Maisha Maliha AAIP
Packaging Scientist
Yates Australia

The AIP would like to take this opportunity to welcome Maisha Maliha AAIP, Packaging Scientist at Yates Australia to the Institute and share a little bit about who she is and what she does in the industry.  Please join with us in welcoming Maisha to the AIP.

1. Why did you join the AIP? What benefits do you believe the AIP offers all their members?

Maisha:

I joined the AIP to deepen my packaging knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals, and stay engaged with developments shaping the future of the industry.  I believe the AIP provides members with valuable opportunities for networking, professional growth, helping stay current in a rapidly evolving industry, and industry recognition.  For me having worked across both packaging research and commercial product packaging development, the greatest value is being part of a community that shares knowledge, drives innovation and works together to improve the impact of packaging.

2. How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?

Maisha:
I have over six years of packaging experience spanning both academic research and industry.  My journey began during my PhD at Monash University, where I specialised in nanocellulose-based antimicrobial packaging materials and I currently work as a Packaging Scientist at Yates developing packaging solutions for consumer products.
My areas of expertise include sustainable and active packaging and fibre-based material research, packaging testing and validation, factory trials and commercialisation of new packaging technologies.

3. What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?

Maisha:

I am a Packaging Scientist at Yates, part of Dulux Group Australia.  My role involves developing and improving packaging for gardening and home pest products, supporting new product development, and ensuring packaging is safe, functional, compliant, and fit for purpose. My responsibilities stretches from packaging ideation to launch and beyond.  This includes product-packaging compatibility testing, driving sustainable materials and recycled content, evaluating opportunities to improve recyclability and reduce environmental impact across the packaging portfolio, artwork compliance, factory trials, and contribute to continuous improvement in packaging and manufacturing.

This year Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida Kelton FAIP, will be attending TokyoPack and providing a presentation, and participating in two separate panels.

On Wednesday the 14th of October Nerida will be joining panel discussion ‘Packaging Foresight 2035: The Transformation you can’t afford to miss. On Thursday the 15th of October she will be presenting ‘The Paradox between Packaging & Food Waste and then joining a IPPO panel.

More details on TokyoPack 2026 and how to register to attend the sessions are below

14th October Panel
https://www.tokyo-pack.jp/event/13994/module/booth/459141/446269

15th October presentation and panel
https://www.tokyo-pack.jp/event/13994/module/booth/459141/446349

Visitor registration
https://www.tokyo-pack.jp

IPE Pack are proud to announce they are a new Gold Corporate Partner of the AIP.

The AIP would like to welcome our newest Gold Corporate Partner, IPE Pack & Technology. With more than 30 years dedicated to barrier shrink packaging, IPE Pack & Technology brings specialist knowledge, advanced manufacturing, and technical expertise to customers across the meat, smallgoods, poultry, cheese and seafood industries.

Established in 1998, IPE has grown into one of the world’s leading specialist manufacturers of barrier shrink bags, films and casings.  With advanced manufacturing capabilities spanning multilayer extrusion, printing, and converting, including structures up to 13 layers, IPE develops high-performance packaging solutions designed to extend shelf life, improve product protection and presentation, reduce food and packaging waste, and support the transition towards more sustainable packaging.

IPE Pack & Technology Oceania provides customers across Australia and New Zealand with local technical, commercial and supply-chain support, backed by IPE’s global manufacturing, R&D and innovation capabilities.

As Barrier Shrink Specialists, their focus is not simply on supplying packaging, but working alongside processors, retailers and industry partners to develop practical solutions for the changing requirements of food safety, sustainability, recyclability, and packaging performance.

Contact: info@hq-plastic.com

“IPE Pack & Technology joined the AIP as a Partner because we believe the future of packaging will be shaped through education, collaboration and the sharing of technical knowledge across our industry.

As barrier shrink specialists, we have significant experience in shelf-life extension, food-waste reduction, material optimisation, and the transition towards more sustainable flexible packaging structures. 

