Maisha Maliha AAIP
Packaging Scientist
Yates Australia

The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome Maisha Maliha AAIP, Packaging Scientist at Yates Australia to the Institute and share a little bit about who she is and what she does in the industry.  Please join with us in welcoming Maisha to the AIP.

1. Why did you join the AIP? What benefits do you believe the AIP offers all their members?

Maisha:

I joined the AIP to deepen my packaging knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals, and stay engaged with developments shaping the future of the industry.  I believe the AIP provides members with valuable opportunities for networking, professional growth, helping stay current in a rapidly evolving industry, and industry recognition.  For me having worked across both packaging research and commercial product packaging development, the greatest value is being part of a community that shares knowledge, drives innovation and works together to improve the impact of packaging.

2. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?

Maisha:
I have over six years of packaging experience spanning both academic research and industry.  My journey began during my PhD at Monash University, where I specialised in nanocellulose-based antimicrobial packaging materials and I currently work as a Packaging Scientist at Yates developing packaging solutions for consumer products.
My areas of expertise include sustainable and active packaging and fibre-based material research, packaging testing and validation, factory trials and commercialisation of new packaging technologies.

3. What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?

Maisha:

I am a Packaging Scientist at Yates, part of Dulux Group Australia.  My role involves developing and improving packaging for gardening and home pest products, supporting new product development, and ensuring packaging is safe, functional, compliant, and fit for purpose. My responsibilities stretches from packaging ideation to launch and beyond.  This includes product-packaging compatibility testing, driving sustainable materials and recycled content, evaluating opportunities to improve recyclability and reduce environmental impact across the packaging portfolio, artwork compliance, factory trials, and contribute to continuous improvement in packaging and manufacturing.

This year Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida Kelton FAIP, will be attending TokyoPack and providing a presentation, and participating in two separate panels.

On Wednesday the 14th of October Nerida will be joining panel discussion ‘Packaging Foresight 2035: The Transformation you can’t afford to miss. On Thursday the 15th of October she will be presenting ‘The Paradox between Packaging & Food Waste and then joining a IPPO panel.

More details on TokyoPack 2026 and how to register to attend the sessions are below

14th October Panel
https://www.tokyo-pack.jp/event/13994/module/booth/459141/446269

15th October presentation and panel
https://www.tokyo-pack.jp/event/13994/module/booth/459141/446349

Visitor registration
https://www.tokyo-pack.jp

IPE Pack are proud to announce they are a new Gold Corporate Partner of the AIP.

The AIP would like to welcome our newest Gold Corporate Partner, IPE Pack & Technology. With more than 30 years dedicated to barrier shrink packaging, IPE Pack & Technology brings specialist knowledge, advanced manufacturing, and technical expertise to customers across the meat, smallgoods, poultry, cheese and seafood industries.

Established in 1998, IPE has grown into one of the world’s leading specialist manufacturers of barrier shrink bags, films and casings.  With advanced manufacturing capabilities spanning multilayer extrusion, printing, and converting, including structures up to 13 layers, IPE develops high-performance packaging solutions designed to extend shelf life, improve product protection and presentation, reduce food and packaging waste, and support the transition towards more sustainable packaging.

IPE Pack & Technology Oceania provides customers across Australia and New Zealand with local technical, commercial and supply-chain support, backed by IPE’s global manufacturing, R&D and innovation capabilities.

As Barrier Shrink Specialists, their focus is not simply on supplying packaging, but working alongside processors, retailers and industry partners to develop practical solutions for the changing requirements of food safety, sustainability, recyclability, and packaging performance.

Contact: info@hq-plastic.com

“IPE Pack & Technology joined the AIP as a Partner because we believe the future of packaging will be shaped through education, collaboration and the sharing of technical knowledge across our industry.

As barrier shrink specialists, we have significant experience in shelf-life extension, food-waste reduction, material optimisation, and the transition towards more sustainable flexible packaging structures. 

Partnering with the AIP gives us the opportunity not only to continue learning, but also to contribute our knowledge and experience to the broader packaging community.

For IPE, the partnership is about being an active participant in the industry—working together to develop better packaging solutions, support the next generation of packaging professionals and help move the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Warwick Armstrong, Managing Director – Oceania, IPE Pack & Technology

1. What is your current role? What are your areas of responsibility?

Mark: 
Current role is R&D Specialist – Packaging and my responsibility is to explore new packaging development projects for beer and beverage products of SMB and SMB International..

2. What made you select the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course through the AIP?

Mark:    
The Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Online Course through AIP has been selected based on its comprehensive curriculum, flexibility, and it is prestigiously recognised for its quality by the World Packaging Organization. The self-paced learning structure of the course will also allow participants to balance the training with ongoing responsibilities.

