The Certified Packaging Professional designation is extremely important to me, as it has allowed me to gain experience and recognition within the wider packaging industry.
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In particular working with label sector, as the types of labels are as diverse as the range of packages they are adhered to it is really important to stay up to date with the latest developments and specifically ensure that the choice of label has no detrimental effect on downstream recycling outcomes. This is a global goal and aligns perfectly with the global recognition of the CPP.
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Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence PhD FAIP CPP
Sustainability Specialist
UPM Raflatac

The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is pleased to invite the Australasian packaging and processing businesses to join their dedicated group delegation at the 2026 edition of ProPak Asia which will be held the 10 – 13 June in Bangkok, Thailand. ProPak Asia will also be heading to a new venue in 2026; IMPACT MUANG THING THANI, THAILAND.

Experience a week of unparalleled educational opportunities, network with like-minded packaging professionals and visit the largest packaging and processing show in the South East Asian region.

With the AIP being the leading educational partner of ProPak Asia, anyone joining the Australasian Delegation will be able to attend, for free, the following activities coordinated by the Institute, in partnership with Informa Markets.

Free Educational Offerings during ProPak Asia:

• 10th June: The 8th edition of the annual Global Packaging Forum; the pinnacle conference for ProPak Asia each year.
• 11th June: 2x mini training courses to enhance your skills and knowledge and attain Certified Professional Development points towards the global Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation.
• 12th June: 2x workshops that will be discussing the trends and future of paper and fibre and the future roadmap for rigid and soft plastics.
• Visit the 2025 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) award showcase area and see physical samples of all of the winning designs.
• Join the Australasian Delegation to tour the show and meet with preferred exhibitors at the show exclusively.

Benefits to join the Australasian Delegation through the AIP:

• A dedicated AIP education team member to coordinate the delegation.
• Access to leading suppliers across Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics and related industries.
• Exclusive networking opportunities with key industry-decision makers in the region.
• To ensure a seamless experience the delegates may be eligible for complimentary accommodation, complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off services and complimentary BTS Skytrain tickets with unlimited daily usage during the show. *This will be assessed once expressions of interest are received.
• The delegation will cover any company from Australia and New Zealand and AIP Members across the Australasian region.

Please register your interest today for the fantastic opportunity to attend ProPak Asia and participate in multiple educational programs coordinated by the AIP.

Please email info@aipack.com.au today to register your interest in joining the Australasian ProPak Asia delegation.

Glitter has been criticised in recent years for its contribution to microplastic pollution in our oceans and soil. A report by ECHA (2020) suggests that 42,000 tonnes of intentionally present microplastics are released into the environment annually.
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The vast scale of the issue has led to a ban which came into effect on the 17th October 2023, forbidding the sale of any non-biodegradable or insoluble plastic glitter for the arts and crafts markets. Glitter consists of inherently small particles, which in conventional polymer-based materials, break down into even smaller particles called microplastics. The nature of the product means that glitter is likely to end up in wastewater, both for the cosmetic market as well as the arts and craft market.
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Futamura offers a solution to help to reduce the vast quantities of microplastics generated from glitter products. Glitter can be based on NatureFlex™ films, which have demonstrated wastewater biodegradability, as well as biodegradability in marine and soil environments, a requirement of the REACH regulations that came into effect in October 2023, for the restrictions surrounding microplastics. After use, certified glitter, will safely biodegrade in the environment it was disposed of, dramatically improving the environmental credentials of the product. Whilst NatureFlex™ films that can be used to produce glitter have proven marine and wastewater biodegradability, it is important for the glitter to be certified as a final product to ensure all the criteria of the certifications are met.
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NatureFlex™ films are produced from renewable wood pulp, harvested from responsibly managed plantations and meet all the relevant standards for industrial composting, including AS4736, EN13432 and ASTM D6400. They are also certified for home composting according to the Australian home composting standard AS5810, to the French standard, NF T51-800, by Din Certco and to OK Compost Home protocol.
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Currently, glitter based on conventional plastics can still be sold into cosmetic applications due to the transition period granted under the Microplastics Regulation, however this once this period ends, cosmetic applications will also be banned from using glitter in products that will generate microplastics. The transition period in these industries has been approved to allow time for an appropriate alternative to be developed.
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Andy Sweetman, Sales & Marketing Director, explained: ‘Glitter is a tricky market due to the product almost certainly ending up in the environment, whether wastewater, marine or soil. NatureFlex™ allows for a more viable, less damaging, end-of-life scenario than conventional glitter produced from conventional plastic materials. A switch to compostable glitter is a step towards reducing the ever-growing microplastic problem we are facing in our soils and seas today.’

