The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome Renata Daudt AAIP, Founder/Country Manager ANZ, AWEN Consulting/ANDRITZ, Sam Curtin AAIP, Account Director Technical Packaging, MaCher, Oana Marciu AAIP, Technical Service Assistant, UPM Raflatac and Emanuel Mazzucco MAIP, Director, Mela Creative 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?
Renata:
I have been working in paper packaging field for the past 7 years and before that when working for a food company my interest was always around packaging.
In 2020 I decided to follow my passion in packaging and founded AWEN Consulting where I help small and medium size businesses on their pathway to sustainable packaging. I was looking for specific courses and the right networking in the packaging world in Australasia and joining AIP was exactly what I was after.
The opportunity to have access to high level courses and professional networking is what AIP offers.
Sam:
After delivering a couple of innovations in the market that are in line with 2025 sustainability goals this year I realised just how important innovation in design, recyclability, and materials has become.
The resources available for further training along with the access to industry specialists provide a formal path forward to being effective in bringing sustainable packaging to market. The amount of green washing in the market is staggering, and avoiding it is more important than ever.
Oana:
I joined the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) to gain learnings in all areas of packaging industry. AIP offers valuable resources, information, trainings and courses applicable for packaging levels of activity. The AIP is an inexhaustible source of information on not only what is happening in Australia but also in the world. I find the trainings being extremely full of information, funny in some places and very understandable to everyone.
Emanuel:
I joined the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) to be more connected with the packaging industry and be involved with the packaging community as we work together to deliver more sustainable packaging in line with the 2025 National Packaging Targets. I believe that packaging has a vital role in helping to reduce waste and I look forward to keeping up to date with industry standards and technological advancements.
2. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
Renata:
Since 2009, most of these years since have been in Pulp & Paper business across 15 countries. Through my work with recycling paper businesses I have learnt about waste management and together with my experience in plastic, paper, printing and food manufacturing I became an expert on sustainable packaging for ANZ businesses to meet the 2025 Targets.
Sam:
I have been working in the industry for 13 years. I work across a wide range of industries and depending on the project I lead a project as it moves through design departments, product developers, production managers, engineers, and product marketers to name a few.
Oana:
I have been in the industry for 10 years with extensive experience in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified manufacturing operations, especially in the areas of Technical Product Management, Quality Control and Quality Assurance. I have worked in highly regulated industries like therapeutical drugs manufacturing and in large multinational corporations.
Emanuel:
I have been a packaging designer for over 30 years and have run my own branding agency since 1992. During my career, I have worked with many businesses to design innovative and eye-catching packaging. My expertise is in graphic design and I have a sound knowledge of packaging production.
3. What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?
Renata:
I am currently working in two positions, as Country Manager at ANDRITZ where I oversee all the recycling paper, pulp and paper businesses in Australia and New Zealand. I am also working on my own business as sustainable packaging consultant at AWEN Consulting.
Sam:
Account Director Technical Packaging. I get briefed to either convert a packaging product to be sustainable, or create of a totally new piece of packaging. I lead a team of experts from design right through to delivery.
Oana:
I am a member of the Technical Services Team responsible for providing technical assistance to customers and other UPM Raflatac departments in the Oceania region. I am responsible for handling customer enquiries, complaints, and issues regarding quality issue claims. Conducting product testing, analysis and produced reports to determine claim outcomes. Provided all outcome documentation including certifications, changes in recyclability and forestry legislation.
Emanuel:
I am the Director of Mela Creative, a packaging design agency in Sydney. I lead a small team of Australian graphic designers that push the creative edge in packaging design. My role is to work with clients to turn their product knowledge and marketing strategy into a brand and into packaging designs that have impact on the shelf.