Partnering with the AIP gives us the opportunity not only to continue learning, but also to contribute our knowledge and experience to the broader packaging community.

For IPE, the partnership is about being an active participant in the industry—working together to develop better packaging solutions, support the next generation of packaging professionals and help move the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Warwick Armstrong, Managing Director – Oceania, IPE Pack & Technology

1. What is your current role? What are your areas of responsibility?

Mark: 
Current role is R&D Specialist – Packaging and my responsibility is to explore new packaging development projects for beer and beverage products of SMB and SMB International..

2. What made you select the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course through the AIP?

Mark:    
The Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Online Course through AIP has been selected based on its comprehensive curriculum, flexibility, and it is prestigiously recognised for its quality by the World Packaging Organization. The self-paced learning structure of the course will also allow participants to balance the training with ongoing responsibilities.

3. What did you learn along the way? Any favourite areas or topics?

Mark:    
Key takeaway from the Course was that gaining first the basics and the fundamentals of packaging materials and technology is one of the most important steps in building the packaging development skills of the professional. From there, we gained the leverage to move forward in our career. My favourite learnings while undertaking this Course were more on the topics related to the packaging materials used in the brewery and packaging industry including glass bottles, cans, labels, corrugated cartons, etc. as well as the lesson on package development as it will greatly influence how to properly conduct packaging development module in our Brewing School.

4. What advice would you offer anyone looking to undertake the complete Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course?

Mark: 
My advice to other people looking to undertake this Course is that Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Course is a great first step in learning packaging technology. Taking this course is recommendable. If given the opportunity, take the Course because it will provide you with a formal education about the fundamentals of packaging. Without the fundamental knowledge on packaging technology, handling roles in various packaging industries will be more challenging.

5. Would you consider now completing the Certified Packaging Professional designation (CPP) as your next step?

Mark:

We are currently leaning towards renewing our membership with AIP. Completing the Certified Packaging Professional designation will also be in our consideration in the coming years.
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Thank you so much!

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Confoil are proud to announce they are a new Gold Corporate Partner of the AIP.

The AIP would like to welcome our newest Gold Corporate Partner, Confoil. Confoil are a proudly Australian-owned food packaging manufacturer with 60 years of local manufacturing experience. What began as a family business has grown into a trusted partner for leading food manufacturers, processors and retailers across Australia and beyond.

Their portfolio spans foil, paperboard and moulded pulp, giving customers genuine choice to suit their product, budget and sustainability goals. Confoil continue to invest in smarter, sustainable packaging, exploring new materials and formats to support their customers for years to come.

Confoil brings a rare mix of manufacturing expertise, cost stability, and sustainability to today’s packaging market, backed by real local production. As global costs continue to shift, that combination of reliability and value is what sets us apart.

Their locally made SupaFoil and DualPak trays reflect that value in practice. Both are engineered to perform at every stage of the supply chain, from cold chain storage through to the table, while remaining a cost-effective alternative to imported trays. It’s this pairing of consistent technical performance and competitive pricing that positions them as a packaging partner you can rely on.

Contact us: P: +61 3 8720 1966 | confoil.com.au

“We are proud to announce that Confoil has joined the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) as a Gold Sponsor. This partnership reflects Confoil’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Australian packaging industry, driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence across the sector.

As a Gold Sponsor, Confoil looks forward to strengthening our engagement with the AIP community, collaborating with industry leaders, and supporting initiatives that help shape the future of packaging. We are excited to be part of the AIP community and look forward to contributing to a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable packaging industry.”

