australia in being awarded her Fellowship to the AIP.
AIP FELLOWSHIP TO PHILLIP ROLLS
Phillip Rolls, Managing Director, Rolls Pack has been a Member of the AIP for twenty years and is a business visionary. He has led his own packaging company to success through a pioneering spirit, positive thinking and strong business acumen. Motivated and hands-on, Phillip is constantly on the search for new innovations. This thirst for knowledge and commitment to knowing where the industry is heading, has seen his business grow from a small plastic bag manufacturer to respected industry leader. Today, with over thirty years’ experience and acknowledged as one Australia’s leading producers of security, retail and food packaging, Phillip risks have achieved great results. His flexible and open-minded leadership style, engagement of quality staff and an unwavering commitment to product quality have been integral components in establishing Rolls Pack’s outstanding reputation. Dedicated to the many long-term clients and 75 loyal staff, Phillip is also a strong advocate for strengthening connections with the community and playing an active role in supporting local charities. Please join with us in awarding Phillip Rolls, Managing Director of RollsPack with a Fellowship to the AIP.
AIP LIFE MEMBERSHIP TO KEITH CHESSELL FAIP
The next AIP Special Award has only ever been awarded five times in 55 years. Keith Chessell has a 46-year career in the Food, Beverage & Confectionery industries with extensive experience in the innovation and development of new products and the relaunch of existing products and packaging. In recent years his focus has been on sustainable packaging design and has been a significant and invaluable contributor to the development and judging of the Save Food Packaging and Sustainable Packaging Awards, the successful participation of the AIP within the National Food Waste Strategy and the newly formed Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre and is the current AIP representative on the LCA Standards Australia committee…and he thought retirement was going to be relaxing. Please welcome Keith Chessell to receive Life Membership to the AIP.
FOUNDERS AWARD TO PIERRE PIENAAR FAIP, CPP
The Founders Award has been named to honour the Foundation Members of the Institute and to recognise their contribution to the development of packaging technology in Australia. The Founders Award shall be given for outstanding performances which in a real way enhances the profession of Packaging Technology. Only three people have ever attained this award; Professor Harry Lovell OAM, George Ganzenmuller and Llewelyn Stephens. The AIP are very excited to make it four.
With 30 years extensive experience in the packaging industry Pierre Pienaar has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of packaging education and training around the world. Pierre has given of his time and knowledge to assist developing countries with packaging education and training and has lectured in the technology and science of packaging at various universities across the globe. Closer to home Pierre accepted the toughest role of all which was filling Harry Lovell’s shoes and leading the education portfolio for the AIP across Australasia. His drive, hard work, long hours and commitment to improving packaging education across the world is remarkable and we at the AIP are proud to call him our Education Director. Please welcome Pierre Pienaar to be the fourth recipient of the AIP Founders Award.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – NERIDA KELTON MAIP
Nerida Kelton MAIP has been involved with the AIP since 1998; yes that is nearly two decades ago. Starting out as the national PR and marketing manager of a large labelling firm that became one of the first sponsors of the Institute’s first major national technical conference in many years her involvement with the AIP continued to grow. Her professional strengths in marketing and commercial focus helped the AIP through a significant transformation twenty years ago that has shaped the Institute we see today.
Having joined as an associate Member of the Institute a key focus for her has always been to support the growth or people of all walks in life in many facets of the industry. Whether it was to help find a new packaging job, help seeking a new machinery system, or connecting teams in the pursuit of a successful project, nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Nerida is very modest and has always increased her own broad knowledge of not only packaging technology in all its forms but also the packaging players and kindred associations around Australasia, and more recently around the world. Nerida is constantly sharing knowledge and connections with others, plus the opportunities they bring, all testament to the outstanding service she has brought to the AIP, and our members, above and beyond various formal roles, which are now a strategic element of the management of the Institute.
She works tirelessly to ensure the AIP is represented at the highest level within all facets of our industry, from organising courses, speakers and site visits for events up and down the country, to coordinating our key annual charity event with our partners, packing Christmas hampers for Foodbank, representing the AIP on the World Packaging Organisation board or helping with the National Food Waste Strategy…the list goes on. The AIP wouldn’t be here today without her superb organisational skills and exceptional leadership.