The AIP would like to congratulate our latest Diploma in Packaging Technology Graduate, Karunia Adhiputra Dip. Pkg. Tech. MAIP, Head of Packaging Oceania at Nestlé Australia. Internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry the Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification that prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study. Karunia kindly shared with the AIP what he learnt during his studies…
Q1: What is your current role? What are your areas of responsibility?
I am the Head of Packaging for Nestlé Oceania. I lead the Corporate Packaging team, supporting functions to develop the packaging sustainability strategy, providing technical support to our factories to minimise packaging related downtime, creating policies and procedures, as well as managing the regulatory compliance documentation of our food contact packaging materials. We work cross-functionally across various business units and brands, and across all Nestlé factories in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Q2: What does graduating from the Diploma in Packaging Technology mean to you?
Completing the Diploma certainly is a milestone for me and my career. When I applied for this Scholarship through the AIP and ABA, I came in with the expectation to build my fundamental packaging knowledge across various material types and machinery, and it has certainly delivered! Having the backing of an industry recognised course will give me the confidence to challenge myself and learn new things in this industry. I thank both the AIP and ABA for such a wonderful opportunity.
Q3: How will you apply this knowledge moving forward?
We utilise various packaging material types, across various equipment within our operations. The learnings I have taken throughout my studies in this course has already given me interesting insights into how packaging materials interact with their respective machinery, even throughout the course. Additionally, the thesis has given me the chance to apply my knowledge in experimental design, and transferring this knowledge has been valuable to assist with technical trials preparation.
Q4: Do you have any advice on why other people should complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology?
The course not only teaches you fundamental knowledge on packaging technology, but it also helps you create a very strong network with various other industry professionals. Conversations and discussions with these amazing individuals will help you expand your critical thinking, leadership and communication skills to elevate you further in your career. Take the chance to connect and share experiences as much as you can.
Q5: So where to from here for your career?
There is still so much to learn within the scope of my current role, so I am simply giving everything a go, while learning from others and sharing knowledge along the way. We are on the pathway of uncharted territory with sustainable packaging materials, so it will definitely keep things interesting for a long time!
Q6: Will you consider applying to become a Certified Packaging Professional as your next professional development stage?
I would like to first apply the learnings I’ve gotten from the Diploma, while spending time to understand what the gaps in my knowledge and skills are to further my career. Certainly, if CPP will help me to move to that next phase I would definitely consider it.
WHY STUDY THE DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY?
Completion of the Diploma in Packaging Technology demonstrates your commitment to your career and to the industry.
Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology are equipping themselves for progression within the packaging industry to a position where they can assume responsibility for packaging in a company at any point in the supply chain.