Scott Henschke, Director of Sales & Marketing, Confoil Australia & New Zealand

Please read the latest interview with Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, for the WPO, Nerida Kelton by DLG e.V. – German Agricultural Society for the Anuga FoodTec magazine where they discussed the Australasian Institute of Packaging developed Save Food Packaging Design guidelines, how they are being globalised by the WPO World Packaging Organisation Foundation FSSC SAVE FOOD Initiative, FAO, UNIDO Food Business, Wageningen University & Research and more.
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Packaging plays a fundamental and integral role, if designed intuitively at the start, to minimise food loss and waste across the value chain. The Save Food packaging design guidelines will help you on this journey.
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Nerida will also be speaking at Anuga FoodTec 2027 about this very topic (Cologne 23-26 Feb 2027), and she will be on the WPO stand all week so please come and join the WPO.
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The Save Food Packaging Design Guidelines are a practical set of guidelines that help packaging designers, manufacturers, and brands reduce food waste through smart packaging. They bridge the gap between preventing food loss and achieving global sustainability goals. Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), Vice President for Sustainability & Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), and WPO representative for the SAVE FOOD Initiative, explains in an interview how companies can use the guidelines to specifically design more sustainable packaging and thereby make a measurable contribution to reducing food loss.

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Read the FULL INTERVIEW here… 

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Detpak are proud to announce they are a new Bronze Corporate Partner of the AIP.
The AIP would like to welcome our newest Bronze Corporate Partner, Detpak. Detpak is a leading provider of paper and board packaging solutions and part of the global Detmold Group. For more than 75 years, they have partnered with businesses across foodservice, FMCG, retail and industrial sectors to develop packaging that delivers on performance, quality, and sustainability. Through our manufacturing expertise, technical knowledge, and innovation capabilities, they help customers navigate evolving market requirements while improving packaging outcomes across the supply chain.
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As a Partner of the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), Detpak is committed to supporting the advancement of the packaging industry through knowledge sharing, education, and collaboration. Our team brings practical expertise in packaging design, materials, sustainability, repulpability, recyclability and regulatory considerations, helping AIP Members make informed packaging decisions and stay ahead of industry developments. We look forward to contributing to the professional development of packaging professionals and supporting innovation across the Australasian packaging community.
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Key Contact: Mark Rohrlach
Regional Sales Manager Industrial – Australasia
Mark.Rohrlach@detpak.com

“Detpak is proud to partner with the Australasian Institute of Packaging, an organisation that has played a vital role in advancing packaging education, professional development and industry excellence for more than 60 years. As packaging continues to evolve, collaboration and knowledge sharing are more important than ever.  Through this partnership, we look forward to supporting AIP Members, contributing our expertise, and working alongside industry peers to encourage innovation and help shape the future of sustainable packaging.” 
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Mark Rohrlach
Regional Sales Manager Industrial – Australasia

AIP-Led Packaging Innovation Intensive at the University of Melbourne

by Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPPL, AIP Education Director
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During the July 2026 winter break, the University of Melbourne (UoM) hosted an intensive one-week program on campus, curated by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP). Designed to bridge academic theory with real-world technical application, the course featured lectures delivered exclusively by AIP industry experts covering a broad spectrum of modern packaging technologies. The AIP provided over 24 hours of content with 10 technical packaging experts.
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The program brought together 72 students from across the Asia-Pacific region—including Australia, China, Brunei, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Thailand. The immersive format sparked high engagement: multiple students expressed strong interest in pursuing PhD research in packaging science and engineering following their Master’s degrees.
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Each day delivered rigorous technical content, followed by dedicated evening review. To complement classroom instruction with operational context, students participated in two technical field visits:.
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Read the FULL article here… 

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Map and Directions | Register

Description:

REGISTER HERE… 

October 27, 2026 | 8:00pm (AEDT – Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney).

* check your local start time – click here..

WPO Webinar: Packaging Updates from China

Latest packaging trends and innovations coming out of the region..

