The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome Anna Crowley AAIP, Purchasing and Procurement Officer, Go-To Skincare and Dheeraj Kumar MAIP, Group Packaging Manager, Tradekings 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?
Anna:
I recently joined the AIP to deepen my understanding of the packaging industry. Engaging with the AIP not only provides me with valuable networking opportunities and industry insights, but also equips me with the knowledge to more strategically integrate eco-friendly packaging solutions, within my role.
Dheeraj:
I joined the AIP for upgrading my skill set regarding packaging science and to get the premier designation of CPP® which will help me to get more exposure in the industry. I am deeply interested to enhance my knowledge on packaging science & technology and i believe AIP is one of the best options for me at this point of my career life. As far as major benefits of AIP membership is concerned, i will get access to an e-newsletter on monthly basis which will update me on the latest information on packaging materials & technology. I will get opportunities to attend technical webinars as well.
2. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
Anna:
I am quite new to the world of packaging. I stepped into this role/industry at the start of 2023. My areas of expertise primarily revolve around the utilisation of plastics, in particular recycled content materials, glass, and cardboard products within the cosmetic packaging realm.
Dheeraj:
I have been working in packaging industry for the last 9 years. I had started my career as a Quality engineer into flexible industry and reached up to Quality Manager. I switched to an FMCG company after experiencing printing industry on ground level. I worked with Uflex India, Amcor, Uma Polymers Ltd India. During this tenure, I won a national award for technical quiz on plastics application into packaging industry held in SIES Mumbai in 2017. I was involved in new product devlopment, sustainable packaging solutions and replacing PET to BOPP etc. I have also undertaken supplier auditing to ensure that we select the right material every time. I am a certified Lead auditor for BRCGS Issue 6. I am a Certified Packaging Engineer (CPE) by Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Chennai-India. I am a Polymer Engineering graduate and i am familiar with all kinds of plastic materials which is giving me a confidence while designing any packaging specification for the products to be packed.
3. What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?
Anna:
As a purchasing and procurement officer at Go-To Skincare my responsibilities extend to identifying suppliers that align with our sustainability needs and also to staying abreast of emerging eco-friendly materials and technologies. In negotiating with suppliers, I advocate for sustainable practices and packaging solutions, ensuring that they meet Go-To’s standards. I also look at cost-efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards, and emphasising the importance of sustainability throughout our supply chain operations.
Dheeraj:
I am working as a Group Packaging Manager in Tradekings Group.
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Following are my responsibilities:
- Responsible for overall Laminates, Pouches, Shrink Sleeves, Mono Cartons, Labels, Boxes and Shrink Film’s quality and developments.
- Market samples analysis and preparation of report.
- Suppliers plant periodical audit and preparation of report and circulation.
- Preparing of SOP, Specification and Test report for New and Existing products.
- Quality reports review on daily basis for incoming packaging materials.
- Regular coordination with Purchase team and suppliers for ongoing issues in plants.
- Involvement in machine trials and validation for new and existing products for improvements.
- Day to day interaction with Plant BUMs and plant quality team for solving the packaging issues.
- Raising supplier complaints for any deviation for improving the quality overall.
- Preparation & circulation of quality report on weekly and monthly basis.
- Ensuring all the packaging supplier are meeting our requirements.