3. What did you learn along the way? Any favourite areas or topics?

Mark:    
Key takeaway from the Course was that gaining first the basics and the fundamentals of packaging materials and technology is one of the most important steps in building the packaging development skills of the professional. From there, we gained the leverage to move forward in our career. My favourite learnings while undertaking this Course were more on the topics related to the packaging materials used in the brewery and packaging industry including glass bottles, cans, labels, corrugated cartons, etc. as well as the lesson on package development as it will greatly influence how to properly conduct packaging development module in our Brewing School.

4. What advice would you offer anyone looking to undertake the complete Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course?

Mark: 
My advice to other people looking to undertake this Course is that Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Course is a great first step in learning packaging technology. Taking this course is recommendable. If given the opportunity, take the Course because it will provide you with a formal education about the fundamentals of packaging. Without the fundamental knowledge on packaging technology, handling roles in various packaging industries will be more challenging.

5. Would you consider now completing the Certified Packaging Professional designation (CPP) as your next step?

Mark:

We are currently leaning towards renewing our membership with AIP. Completing the Certified Packaging Professional designation will also be in our consideration in the coming years.
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Thank you so much!

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Confoil are proud to announce they are a new Gold Corporate Partner of the AIP.

The AIP would like to welcome our newest Gold Corporate Partner, Confoil. Confoil are a proudly Australian-owned food packaging manufacturer with 60 years of local manufacturing experience. What began as a family business has grown into a trusted partner for leading food manufacturers, processors and retailers across Australia and beyond.

Their portfolio spans foil, paperboard and moulded pulp, giving customers genuine choice to suit their product, budget and sustainability goals. Confoil continue to invest in smarter, sustainable packaging, exploring new materials and formats to support their customers for years to come.

Confoil brings a rare mix of manufacturing expertise, cost stability, and sustainability to today’s packaging market, backed by real local production. As global costs continue to shift, that combination of reliability and value is what sets us apart.

Their locally made SupaFoil and DualPak trays reflect that value in practice. Both are engineered to perform at every stage of the supply chain, from cold chain storage through to the table, while remaining a cost-effective alternative to imported trays. It’s this pairing of consistent technical performance and competitive pricing that positions them as a packaging partner you can rely on.

Contact us: P: +61 3 8720 1966 | confoil.com.au

“We are proud to announce that Confoil has joined the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) as a Gold Sponsor. This partnership reflects Confoil’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Australian packaging industry, driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence across the sector.

As a Gold Sponsor, Confoil looks forward to strengthening our engagement with the AIP community, collaborating with industry leaders, and supporting initiatives that help shape the future of packaging. We are excited to be part of the AIP community and look forward to contributing to a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable packaging industry.”

Scott Henschke, Director of Sales & Marketing, Confoil Australia & New Zealand

Please read the latest interview with Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, for the WPO, Nerida Kelton by DLG e.V. – German Agricultural Society for the Anuga FoodTec magazine where they discussed the Australasian Institute of Packaging developed Save Food Packaging Design guidelines, how they are being globalised by the WPO World Packaging Organisation Foundation FSSC SAVE FOOD Initiative, FAO, UNIDO Food Business, Wageningen University & Research and more.
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Packaging plays a fundamental and integral role, if designed intuitively at the start, to minimise food loss and waste across the value chain. The Save Food packaging design guidelines will help you on this journey.
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Nerida will also be speaking at Anuga FoodTec 2027 about this very topic (Cologne 23-26 Feb 2027), and she will be on the WPO stand all week so please come and join the WPO.
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The Save Food Packaging Design Guidelines are a practical set of guidelines that help packaging designers, manufacturers, and brands reduce food waste through smart packaging. They bridge the gap between preventing food loss and achieving global sustainability goals. Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), Vice President for Sustainability & Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), and WPO representative for the SAVE FOOD Initiative, explains in an interview how companies can use the guidelines to specifically design more sustainable packaging and thereby make a measurable contribution to reducing food loss.

