The AIP would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the latest Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) for Australasia, Greg Roberts Dip.Pkg.Tech. FAIP, CPP. The AIP asked Greg a few questions about his career and packaging education and why the CPP designation is so important for the industry…
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY? WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE?
I have been working with packaging for 47 years, starting as a QA Lab junior at Cottee’s Jam and Frozen Food factory in Blackburn, Melbourne. At that stage there was little specialisation, and we were involved in all technical aspects of the various products, including packaging developments and packaging performance management.
Moving on to Lipton Tea as Quality Manager I had the chance to develop some detailed packaging knowledge on various materials, some quite specialised such as tea bag filter paper, teabag cotton thread, staple wire and the newly launched Polypropylene overwrapping films. Whilst at Lipton I completed a Food Technology Diploma and the AIP Packaging Technology Diploma part time. This led to the role of Packaging Development Manager for the newly combined Rosella Lipton (Unilever).
I have also worked in Packaging Development Management and technical roles for companies including Wrightcel, CUB, Uncle Tobys, Goodman Fielder, Heinz, and Campbell Arnott’s, before joining James Ross Consulting (UK), where I worked on cost reduction and value analysis projects globally. This led on to the development of 4P Technical Services, and I am now in the 9th year of managing this Packaging, Quality and Food Safety consultancy / technical support service. Being fortunate to work with these blue chip, diverse companies I have extensive experience across all packaging materials – corrugate, carton board, a wide range of flexible film applications, tinplate and aluminium cans, glass, PET and HDPE bottles, rigid plastics, and various closures. I also have a successful patent design in the marketplace, with a second one pending.
Q: WHAT MADE YOU APPLY FOR THE CERTIFIED PACKAGING PROFESSIONAL (CPP) DESIGNATION?
The CPP designation and accreditation adds a high level of credibility to 4PTS, especially to the packaging development, optimisation and training aspects of the services provided.
Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS ATTAINING THE CPP DESIGNATION TO YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL?
I am never too old to learn, and having worked with all materials and across such a diverse group of employers, this was a chance to test my knowledge. The recommended text ‘Fundamentals of Packaging Technology’ proved to be an excellent reference as the basis of the CPP examination, and I will continue to use it as my day to day reference.
Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CPP DESIGNATION FOR THE GREATER RECOGNITION OF PACKAGING PROFESSIONALS?
Sadly the role of ‘Packaging Development Manager’ seems to be disappearing, with many Packaging Technologists now reporting to New Product Development Managers, who (in the food industry) are typically trained in Food Technology, not Packaging Technology. The result is limited coaching and mentoring for the Packaging Technologists, and limited career paths. Hopefully this is cyclic, and the Packaging Management role will once again be valued. In the meantime the AIP has the opportunity to provide support and mentoring through the Certificate in Packaging and the Diploma in Packaging Technology courses, and those gaining the CPP accreditation can take on the so important role as mentors and trainers within our wonderful industry.