Join the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), Interpack China, Messe Düsseldorf and WPO Board Member, China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute (CEPI) at a webinar that will discuss the latest packaging industry updates for China including regulations, pack aging advancements and industry trends. This panel discussion will also showcase the up-coming interpack China trade exhibition that will be held from 16–18 November 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).
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interpack China will welcome around 970 exhibitors across 70,000 square metres, attracting more than 47,000 professional visitors. Highlights for the 2026 edition of interpack China will include the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Board Meetings, the 2026 International Summit on Green Packaging Development, a Spotlight Forum that will include global discussions. The show will also have a unique international pavilion and international delegations visiting from all corners of the globe.
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Moderator: Nerida Kelton FAIP, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, World Packaging Organisation
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Panellists:
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Thomas Dohse
Director interpack
Portfolio Processing & Packaging
Messe Düsseldorf
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Larry Chen
Senior Project Director
Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai)
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Jasper Liu
Assistant Director
China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute (CEPI)

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Register to attend this free webinar…

Register

AIP to recognise International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September 2026

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Download the full PDF article here…
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The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) will once again be observing the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on the 29th of September, which is coordinated by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is designed to make a clear call to action for both the public and private sectors to prioritise actions and move ahead with innovation to reduce food loss and waste.

The AIP’s work within the area of Save Food Packaging sits at the intersection of Australian research now becoming international practice.

According to AIP Executive Director, Nerida Kelton FAIP, “Over the last eight years the AIP have driven the global and regional discussions about the true role that packaging plays in minimising food loss and waste. The development of the Save Food Packaging design guidelines, in partnership with End Food Waste Australia and RMIT University, was the catalyst for change in the industry and something we are very proud of,”

“Since then, the AIP have developed Save Food Packaging Design awards, case studies, workshops, training courses, spoken at hundreds of events and have seen the impact of the new guidance reach over 16,500 people directly across the world,”

“The AIP have been very lucky to have seen the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) work with AIP to globalise the Save Food Packaging design guidelines and help raise the voice for the true role that packaging plays in minimising food loss and waste,”

“The partnerships the AIP have developed across the globe have enabled the guidelines to be included in the first Global Position paper on the Paradox between Food & Packaging Waste developed by UNIDO and Wageningen University, the AIP are an active member of the Save Food Initiative, work with interpack on the Save Food Awards and forums across the world, support FAO and Foundation FSSC and WPO Members,”

“The most recent milestone for the AIP is that the Save Food Packaging design guidelines are now built into FSSC22000 V7 which means that 40,000 food and feed companies will have to review product and packaging design as a part of the safety management standard. The work with FSSC is the impetus for change that is needed for food companies to really understand the true role that packaging plays.” Mrs Kelton said.

The AIP invited some key stakeholders across the value chain to also share what the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste means for them…

“RMIT and the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) have enjoyed a decades long collaboration in driving sustainability outcomes across the nation and beyond. In recent times, this has focused on the role of packaging in helping supply chain actors and households reduce food loss and waste (FLW). This has resulted in a ‘Save Food Packaging’ (SFP) Criteria co-designed with industry to integrate packaging design principles to reduce FLW, delivering evidence-based assets that are being adopted into training for food manufacturers, packaging technologists, designers, managers, and brands. Over 16,500 industry professionals have been engaged to date through the AIP and the World Packaging Organisation. The SFP Criteria has also been integrated within the global certification scheme FSSC on the 22000 Scheme Food Safety Management System certification Version 7 to include the guidelines as a part of the certification process and auditing of food companies across the globe. The AIP are now working with us to help small and medium enterprises navigate packaging choices for better shelf life, functional, and environmental credentials in a newly launched Centre. AIP will also be crucial as we launch a new project to transform date labels and storage advice on and off pack, to help households waste less in the home. In short, AIP are an indispensable partner in our fight to end Food Loss & Waste globally.” Prof Simon Lockrey, National Reduce Program Leader, End Food Waste CRC & Full Professor within the School of Design at RMIT University

