The Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation for the industry is offered exclusively through the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) in Australasia, the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation is the leading mark of excellence internationally and a must-have recognition of industry proficiency and achievement for packaging professionals.
The AIP asked Sarah Yanez, Raycee Blen Aguiree and Julie-Ann Cuya a few questions about their careers and packaging education and why the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation is so important for the industry…
Q1: How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
Sarah:
16 years in the food industry, most of which has been focused on packaging. I initially worked in large FMCG and commodity businesses in wrapped snacks, ice cream, bulk dairy, baby formula, snack bars and cereal. More recently helping small businesses and start-ups to navigate the NPD landscape and find packaging solutions for their products.
Raycee:
I have been working in the Packaging Industry for 3 years now. I am currently working as a Packaging Specialist at Aero-pack Industries, Inc. (Philippines). My key responsibilities involve planning and directing activities concerned with design and development of different packaging containers for all our products ranging from food ingredients, chemicals for personal and home care, and aerosol products. I work with internal resources and packaging suppliers to provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions for new and existing products.
Julie-Ann:
I have been working in the packaging industry for 8 years as a packaging specialist for food applications. My role involves development, sourcing and selection of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging of all types. But the majority are flexibles, rigids, corrugated and folding cartons. I am also responsible for the supplier selection and part of the team conducting supplier audits. I am also involved in filling and packing machine selection and commissioning as well as material-machine line testing.
Q2: What made you apply for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation?
Sarah:
It was a good opportunity to review and refresh my knowledge across the spectrum of packaging materials. It has also been great to be able to look back at some real situations that have arisen over the years and review what happened and why.
Raycee:
Ever since I decided to take the Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering, I have been looking forward to being a proficient packaging professional and joining others worldwide that have attained the CPP designation. I have been preparing for this and this year, when I knew I was finally ready and qualified to take the CPP program, I took the opportunity. I was confident because I had great mentors from my University where I studied packaging.
I am also very thankful that I met AIP this year during the Propak Philippines Trade Show. Being an AIP member, they offered me encouragement, guidance and support in achieving my CPP designation.
Julie-Ann:
The main reason I undertook the CPP exam and before this the online course for Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, is to really broaden my skills and knowledge of the packaging development process.
Q3: How important is attaining the CPP designation to you as an individual?
Sarah:
As I am currently working on my own without up-to-date peers, it is reassuring that I can continue to work for clients knowing that I am able to offer a quality, up to date service.
Raycee:
The CPP designation is a leading trademark of excellence internationally and for me, it is a must have achievement as a professional who works in the Packaging Industry.
Julie-Ann:
It serves as a professional achievement for me to have been able to attain the designation that is also being recognised globally. Aside from the recognition it is also an attestation of continuous learning and development as a packaging profession.
Q4: How important is the CPP designation for the greater recognition of people in the packaging industry?
Sarah:
I have long felt that the art of packaging technology is somewhat like completing an apprenticeship. It is not until you have worked on a range of products and packaging formats that you really become proficient. It is great to have a certification process that can reflect both the academic and real world experience that makes a great packaging professional.
Raycee:
The CPP designation in the packaging industry is an indication that an individual has profound knowledge of packaging materials, processes and machineries, packaging development and testing, and packaging laws and standards. It signifies that a person is internationally proficient as a packaging professional and deserves to be given recognition in the industry.
Julie-Ann:
It is a bonus to get the Certified Packaging Professional designation, and I feel elated.
Q5: Were there any new learnings or takeaways that you gained from the experience?
Sarah:
In my initial packaging studies (Post Grad Dip Packaging Technology, Massey University) we spoke a lot about how the landscape was likely to change as online shopping became more prevalent. It has been interesting to reflect on how our anticipated scenarios have played out but also how the focus on single serve, convenience packaging which was a common trend at the time has now reverted to bulk packaging, refillable containers etc to reduce packaging waste. Covid-19 has challenged some of these recent changes once again as hygiene became higher priority.
Raycee:
Always have room in your mind for more knowledge. Life is a never ending process of growth and learning. You won’t get to where you want if you always think you know more than the others. Successful Packaging Professionals allow others to teach them, guide them, and show them what they knew in the packaging industry.
Julie-Ann:
It serves as a comprehensive reference if one wants to simply familiarise themselves with the basic principles of packaging technology and/or the industry itself.
Q6: What next for your career?
Sarah:
Continuing to build my business and working with my clients on their exciting projects. The next 12 – 18 months is likely to have a strong sustainability focus as our new nationwide strategies for consistent recycling and material collection are rolled out.
Raycee:
My current job is a great match for my skills and experience and it continues to provide me opportunities to increase my expertise and skills in managing the package development process and providing packaging solutions for the organisation’s product. With the current pandemic situation, I expect to be here for as long as I can make contributions.
Julie-Ann:
It serves as a professional goal to those people who are working in the packaging industry. Also, to those who want to further hone their skills and knowledge at the same time widen their connections in the packaging world. It also recognises the competency and proficiency of packaging professionals.
Contact the AIP today to find out how you can become a Certified Packaging Professional.