As Australia moves toward stronger sustainability targets and APCO-aligned packaging outcomes, food manufacturers and healthcare caterers are searching for packaging that not only reduces environmental impact but doesn’t compromise on performance. In this space, Pac Food’s lined sugarcane trays have emerged as one of the strongest innovations available — combining skin-seal compatibility, recyclability, and compostability in the same packaging solution.
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Today, these trays are used widely across aged-care facilities, hospital catering, national ready-meal producers, and even appear on supermarket shelves in select meals sold through Coles, with trials and supply pathways also suitable for Australian supermarket. Their rapid adoption highlights a growing industry demand for packaging that performs under pressure while supporting Australia’s circular economy goals.
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A Sustainable Tray Designed for the Real World
Many fibre-based trays struggle to balance sustainability with sealing performance. Without a stable sealing surface, they can warp, absorb moisture, or fail under heat — making them unsuitable for skin sealing, freezing, or high-volume transport.
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Pac Food specifically engineered its lined sugarcane trays to overcome these barriers.
The tray base is made from renewable sugarcane fibre, a rapidly renewable resource and a compostable material once the removable lining is taken off. The innovative internal lining provides the necessary food-safe barrier and creates a smooth, consistent surface required for skin sealing. This means food producers can achieve the same reliability as traditional plastic trays while dramatically reducing their environmental footprint.

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Read more….

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The AIP are pleased to share a recent episode of the APAC B2B Growth Podcast, hosted by xGrowth, featuring Kitty Zhao, Head of Marketing for Henkel Adhesive Technologies. In this episode, Kitty discusses Henkel’s collaboration with AIP.

During the conversation, Kitty highlights how partnering with AIP strengthens industry engagement and helps expand local initiatives focused on sustainability. As many AIP members continue to seek practical solutions, insights, and best practices to achieve their sustainability goals, Kitty outlines the important role Henkel’s expertise and technologies can play in supporting these needs.

The podcast reinforces the positive outcomes of our collaboration and demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing sustainable packaging across the industry.

Watch here https://vimeo.com/1137870181

As a not-for-profit educational institution, AIP also offers higher education degrees; a Master of Food and Packaging innovation with the University of Melbourne, a Diploma of Packaging Degree, Certificate in Packaging, Fundamental of Packaging Technology course and numerous hands-on workshops and training courses.

We spoke with Executive Director Nerida Kelton FAIP to find out more…

Why is reducing food waste important for you and the AIP?

Food and beverage are the two main packaging industries in Australia, and as such, food and beverage organisations form much of AIP’s core membership base. Around 20 years ago we wanted to create strong partnerships with food rescue organisations, particularly in Queensland, and this resulted in an annual Christmas hamper program delivered in conjunction with Foodbank, which we ran for over 15 years.

Off the back of that program, we realised that food insecurity and food waste was a big problem in Australia. When the End Food Waste Australia Cooperative Research Centre started, AIP was one of the founding project partners. We sat down and explored what we could do together as an industry-led project – we wanted tangible research that the industry could use.

It was important to us that we had evidence-based research, and we already had a longstanding relationship with RMIT University – so it all came together nicely.  The subsequent research project created the Save Food Packaging criteria, to create a user-friendly resource for industry that empowered them to prioritise food waste reduction, while embedding Save Food Packaging design principles into businesses.

Since the inception of the project, the AIP has been able to present the Save Food Packaging guidelines at over 60 events around the world, providing training to thousands of people.

What was the (specific) food waste challenge you needed to overcome?

The biggest challenge was around targeting, measuring and acting – understanding where food waste was happening and how to take action. For the food and beverage industry to intervene and improve packaging, they needed to understand where their losses and waste occurred.

To facilitate this, we encouraged food and beverage businesses to join as a signatory of the Australian Food Pact, so they could create targets and strategies within their own business. We truly believe that if we design better, more intuitive packaging at the start, then you’re not going to have packaging pain points later, along the transportation line, in retail or the household.

