The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), in partnership with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 annual Scholarship program for Australia and New Zealand.
The Scholarship program enables one eligible candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology and a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging.
The Certificate in Packaging: The Certificate in Packaging is the ideal first qualification for those working in the packaging industry and is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging.The Certificate in Packaging provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and businesses. This qualification provides the student with the detailed overview of packaging materials and processes that broadens their knowledge and equips them for progression within the packaging industry.
The 2024 ABA Scholarship Certificate in Packaging scholarship winner is Manpreet Kaur Grewal, Product Technologist, MSAC Solutions.
Since joining MSAC Solutions in 2021, Manpreet has had the opportunity of being involved in the critical task of collecting and validating packaging data for major Australian retailers such as Coles, Woolworths and 7 Eleven.
As a qualified food technologist, Manpreet is particularly intrigued by the complexities of food packaging, where sustainability, food safety, and cost considerations intersect.
While her experience in managing packaging projects has sharpened her ability to collect and validate quality data, Manpreet recognises the need to deepen her knowledge of packaging materials, formats, development, and sustainability to truly excel in this domain.
The Certificate in Packaging will provide her with a solid understanding of packaging materials and their functionalities, allowing her to make better informed decisions and contribute more effectively to projects.
In the next five years, Manpreet envisions herself thriving as a packaging technologist specialising in food packaging. Equipped with a deeper understanding of packaging materials and their implications for sustainability, product integrity, and food waste reduction, she aims to become a trusted advisor capable of recommending optimal packaging solutions.
The Diploma in Packaging Technology: is internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry and prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study. Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology are equipping themselves for progression within the packaging industry to a positionwhere they can assume responsibility for packaging in a company at any point in the supply chain.
The 2024 ABA Scholarship Diploma in Packaging Technology scholarship winner is Angela Hanson AAIP, Packaging Technologist, Tip Top.
After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science and Nutrition) at the University of Queensland Angela worked as a Food Microbiologist 12 months before moving on to a Product Development Technologist role at Tip Top Bakeries – George Weston Foods (GWF).
As an industry professional, but also as a consumer and a parent, Angela could clearly see the opportunity to do better for our planet – especially through packaging.
So, to drive change and improvement and to follow her passion 12 months ago Angela applied for, and was successful, in moving to the role of Packaging Technologist.
As a technically minded person Angela sees an opportunity to become a more well-rounded packaging professional by completing the Diploma in Packaging Technology.
Angela has recognised that she has numerous areas where her knowledge can be improved and believes that the scholarship will assist her in developing professionally and grow within her role.
She wants to add more value to GWF in reaching their goals and being a champion of sustainability. In her future she hopes to be a packaging expert driving innovation for a sustainable future for food, packaging and beyond.
The AIP would like to take this opportunity to commend the ABA for providing such invaluable professional development to the industry.