The AIP would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sefah Usmani AAIP, CPP; Dr Johannes Bergmair MAIP, CPP and Dr Shira Rosen MAIP, CPP on successfully achieving the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation. The CPP program has been accepted as the global recognition as a packaging professional and therefore the CPP designation has now become the leading mark of excellence internationally and a must-have recognition of industry proficiency and achievement for packaging professionals.
1. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
Sefah:
I have been working in the packaging industry for around 10 years. My experience is working with the Metal Packaging Companies catering to the companies in the business of packing Food as well non-food sectors.
Johannes:
I started as project associate and PhD student in OFI packaging institute in July 2000 – so nearly 23 years! My expertise is more on food/pharmaceutical packaging. I deal a lot with food contact materials (legislation), hygiene management systems and quality management (e.g. packaging specification). As World Packaging Organisation (WPO) General Secretary I’m also proud of my international connections in the field of packaging business.
Shira:
I began my journey in packaging in 1993 at Unilever, which means I am now completing 30 years in the field, and I still have a strong passion for packaging and continue to learn new things every day. After 7 years at Unilever, I moved to the Strauss Group, where I became the head of the packaging development department for 18 years. During my tenure at international food and beverage companies, I was exposed to a wide variety of products and needs, worked with most of packaging materials and technologies, which has given me expertise in developing packaging for this industry.
In recent years, I have held the position of chairperson of the Israeli Packaging Institute, and I have also opened my own consultancy company – www.packtech.co.il – which specialises in sustainability, innovation, and efficiency in packaging. Through these roles, I have been exposed to new fields and many startups in particularly on sustainable and smart packaging that enhances and expands the role of packaging in our lives.
I also enjoy sharing my knowledge through teaching in the Academy, as well as conducting trainings and speaking at conferences.
2. What made you apply for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation?
Sefah:
I decided to enrol in the FPT course and then to apply for CPP Designation in order to broaden my knowledge about Packaging.
Johannes:
Well my friends in WPO pushed me a little bit, to be true. It simply was a bit awkward that I didn’t had my CPP yet. I think in the global packaging community the CPP is a recognition that you have a high level of packaging knowledge.
Shira:
I decided to apply for the CPP designation following a WPO board meeting where the CPP Designation was presented. I thought it would be challenging and interesting to pursue and could open up new opportunities for me.
3. How important is attaining the CPP designation to you as an individual?
Sefah:
It is a very important recognition and will help to keep me motivated and always focus on the continuous development.
Johannes:
Personally I simply wanted to have it – as so many of my friends in the WPO also have attained this designation. The CPP designation is a door-opener – e.g. you can only work as WPO trainer if you have a CPP.
Shira:
It is an honour to be acknowledged as a globally recognised packaging professional, and it is a valuable marketing tool for new clients who are not familiar with my experience. Being a part of a professional community within the field opens up many opportunities such as new collaborations, facilitates knowledge sharing, and keeps one updated on the latest developments in the field.
4. How important is the CPP designation for the greater recognition of people in the packaging industry?
Sefah:
It is a very important recognition for the individuals working in the packaging industry and those in the industry should plan to get the certification.
Johannes:
It is simply a unique program – worldwide. If on global level you want to show your high level of packaging knowledge it is through CPP only. I don’t know any other certifications scheme known that widely and recognised by all relevant players.
Shira:
I believe that being a professional in the packaging field requires a deep understanding of all regulations, materials, technologies, and their influence on the entire value chain. The CPP designation verifies a broad and in-depth understanding of the packaging field and distinguishes real professionals. The importance of packaging is not widely known yet, and there is an opportunity to promote professional training and increase professionalism in the field. As the chairperson of the Israeli Packaging Institute, I would certainly implement the vision of the CPP designation.
5. Were there any new learnings or takeaways that you gained from the experience?
Sefah:
One should always have the eagerness to gain knowledge. It really helped me to have the knowledge about other packaging materials as well.
Johannes:
If you think – even after more than 20 years experience – you know everything in packaging technology, you just show, that you haven’t understood the world of packaging at all. Packaging is such a big and complex field of knowledge; and changing permanently. So I was more than happy to update my knowledge on transport packaging and the design process through my CPP designation.
Shira:
Studying for the CPP test refreshed my knowledge and sharpened my insights, which I later applied in my work and training. Additionally, the on-going activities of the IOPP and AIP keep me updated with interesting webinars.
6. What next for your career?
Sefah:
To further add value to any organisation I am working with my skills, knowledge and experience.
Johannes:
Thank you. I’m happy at the moment. But with the CPP in my pocket I know, that many things would be possible (if I just had some time for it.
Shira:
I would like to expand my consulting activities and training to additional countries. Specifically, I am considering establishing an on-line packaging academy, with the goal of obtaining recognition through the Certified Professional Development (CPD) points than come through the CPP program globally.