The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jeremy Selhore MAIP, Senior Manager (Manufacturing, CI, OE), Kuraray Plantic Technologies and Runali Jagtap AAIP (Student), Masters Student for Food & Packaging Innovation, University of Melbourne 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?
Jeremy:
I joined the AIP to expand my knowledge on best practices and new technology in the industry. The Institute will also expose me to a broader network of packaging professionals, where I can get some more crazy ideas from. I am sure the AIP will offer a broader manufacturing outlook than just learning from my past.
The AIP offers some internationally recognised packaging degrees, and many other courses that can improve my professional development.
Runali:
We know that, the Australian Institute of Packaging is a professional organisation dedicated to advancing in the packaging industry. I personally joined AIP due to the benefits it offers to its student members like me by providing a networking platform to interact with experts from the packaging industry and build valuable connections and partnerships even before we enter the corporate world.
Additionally, it provides educational trainings in form of workshops and webinars seminars along with providing access to valuable resources through publications, newsletters and reports to keep its members updated with recent trends and technologies thus, enhancing their professional credentials.
2. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
Jeremy:
I have worked in the packaging industry for more than 10 years, working most closely with twin/single screw cast extrusion manufacturing processes, amongst other food packaging processes.
I have experience processing starches, RPET, paper, foil, PP and other conventional polymers, working closely to a manufacturing floor level. I started my journey as a QA Engineer, shorty after moving into Process Engineering. After 5 years of Process Engineering, I transitioned to People and Process Management where I remain. In May 2022, I was granted admission into the Institute of Management Consultants.
I stay extremely close to product manufacturing ,and closer to the people that manufacture it. The people always teach me, and motivate me to make their processes smarter, whilst building quality in.
Over the years, I have gained expertise in lean manufacturing, OEE improvements, output improvements, manufacturing cost reductions and product development in rigid and flexible packaging.
Runali:
I have been working in the packaging industry for 2 years before joining as a Masters student for Food and Packaging Innovation. Throughout my tenure, I have gained valuable insights in various aspects of Packaging development activities.
My area of work included:
- Cost-saving initiatives - This allowed me to gain theoretical and practical knowledge about existing specifications of packaging formats and materials (rigid, flexible, paperboard, metal) available. Additionally, identification of alternative potential cost-saving packaging material without any compromises on the barrier and process requirements for specific products. These suggested cost-saving ideas were validated by conducting trials.
- Specification development - Compilation of material specification from vendors and brandowners to construct detailed uniform packaging material specification database for key formats.
- Supply Chain initiatives - Working with Supply chain and Logistics team to develop RFQs for validation of packing lines.
- New Product Development initiatives - Executed packaging development activities and collaborated with brand marketing team and vendor for New Product Development activities. Additionally, led printing operations along with brand’s marketing and artwork creation team, vendor and printing facility.
Overall, throughout my brief tenure as a packaging professional, I have gained some practical exposure in understanding packaging design, material selection, sustainability and quality control in food packaging sector.
3. What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?
Jeremy:
I am currently a Senior Manager (Manufacturing, OpsEx) at Kuraray Plantic Technologies. My core responsibilities include optimising the plants performance, in safety, throughput and quality. I also manage the TRACC excellence program to deliver production and quality improvements across the operations. This involves training and development of operational staff. With an aggressive and expanding market, I also contribute to new product development, scale up, and refinement to improve the cost of material, without affecting customer experience.
Runali:
I am currently pursuing my Masters’ degree in Food and Packaging Innovation at the University of Melbourne. I am eager to gain practical experience and will actively seek internship, student part-time jobs in this field through the AIP to further enhance my career prospects.