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Read the FULL INTERVIEW here… 

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Detpak are proud to announce they are a new Bronze Corporate Partner of the AIP.
The AIP would like to welcome our newest Bronze Corporate Partner, Detpak. Detpak is a leading provider of paper and board packaging solutions and part of the global Detmold Group. For more than 75 years, they have partnered with businesses across foodservice, FMCG, retail and industrial sectors to develop packaging that delivers on performance, quality, and sustainability. Through our manufacturing expertise, technical knowledge, and innovation capabilities, they help customers navigate evolving market requirements while improving packaging outcomes across the supply chain.
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As a Partner of the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), Detpak is committed to supporting the advancement of the packaging industry through knowledge sharing, education, and collaboration. Our team brings practical expertise in packaging design, materials, sustainability, repulpability, recyclability and regulatory considerations, helping AIP Members make informed packaging decisions and stay ahead of industry developments. We look forward to contributing to the professional development of packaging professionals and supporting innovation across the Australasian packaging community.
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Key Contact: Mark Rohrlach
Regional Sales Manager Industrial – Australasia
Mark.Rohrlach@detpak.com

“Detpak is proud to partner with the Australasian Institute of Packaging, an organisation that has played a vital role in advancing packaging education, professional development and industry excellence for more than 60 years. As packaging continues to evolve, collaboration and knowledge sharing are more important than ever.  Through this partnership, we look forward to supporting AIP Members, contributing our expertise, and working alongside industry peers to encourage innovation and help shape the future of sustainable packaging.” 
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Mark Rohrlach
Regional Sales Manager Industrial – Australasia

AIP-Led Packaging Innovation Intensive at the University of Melbourne

by Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPPL, AIP Education Director
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During the July 2026 winter break, the University of Melbourne (UoM) hosted an intensive one-week program on campus, curated by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP). Designed to bridge academic theory with real-world technical application, the course featured lectures delivered exclusively by AIP industry experts covering a broad spectrum of modern packaging technologies. The AIP provided over 24 hours of content with 10 technical packaging experts.
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The program brought together 72 students from across the Asia-Pacific region—including Australia, China, Brunei, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Thailand. The immersive format sparked high engagement: multiple students expressed strong interest in pursuing PhD research in packaging science and engineering following their Master’s degrees.
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Each day delivered rigorous technical content, followed by dedicated evening review. To complement classroom instruction with operational context, students participated in two technical field visits:.
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Read the FULL article here… 

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Map and Directions | Register

Description:

REGISTER HERE… 

October 27, 2026 | 8:00pm (AEDT – Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney).

* check your local start time – click here..

WPO Webinar: Packaging Updates from China

Latest packaging trends and innovations coming out of the region..

Join the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), Interpack China, Messe Düsseldorf and WPO Board Member, China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute (CEPI) at a webinar that will discuss the latest packaging industry updates for China including regulations, pack aging advancements and industry trends. This panel discussion will also showcase the up-coming interpack China trade exhibition that will be held from 16–18 November 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).
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interpack China will welcome around 970 exhibitors across 70,000 square metres, attracting more than 47,000 professional visitors. Highlights for the 2026 edition of interpack China will include the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Board Meetings, the 2026 International Summit on Green Packaging Development, a Spotlight Forum that will include global discussions. The show will also have a unique international pavilion and international delegations visiting from all corners of the globe.
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Moderator: Nerida Kelton FAIP, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, World Packaging Organisation
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Panellists:
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Thomas Dohse
Director interpack
Portfolio Processing & Packaging
Messe Düsseldorf
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Larry Chen
Senior Project Director
Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai)
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Jasper Liu
Assistant Director
China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute (CEPI)

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Register to attend this free webinar…

Register

1. Why is re-certifying for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation so important to you personally? What do you have to do to re-certify?

Wilsen:
Recertifying is important to me as it shows you are passionate about packaging and not just a one-time off certificate for job opportunities.
“My end goal in recertifying is to attain the CPPL and to set an example for packaging professionals in Malaysia.” In order recertify again; I would opt for the experience and resume option as you not only build packaging knowledge and connections but you also get to see different packaging technology and how to adapt to your own country.  There are other options such as technical examinations but choose the one which fits your time and availability.

2. Would you recommend the Certified Packaging Professional program to other AIP Members and why?

Wilsen:
I would definitely recommend the Certified Packaging Professional program to other AIP members because it shows that you have the capability to share packaging knowledge based on your competency level. Knowledge is not only gained through work experience but the exposure to many technical experts around the world where the program gets you to explore. The CPP program is a global standard of excellence and only those who have attained it and maintain it shows the industry that you are the go-to person for packaging related matters.

3. What is the value for packaging professionals all over the world to have a CPP designation?

Wilsen:
CPP designation is a global standard of excellence in the packaging Industry. It is recognised not only by AIP, but IoPP and WPO as well. The CPP is the flagship certification globally as a packaging professional. It opens up doors to many possibilities around the world for a packaging professional to explore. “It is an investment that grows as you gain industry experience and knowledge whereby you are still in demand in every changing environment.”

4. What next for your career?

Wilsen:
Next in my career is to attain the CPPL title as well as to undergo the Diploma in Packaging Technology through the AIP. If all goes well, would be able to attain both the CPPL title and complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology to be a packaging technologist who is skilled and trained by the AIP.