The AIP would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the first New Zealand recipient of the Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional, Coster Ngirazi MAIP, CPPL, Senior Packaging Research Technologist, Fonterra Research & Development, New Zealand. 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. Please join us in congratulating Coster for his outstanding achievement.
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We invited Coster to share with us what attaining the Certified Packaging Professional Designation means to her…
1. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
Coster:
I have spent well over two decades in the packaging industry in different continents, working across technical, research, and operational roles. My expertise spans packaging materials science, packaging research and innovation, sustainability focused development, packaging design, material development, validation and implementation and packaging optimisation across the value chain. A key focus of my work has been translating scientific and technical knowledge into practical, scalable packaging solutions that meet both commercial and environmental objectives.
2. What made you re-certify for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation?
Coster:
ecoming the first New Zealand lifetime CPP for the CPP designation was a deliberate decision for me to demonstrate my continued commitment to professional excellence. Packaging is a rapidly evolving discipline, driven by sustainability expectations, regulatory change, and technological advancement and I believe it is essential to continually validate that my knowledge and competencies remain current and relevant. The CPP designation represents a globally recognised benchmark of professionalism in packaging, and maintaining it reflects my dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry.
3. How important is attaining the CPPL designation to you as an individual?
Coster:
On a personal level, becoming the first lifetime CPP in New Zealand is both affirming and motivating. It provides an opportunity for structured reflection on professional development while reinforcing accountability to the highest standards of practice. It also demonstrates a mindset of lifelong learning, which I consider critical in a technical field where innovation and responsibility must progress together. It also provides a sense of pride, knowing that my packaging qualifications, experience, learning, and professional conduct meet an internationally recognised benchmark.
4. How important is the CPP designation for the greater recognition of people in the packaging industry?
Coster:
The CPP designation plays a vital role in elevating the visibility and credibility of packaging professionals globally. Packaging is often under recognised despite its critical role in product protection, sustainability, and consumer safety. By establishing a consistent professional standard, the CPP helps position packaging as a strategic, multidisciplinary profession comparable to other recognised and established engineering and scientific fields.
5. Were there any new learnings or takeaways that you gained from the re-certification experience?
Coster:
Yes, particularly around the increasing integration of sustainability, circular economy principles, and regulatory frameworks into everyday packaging decision making. The process reinforced the importance of systems thinking, cross functional collaboration, and balancing innovation with compliance, performance, and environmental responsibility.
6. What next for your career?
Coster:
Looking ahead, I intend to continue contributing at a strategic and technical level, supporting innovation in sustainable packaging systems and mentoring emerging professionals in the field. Maintaining my CPP status aligns strongly with my goal of driving meaningful impact, both through technical expertise and by helping strengthen the professional standing of packaging practitioners across the industry.