The SAVE FOOD Initiative is further expanding its international cooperation and deepening its partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The cooperation aims to continue strengthening the role of packaging, processing and industrial innovation in the global fight against food loss and waste. At interpack 2026, the SAVE FOOD Initiative will be deploying a variety of formats to show how it is advancing its goals worldwide.

Since its foundation in 2011, the SAVE FOOD Initiative has been working with international organisations, industry partners and institutions to reduce food loss and waste right along the value chain. Now that the cooperation with UNIDO and WPO is officially in place, the initiative has acquired additional technical depth, global reach and political relevance.

“Food loss and waste is a global problem that only international cooperation can effectively address,” explains Thomas Dohse, Director interpack and SAVE FOOD Initiative. “With UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, we are uniting industry know-how, development policy expertise and practical solutions. This partnership strengthens SAVE FOOD as a global platform and highlights the contribution that packaging and processing is able to make to realising UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

“Strengthening the agrifood midstream is vital for advancing agro‑industrial development, expanding value addition, and building resilient, nutrition‑focused food systems. The “hidden middle” remains where losses concentrate and transformation potential is greatest. Guided by the World Without Hunger Initiative and UNIDO’s Food Loss and Waste Action Plan, we continue to prioritize midstream infrastructure, climate‑smart processing, and SME capacity to reduce post‑harvest loss, enhance food safety, and drive inclusive, climate‑resilient growth,” explains UNIDO Managing Director Mr. Gunther Beger. “SAVE FOOD combines global industry expertise with specific on-the-ground projects. This kind of bridge-building is crucial to establishing sustainable value chains and improving long-term food security.”

“The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) is proud to become a strategic alliance partner of the Save Food Initiative alongside FAO, UNIDO and Messe Düsseldorf. This collective group brings extensive knowledge to global and local discussions on how food loss and waste can be minimised and environmental impacts reduced wherever possible. Through the Save Food Initiative, the WPO can help elevate awareness and education about the true role that packaging plays in minimising Food Loss & Waste. The WPO truly believes that together we can support and foster sustainable food systems around the globe that interlink agriculture, farming, packing, processing, packaging, waste management and end of life recovery of all waste. This should be a collective effort, so we welcome everyone to be a part of the change we need,” says Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which has been a longstanding partner of SAVE FOOD since the initiative’s founding, continues to be closely involved in the work of the SAVE FOOD Initiative. In particular, FAO brings its expertise in the areas of food security, sustainable agricultural and food systems and the development of enabling policy environments. Raimund Jehle, FAO Deputy Regional Representative in Europe and Central Asia, explains: “Food loss and waste is a global challenge that requires joint action. The FAO’s partnership with Messe Düsseldorf as part of the SAVE FOOD Initiative supports innovation-driven solutions – including packaging technologies that contribute to food safety, reduce waste and promote food systems that are more sustainable.

The partnership builds on many years of collaboration, including at the SAVE FOOD Design Awards, on specialist forums and during project initiatives. In future, the partners intend to collaborate even more closely on practical solutions – from design-for-recycling and transport and protective packaging to education and training programmes.

SAVE FOOD at interpack: A programme with a global outlook
One central meeting point for this collaboration will be interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May. Together with UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, SAVE FOOD will be presenting a multi-day programme that brings together different outlooks and formats. The programme includes SAVE FOOD Expert Talks with international experts and industry representatives, a SAVE FOOD Highlight Route, where member companies will present specific solutions for reducing food loss, and the presentation of the SAVE FOOD Awards. In addition, the SAVE FOOD project competition will also be held at interpack: several projects will be honoured and financially supported for the first time. The aim is to raise the profile of successful approaches, reinforce knowledge transfer and provide specific impetus for sustainable food systems worldwide.

About the SAVE FOOD Initiative
The SAVE FOOD Initiative was founded in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf and interpack, the world’s largest trade fair for the packaging sector and the related processing industry, and has since cooperated with, for example, FAO and the UN Environment programme. As a global alliance, it follows UN SDG 12.3, fighting for a reduction of food loss and waste. A special focus is placed on innovations from the packaging industry.
www.save-food.de

If your company or organisation is interested in becoming a member of SAVE FOOD, please contact Ivania Portillo-Elzer: Phone: +49 211 4560 7781, E-mail: PortilloI@messe-duesseldorf.de

The AIP would like to congratulate our latest graduate from the Certificate in Packaging, Antonio Marañon AAIP, Junior Packaging Technologist from APCO. Please join us in congratulating Antonio for this outstanding achievement and we look forward to watching his career progression.
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1. What is your current role? What are your areas of responsibility?

