Supporting Australasian Companies who export to Europe to meet PPWR regulations
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is now binding for all EU member states, which, for many brands will require a rethink and new approaches to packaging development. For example, in terms of recyclability, recyclate content or regulations to minimise packaging. The PPWR regulations does not apply only to Europe; it applies to any company that is selling into any European member state.
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The PPWR will also require detailed data management, accurate and real-time Packaging specifications, Declarations of Conformity & Technical Documentation. The Packaging Cockpit can solve all of your data problems.
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What is the Packaging Cockpit?
The AIP is pleased to introduce the Packaging Cockpit, a Global Packaging Specification Management Software. With the Packaging Cockpit you can manage your packaging worldwide intuitively and more importantly the basic version is available free of charge. The Packaging Cockpit is a tool that calculates the technical recyclability, as well as the life cycle assessment of packaging systems, scientific calculations, data interface with suppliers and brands. The goal with the tool is to make the recyclability of packaging systems transparent and help companies to make the right decisions when optimising their packaging portfolio.
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The Packaging Cockpit is intended to be applied both internally within companies and to entire supply chains. The team integrates a scientific database and scientific methods into software that is suitable for mass data.
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Helping to meet PPWR & EPR regulations
If you are exporting to Europe, or working with brands that are, and they need to fulfill the Declaration of Conformity for the Packaging & Packaging Waste (PPW) Regulations then this intuitive system will be the answer. Not only can the Packaging Cockpit fulfill PPWR regulations, but also other Extended Producer regulations across all corners of the globe. One System for the entire supply chain. The calculations can also be performed for different countries, allowing country-specific evaluations. In addition, further management functions of the packaging portfolio can be performed.
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The Packaging Cockpit will :

• Support PPWR compliance.
• Help you to calculate recyclability and life cycle assessment.
• Help you to build a supplier platform for structured data exchange.
• Help you to create the Declaration of Conformity and Technical Documentation required under the PPWR.
• Help you to interface with your suppliers via the tool so that you can access real-time data.
• Teach you how to use the Packaging Cockpit to build packaging specifications across your company..

Whether you are a packaging manufacturer, packaging supplier, brand owner or retailer, dealing with the specifications and material properties of your packaging in real-time will enable your business to be a part of the cross-border exportation of your packaging into Europe.
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The AIP are proud to be able to support any packaging manufacturer, supplier or brand from Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia that sells into Europe to prepare you for PPWR and the on-going European regulatory changes. The comprehensive on-line tool Packaging Cockpit will aid any Australasian company to develop and provide accurate and real-time data management and automatic calculations. As the Australasian reseller, the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has a partnership with Packaging Cockpit GmbH from Austria..

The AIP is bringing this global system to all of our Members and Industry colleagues.

How does the Packaging Cockpit support you?
With the Packaging Cockpit as an on-line tool, you can calculate various key figures of your packaging(s), such as country-specific recyclability (depending on the target market) or the carbon footprint and other impact categories of a life cycle assessment. In addition, you can manage the data collected in the tool yourself and also share it with selected customers or suppliers.
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Thanks to the well-founded and meaningful results of the Packaging Cockpit, it is already possible for you to start sustainable packaging development and optimisation today. Through broad application of the Packaging Cockpit, the assessment of the recyclability of packaging in Europe can be standardised and also made comparable.
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Get started free of charge with the basic version of the Packaging Cockpit
With a free basic version of the Packaging Cockpit, the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) will make it easy for anyone in Australasia to enter the world of sustainable packaging development.
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The following overview shows you the possibilities of the Packaging Cockpit. The specific scope of the free basic version, as well as the other fee-based additional services (as an extension of the basic version) are shown.
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Register Sign up for the basic version today and then obtain the additional services via the webshop.

Packaging Cockpit Registration
The digital solution for your packaging – request your free basic version account now!*
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* Packaging Cockpit promise: The basic version is and will remain available to you free of charge.
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Please note that each company or organisation is only allowed to have one free account.
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The free basic version is limited to one user. Other users of the same organisation need separate licences, which can be purchased in their webshop.The webshop is located in the Software Packaging Cockpit at the top right of the login area.
Please use the following registration link for this purpose:
https://packaging-cockpit.com/packaging-cockpit-registrierung/?ref=00C9449E-192B-4EC2-BBD9-47B209539A73
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The offer of the AIP
Are you unsure whether the Packaging Cockpit is the right tool for you? The AIP would be happy to demonstrate the Packaging Cockpit to you and support you in selecting the additional services you need.
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The AIP will also accompany you independently of the tool on your way to PPWR compliance, or in general in the process of packaging development and optimisation.
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Questions about the tool? Request a demo?
info@aipack.com.au

Upon reflection, John identified some key milestones and outcomes that were delivered during his term.
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A standout for John was the growth of the monthly AIP State of Industry Webinars that were borne out of COVID and lockdowns and have grown to be a very successful platform for the industry..