What are the outcomes of this project and the next steps to increase your impact?

Read the full article by visiting the End Food Waste Australia website here…

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Who are Finest?

Finest is a globally recognised expert in plastics –  family-owned, operated, and committed to eco-friendly manufacturing.  As a world-class injection moulder, they specialise in custom packaging solutions for the food and non-food industries. With over 100 highly automated injection moulding lines in operation, their dedication to quality and sustainability has earned them the prestigious Gold EcoVadis Medal.
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Finest offer a wide range of sizes, and they are also equipped to develop custom packaging tailored to your needs. Their Easylid containers, tubs, and lids are designed to support your sustainability goals while giving you a competitive edge in the market.
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Do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your next project or request Easylid samples. Based in Adelaide, their Commercial Manager for ANZ, Darren Phillips, is available to chat today – feel free to call or email him directly, darren.phillips@finesthk.com.hk, phone +61 (0)403 918 402.

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Joe Foster FAIP
Owner
Foster Packaging
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At the 2025 Annual General Meeting the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) formally welcomed two new Board Members to the team.  Shannon Doherty-Andall MAIP, Sustainability Manager, Australian Beverages Council and Joe Foster FAIP, Foster Packaging will be joining the board as Associate Directors for Central Region and Northern Region respectively.
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AIP President, John Bigley MAIP welcomed both Shannon and Joe to the Board and believes that both will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the roles.
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“Shannon and Joe are very familiar to many in the AIP as they have been long-standing contributors and supporters of the Institute for a long time. Joe Foster has been a major influencer in the Australasian packaging industry for many years, being recognised as a Fellow of the AIP, as well as in 2020 receiving a WPO Lifetime Achievement Award. Joe will be a huge asset to the board bringing both his business acumen and passion for education and training. Joe’s pedigree in packaging innovation in flexibles also brings another dimension to the team and I look forward to working alongside him.” Mr Bigley said.
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“Shannon is a sustainability professional which helps bring a different lens to the discussions, as well as being such a great supporter and member of the AIP. Shannon’s energy is infectious, and she will bring a different, and very valuable, perspective to the board and I look forward to working alongside her,”
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“Both board appointments demonstrate the AIP’s strength in depth and calibre of membership, when we can draw upon such industry expertise.  This is a very exciting and dynamic period for packaging and our members, and these appointments mean that the AIP Board is well resourced to help lead the AIP over the coming years.” he said.
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Shannon added that “The AIP has been an unmatched support throughout her career.”
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“The education, mentorship and community created by the AIP has helped me become a better member of the packaging ecosystem both in Australia and abroad.  With how highly I’ve always thought of the AIP, I am extremely honoured and excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the future of the organisation, and to help ensure its programs reach every professional who could benefit from them in the region.” she said.
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Joe also wanted to express his gratitude to the AIP for welcoming him to the board for the Northern Region.
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“I am quite excited to be part of the team as I feel I can assist and contribute further to the packaging industry across Australia and New Zealand. Being in the packaging industry for the past 40 plus years has been so rewarding and an amazing journey starting in Europe, Africa and now Australia. Over these years I have learned and gained a lot of experience and knowledge which I love passing on to the ever changing packaging industry.” he said.
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Please join with the AIP in welcoming both Shannon Doherty-Andall and Joe Foster to the Board. 

Who are Robatech Australia?

Robatech optimises the industrial application process for hot melt and cold glue providing sustainable and innovative adhesive application systems. Since 1975 Robatech has designed and produced high-quality controls, application heads, melting and dosing systems that bring more sustainability, security, and simplicity to gluing processes. The company is headquartered in Switzerland and is known for its fast, straightforward, and personalised service for any gluing system all over the world.

For the Australian market, Robatech Australia actively contributes its in-depth expertise to industry discussions on glue-saving and reliable adhesive application processes — from primary and secondary packaging to tamper-proof folding boxes, resealable shipping packages, bottle labelling, transport boxes, and palletising. Furthermore, as well as providing comprehensive service and genuine spare parts for Robatech and non-Robatech systems, their adheisve saving technology can be retrofitted to non-Robatech systems providing siginficant returns without significant investment.

Contact: Robatech Australia
Ph: +61 (0) 2 9748 4559
E: infodesk@robatech.com.au
Web: www.robatech.com