Antonio:
My current role is a junior packaging technologist. Facilitating a technical committee and collaborating with technical experts is the major responsibility in my role.

2. What does graduating from the Certificate in Packaging mean to you?

Antonio:
It means that I can continue building on my knowledge and capabilities as a packaging technologist.

3. How will you apply this knowledge moving forward?

Antonio:It provides me with fundamental knowledge needed to be successful in my role and motivates me to learn more.

4. Do you have any advice on why other people should complete the Certificate in Packaging?

Antonio:If you have an interest in material science and packaging manufacturing, this is for you.

5. So where to from here for your career?

Antonio:
It gives me more confidence to pursue a career in packaging technology further and continue to develop myself.

6. Will you consider applying to become a Certified Packaging Professional as your next professional development stage?

Antonio:
This is a consideration for me in the future, but I still have a lot to do before I can get there.

The Certificate in Packaging is a Level 3 PIABC degree that is recognised as giving an excellent foundation in, and introduction to, the packaging industry. The new course provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and businesses.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

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 you with the detailed overview of packaging materials and processes that broadens your knowledge and equips you for progression within the packaging industry.

The Certified Packaging Professional designation is extremely important to me, as it has allowed me to gain experience and recognition within the wider packaging industry.
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In particular working with label sector, as the types of labels are as diverse as the range of packages they are adhered to it is really important to stay up to date with the latest developments and specifically ensure that the choice of label has no detrimental effect on downstream recycling outcomes. This is a global goal and aligns perfectly with the global recognition of the CPP.
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Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence PhD FAIP CPP
Sustainability Specialist
UPM Raflatac

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

Shannon:
I have been working across sustainability and packaging for around 10 years, with experience spanning food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and broader packaging sustainability and policy. My key areas of focus include sustainable packaging design and reform, circular economy policy, and industry-led sustainability and extended producer responsibility programs, particularly in the non-alcoholic beverage sector. I also spend a lot of time working on the practical side of packaging challenges, helping businesses understand what upcoming requirements mean in the real world and how to prepare for them.

2. What made you apply for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation?

Shannon: 
I applied for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) program because I wanted to formally validate my packaging knowledge and strengthen the technical side of my work. Packaging sits at the intersection of sustainability outcomes, design choices, manufacturing realities, regulation, and consumer behaviour, and I have always believed it is important to be able to speak confidently across all of those areas. The CPP designation felt like a really strong way to reinforce that foundation, and to ensure I am continuing to grow professionally alongside the pace of change in the packaging space.

3. How important is attaining the CPP designation to you as an individual?

Shannon:   
Becoming a Certified Packaging Professional is genuinely a meaningful achievement for me. I have put a lot of time into building my packaging expertise over the years, and earning the CPP designation feels like a clear milestone that reflects that work. On a personal level, it also gives me more confidence when I am engaging in complex technical discussions with industry, regulators, and stakeholders. It is also a reminder that the details matter, and that taking the time to deepen technical capability is always worth it.

4. How important is the CPP designation for the greater recognition of people in the packaging industry?

Shannon:
I think having the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation is incredibly important. Packaging professionals are often solving high-impact problems every day, but the complexity of that work isn’t always recognised externally. Designations like the CPP help lift the visibility and credibility of packaging as a profession and reinforces that packaging is not just “a box or a bottle”; but rather that it is a highly skilled discipline that influences sustainability outcomes, product performance, safety, supply chain efficiency, and compliance.

5. Were there any new learnings or takeaways that you gained from the experience?

Shannon:    
Yes, definitely. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how valuable it is to step back and revisit the fundamentals. Even if you work in packaging every day, the CPP process reinforces the technical building blocks and helps connect areas you may not always work across directly. It also strengthened my ability to think about packaging decisions more holistically, considering materials, performance requirements, machinery constraints, and end-of-life outcomes together, rather than in isolation.

6.  What next for your career?

Shannon:    
I am excited to keep building my work in sustainability and packaging into the next phase of my career, particularly where it supports real-world impact at scale. In the near term, I will continue focusing on industry sustainability priorities, practical implementation challenges, and supporting the packaging transition across areas like circular economy policy, extended producer responsibility systems, and packaging design improvements. I am also keen to continue growing in international policy and cross-sector collaboration, as packaging and sustainability challenges increasingly need global coordination and shared solutions.

