pida_logo_180pxThe new Packaging & Processing Innovation and Design Awards (PIDA) marks a number of industry firsts, including a collaboration between three established and respected industry associations in the Australasian region, and the World Packaging Organisation.

Before the announcement at the AIP National Conference gala dinner, PKN Packaging News sat down with key members of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) and the Packaging Council of New Zealand to find out how the program will be structured and how it will roll out.

PIDA has four clear objectives:

  • To merge a number of existing awards programs from across Australia and New Zealand into one cohesive industry-based program to recognise innovative packaging and processing designs, from materials through to packaging and machinery.
  • For the new awards program to be the exclusive access point to the prestigious World Star Awards, creating global recognition for ANZ innovations each year.
  • For the new awards program to be the premier program in Australia and New Zealand.
  • For the new awards program to be an annual gala event alongside AUSPACK and the National Conference in alternate years, under the Packaging & Processing Week umbrella.

In the coming months, the program will be fine-tuned.

The AIP, drawing on its extensive experience in developing and judging awards programs, will play a large part in developing a recommendation on how the program will work, and how best to merge the criteria and awards from the four associations that will serve the industry’s best interests going forward.

In terms of timing for the rollout, the New Zealand PIDAs will be launched later this year.

The Australian version will have its inaugural presentation on 8 March 2017 alongside AUSPACK at a gala awards night at the Novotel Hotel.

The organisations will then work to harmonise the programs to create a single Australasian platform.

PKN is pleased to announce it has been appointed as the exclusive media partner for PIDA.


L to R: Tom Schneider (WPO. President), Michael Grima (AIP, National President), Sharon Humphreys (PAC-NZ, Executive Director) and APPMA Chairman Mark Dingley.