“In 2025 alone we saw over 1500 people attend our State of Industry Webinars from over 12 countries and that is remarkable. The library of information that the AIP is now developing from these webinars is astounding,” Mr Bigley said.
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“One of the key milestones under my Presidency was the development of a Strategic Plan for the Institute. I sincerely congratulate the Board and the Executive Team for their hard work in pulling together the strategic framework represented by 5 key pillars. As I complete my term, I know that the Strategic Plan and the pillars will help guide our way forward and prioritise our actions for the next few years,”
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“For me though it needs to be seen as a living and dynamic document to support our regional ambitions and our global involvement in supporting minimising Food Loss and Waste. The AIP are independent and apolitical, and against the backdrop of packaging reform we are very well placed to concentrate on expanding our education and training offerings to develop and upskill all of the packaging professionals regionally. Technical qualifications in packaging are the core of the AIP, and we are ready to help,” he said.
“I can’t quite believe that it has already been three years. I have personally learnt so much and understand so much more now about who the AIP really is at its core, and what we can uniquely offer packaging professionals within the industry. My own journey of truly appreciating the AIP and what respect it holds in the Asian region was at ProPak Asia a few years ago. The AIP have a rich 63-year-old history and incredible strength and depth in technical packaging education and training expertise. There is no other peak professional body in the region like the AIP and for that we should all be very proud,”
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“As I close my term I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years and thank the Board, the executive team and the broader AIP team for their support, and especially Nerida Kelton for her support and guidance. To Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP and Prof Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPPL I have been eternally grateful to have them readily available as sounding boards over my tenure. Lastly, thank you to each and every AIP Member for their support and encouragement over the three years. I am not going anywhere I have accepted the role of AIP Treasurer under the new President.” Mr Bigley said.
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New President – New Era
Nerida Kelton FAIP, Executive Director of the AIP, said that ‘with a 40-year career in the packaging industry and as a strong supporter of the Institute, it is only fitting that Michael Dossor MAIP, Chief Executive Officer of Result Group, takes over as the next AIP President.
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“Michael has been in the packaging industry for four decades and joined the AIP Education Team as a trainer and lecturer close to 10 years ago. He is as passionate about packaging as the rest of the AIP Executive Team and we all welcome him to the role,”
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At the close of the AIP Annual General Meeting Michael Dossor received the formal handover from John Bigley and commented that ‘It is very humbling and a great honour to be endorsed by my industry peers as the next President of the AIP.’
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“I know that myself, the board, the executive and most importantly the AIP team led by Nerida Kelton, are all committed to leading the AIP into a new era,” Mr Dossor said.
“We are also so grateful for having John guide us for the last three years and it was under his leadership that the AIP developed the Strategic Plan and Pillars. This will be the driving force in delivering growth for the AIP,”
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“My role will be help support the growth areas and strengthen other areas of the AIP pillars. We will be communicating regularly, and in a very transparent way all that we do, to our individual members, sponsors, association partners and government bodies,” he said.
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“The next generation of packaging professionals are also critical to the continued work required solve the challenges our industry faces today, tomorrow and into the future. The AIP will continue to take the lead in technical packaging training and education for the region and to ensure that all packaging technologists and professionals in the industry have the qualifications to take the lead in this era of change that is coming,”
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“Now more than ever, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and eco-modulation just around the corner, we need to ensure that we have the technical packaging qualifications and competencies within all teams across the region and the AIP are ready to train everyone,” Mr Dossor said.
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Michael added that ‘Fit for purpose, functional Packing Design that offers the lowest environmental impact can no longer be an afterthought. Packaging plays a critical role in all businesses, and the AIP is best placed to help guide the Australasian industry through these changes,’
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“The AIP are and always will remain independent; we are simply here to help guide the technical aspect of packaging for all businesses, to support and provide guidance to government, and help support our sister associations. That is the uniqueness of the AIP,”
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“To become the AIP President is something I will forever be grateful for.” he said.