“With the release of FSSC 22000 Version 6 in 2023, FSSC introduced requirements related to Food Loss and Waste (FLW) as the first step towards creating impactful change at organisational level. This led to more than 30,000 organisations at the time needing to implement policies and strategies to address FLW, contributing to progress on SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, and specifically on target 12.3. At FSSC we also understand that packaging plays a vital role in reducing FLW, particularly in relation to the design of packaging material, which resulted in the incorporation of aspects of the Save Food Packaging design requirements in Version 7 of our Scheme. Now potentially over 40,000 organisations will be required to consider these principles if they design primary packaging/packaging material, further supporting the reduction of Food Loss and Waste.” Kelly Mulholland, Technical Manager Safety & Quality, FSSC

“Observing the International Day of Food Waste is a vital reminder that combating food loss requires intentional, collaborative action from paddock to plate. For the wider industry and the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) community, this day underscores our shared responsibility to protect precious environmental and economic resources. Across the Australasian region, the AIP continues to elevate this crucial discussion by empowering packaging technologists, manufacturers, and brand owners with practical, scientifically backed frameworks such as the Save Food Packaging design guidelines. By embedding smart packaging design strategies, from advanced barrier protection to intuitive portion control and clear consumer communication, directly into the product development process, we can actively engineer waste-reduction solutions and drive meaningful, long-term change.” Prof Pierre Pienaar, Education Director, AIP and Immediate Past President, WPO.

“Bringing the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) into our 2026 Packaging Innovation Studio in the Industrial Design Program at RMIT University is an important part of educating the next generation of packaging designers to understand that packaging is not simply about protecting and presenting a product—it can play a critical role in preventing food loss and waste. Through the AIP’s expertise in Save Food Packaging Design Criteria, our Industrial Design students learn to consider packaging across the entire food system, including protection, preservation, portioning, accessibility, communication, consumer behaviour and end-of-life. The success of this industry-embedded approach was demonstrated through the 2024 Packaging Innovation Studio, where every student team received recognition at the Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA), with two teams subsequently achieving WorldStar Student Awards in 2025, including one team receiving the Overall Student Bronze WorldStar Student Award. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when emerging designers are equipped with industry knowledge and challenged to address complex global issues through design. The collaboration between RMIT University and the AIP is helping to educate and equip future design leaders with the knowledge, skills and responsibility to create packaging solutions that make a positive difference—not only within Australia, but on a global stage.” Dr Caroline Francis, Senior Lecturer of Industrial Design, School of Design, RMIT University

“The International Day of Food Loss and Waste is important to Result Group because reducing food waste is closely connected to the work we do every day. At Result Group, we continue to bring forward technologies and packaging solutions that can help protect food, extend shelf life, improve traceability and reduce unnecessary loss across the supply chain. That includes solutions such as Reclose by Sealstrip, which help consumers reseal packs after opening and keep products protected for longer: a simple design feature that can make a very practical difference to food waste in the home. What is also important is that this is not just a new idea. Reclose by Sealstrip already has a strong foundation with long-term customers such as Mission Foods and True Foods, where resealability has become part of how the product is used and protected after opening. The opportunity now is to take that thinking further and look at where else resealable packaging can help reduce waste across other food categories. We have also seen this kind of thinking recognised through Simplot’s PIDA Gold-winning packaging in 2026, demonstrating what can be achieved when packaging is designed around both the product and the way people actually use it. The AIP plays an important role in keeping food waste high on the industry agenda through education, knowledge sharing, and practical discussion across the Australasian region. The Save Food Packaging Design Guidelines are a valuable part of this work, encouraging industry to look beyond the packaging material itself and consider how design can better protect the food, support consumers and reduce loss throughout the supply chain. For Result Group, the focus is simple: keep learning, keep collaborating and keep putting practical solutions into the market. There is no single answer to food waste, but every better design, every better technology and every better decision moves us in the right direction.” Michael Dossor, Managing Director, Result Group
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Download the full PDF article here…