A new national initiative, the Food and Beverage Small and Medium Enterprise Packaging and Machinery Solution Centre, will support small and medium (SMEs) Australian food and beverage firms to transition to sustainable packaging and processing solutions while mitigating unwanted food loss and waste.
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The Solutions Centre is a collaboration between RMIT University, End Food Waste Australia, the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) and Tetra Pak.
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Led by RMIT and End Food Waste Australia CRC (EFW CRC), the Centre will provide independent, research-backed support to SMEs transitioning to reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging, and processing that enable better functional outcomes, aligned with Australia’s circular economy and sustainable packaging goals.
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It will deliver co-funded applied research and technical expertise to support SME decision-making on sustainable packaging innovations and processing changes.
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As businesses move away from the use of problematic single use packaging they are grappling with new packaging formats that may unintentionally reduce shelf life and product quality, or have inherently higher environmental impacts than the packaging they replace.
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Senior Lecturer of Industrial Design at RMIT University, Dr Caroline Francis, says that the new Solution Centre has been established to address this risk by ensuring the transitions to sustainable packaging do not come at the cost of food safety, product integrity, higher impacts, increased food loss and waste.
“Packaging innovation is essential to achieving Australia’s sustainability goals, but it must be grounded in research,” Francis said.
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“This Centre enables SMEs to test and validate real-world packaging and processing changes, ensuring that improvements in recyclability and circularity do not come at the expense of product quality or increased food waste.”
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REDUCE Program Team Leader at EFW CRC, Prof. Simon Lockrey, says that the Centre is designed to strengthen decision-making across the sector by providing independent, evidence-based support.
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“The Centre will operate as a national ‘source of truth’ for SMEs seeking guidance on packaging, processing, and machinery solutions,” Lockrey said.
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“It will support businesses to make evidence-based decisions rather than relying solely on supplier or informal advice, so they can have informed conversations with key partners such as large retailers.”
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Executive Director at the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), Nerida Kelton said that the SME Solutions Centre will be invaluable for SMEs to learn more about how to look at packaging in a different light.
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“The shifting landscape of packaging regulations, both domestically and globally, are changing the way companies need to design. Key areas of change include becoming recycle ready, moving to mono materials, building in recycled content and looking at ways to reduce the amount of packaging wherever possible,” Kelton said.
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“Important changes include designing for accessibility and inclusivity, looking at how packaging can potentially minimise food loss and waste across a value chain and looking at viable alternatives that can reduce the carbon footprint of the packaging. The new centre will allow SME’s to have access to technical consultants from the AIP who can help their packaging journey.” Kelton said
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Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), Michael Moran, said the initiative strengthens the connection between innovation and practical industry capability.
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“Packaging and processing machinery is a critical enabler of sustainable manufacturing, particularly for SMEs navigating new materials and formats,” Moran said.
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“This Centre provides an important platform to connect industry expertise with applied research, helping businesses adopt and integrate advanced technologies that improve efficiency, performance and sustainability outcomes across the production line.”
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Director of Corporate Affairs at Tetra Pak, Flavia Vaz, said tackling food waste is a founding principle for the company and a key focus of how it is transforming packaging and processing.
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“Our solutions are designed to protect food, extend shelf life and reduce environmental impact across the value chain. From aseptic processing and packaging that protect perishable food, to creating value from by-products, we invest in integrated technologies that reduce waste and improve efficiency.
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“This Solution Centre provides SMEs with practical access to the expertise and technologies needed to trial, validate and scale these solutions with confidence to deliver real impact.”
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In addition to co-funding research, the Centre will connect SMEs with a national pool of technical experts across industry and academia, and research delivery will be supported by multiple EFW CRC partner institutions, including RMIT University, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), The University of Queensland (UQ), and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), among others.
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SMEs will be able to participate in the Solutions Centre through a rolling Expression of Interest (EOI) process available on the End Food Waste Australia website.  Eligible Australian-based SMEs with a valid ABN will be invited to apply and, where successful, contribute matched cash funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis for approved projects.

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The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is pleased to advise that the association has joined the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) as a Member.
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The Australian Food & Grocery Council is the peak industry body representing Australia’s food, beverage and grocery manufacturers, acting as a strong and trusted voice to government, retailers and key stakeholders. By advocating for better policy and trading conditions, as well as providing industry insight and capability building services, the AFGC brings Australia’s FMCG industry together to champion growth.
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According to Executive Director of the AIP, Nerida Kelton ‘Joining the AFGC solidifies a long-standing and strong partnership that the two peak organisation have had for decades.’
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“The AIP and AFGC have worked together for so long that we are proud to have formalised the partnership. We look forward to strengthening this relationship and supporting AFGC Members to be upskilled in all areas of technical packaging, sustainable packaging design, designing to be recycle ready, save food packaging and more. We are here to help any AFGC Member that needs knowledge gaps filled within the packaging side of their business.” she said.
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Sarah Collier, Director, Membership & Sustainability, AFGC added “Working with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is an effective way to ensure practical, industry led packaging solutions to some of the most complex problems our sector faces. Together, we can build capability, support sustainability outcomes and help manufacturers respond to packaging reform with confidence.”

The AIP are pleased to advise the finalists for the 2026 round of the annual Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA)  Awards have been announced with a significant number of outstanding innovations being recognised across 14 categories. Coordinated by the AIP,  the PIDA awards are designed to recognise companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field across Australia and New Zealand. The awards program is also the exclusive entry point in to the WorldStar Packaging Awards for Australia and New Zealand.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) gala awards ceremony that will be held on the 28th of July at The Aviary, Crown Complex, in Melbourne alongside foodpro.

Bookings for the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards Gala Dinner are open and can be accessed via http://aipack.com.au/event-registration/?ee=494

Download PDF Finalist Flyer…

2026 PIDA AWARDS FINALIST FLYER

Thanks to all of our partners!

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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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