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

Dheeraj:
I have been working in the packaging industry for over 10 years, primarily in flexible packaging across FMCG and food sectors. My expertise includes quality management, lamination & extrusion processes, packaging material development, supplier audits, and troubleshooting production issues. I also focus on process improvement, customer complaint resolution, and shelf life enhancement projects.

2. What made you apply for the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation?

Dheeraj: 
I wanted to benchmark my knowledge against global packaging standards and gain an internationally recognised qualification. The CPP designation aligns with my goal of working in a structured, technical, and future-ready packaging environment. It was important for me to validate my experience and deepen my understanding of core packaging principles..

3. How important is attaining the CPP designation to you as an individual?

Dheeraj:   
Achieving the CPP designation is a major milestone in my career. It reinforces my commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning. Personally, it has boosted my confidence and positioned me strongly for global packaging opportunities. It also reflects the hard work and dedication I have invested in the industry.

4. How important is the CPP designation for the greater recognition of people in the packaging industry?

Dheeraj:
Having the CPP designation provides a credible, standardised way to recognise technical expertise in the packaging profession. It elevates the value of packaging specialists whose work is often behind the scenes but critical to product quality and safety. The designation helps raise the overall professional standing of packaging roles within manufacturing and brand organisations.

5. Were there any new learnings or takeaways that you gained from the experience?

Dheeraj:    
The CPP content helped refresh and structure my existing knowledge while expanding my understanding of materials science, sustainability, and global packaging regulations. It strengthened my technical foundations and improved my decision-making in actual plant situations. I also gained a broader perspective on packaging beyond flexible materials.

6.  What next for your career?

Dheeraj:    
I plan to continue advancing in packaging leadership roles and contributing to stronger quality systems and innovation projects. My next focus is to gain deeper expertise in sustainable packaging, food safety, and advanced barrier technologies. I want to contribute more to quality improvement, zero-defect performance, and technical innovation. Having the CPP has now motivated me to target higher technical and leadership roles in packaging.

Foodpro, Australia’s leading trade event for food processing, packaging and innovation, has announced a major new partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) — giving the industry even more reasons to gather in Melbourne from 26–29 July 2026.

Over four dynamic days, foodpro 2026 will bring together the full spectrum of food manufacturing and packaging with more than 400 exhibitors, cutting edge displays, and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees. Including the chance to take part in AIP-led mini training courses and forums, covering key topics in food packaging innovations, sustainable packaging design and regulations, food waste and the intersection with packaging and more.

The AIP will also be hosting exclusive industry networking events and showcasing the finalists and winners of the 2026 Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) across the four days of foodpro.

Nerida Kelton FAIP, Executive Director of the AIP, shared: “foodpro is an important tradeshow for the food and beverage industries and we are very proud to be an Association Partner of the show. The AIP is also delighted to announce that, for the first time, we will be hosting the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 28 July, alongside foodpro. The PIDA Awards program celebrates Australia and New Zealand’s most innovative packaging solutions and is the exclusive entry point for the WorldStar Packaging Awards. This prestigious awards night brings together the best-of-the-best to be recognised for their leading-edge designs. The entire industry is invited to attend the 2026 PIDA Awards. Having the awards night aligned with foodpro is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the food and beverage finalists and winners in a dedicated space at the show, so everyone can see which packs took home a PIDA award.”

Louise Brooks, Commercial Product Manager of foodpro, added: “We are incredibly proud to welcome the AIP as an official Association Partner for foodpro 2026 — a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation, excellence, and collaboration across the entire food manufacturing and packaging supply chain. The addition of the PIDA Awards Gala Dinner to the foodpro program is a true milestone for the event. It not only celebrates the most ground-breaking packaging designs from Australia and New Zealand but also brings the industry’s brightest minds together under one roof. This is more than a trade show — it’s where the future of food and packaging comes to life. From education and training to world-class innovation and networking, foodpro 2026 will be an unmissable experience for anyone serious about shaping what’s next in food manufacturing and processing.”

foodpro returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26–29 July 2026, celebrating over 50 years of connecting and inspiring Australia’s food manufacturing and processing community. Visitor registrations are now open  at www.foodproexpo.com

The PIDA Awards Gala Dinner will be held at The Crown Aviary on the 28th of July with tickets available through the AIP in early 2026.

Kelton said the translated guide will help advance the uptake of circular design principles across China’s vast packaging and manufacturing sectors by making best-practice guidance widely accessible.

“Circular design is only effective when the relevant collection, sorting and recycling streams exist,” she said. “To be able to apply recyclable packaging design, a certain fundamental knowledge of sorting and recycling processes is necessary. Packaging must therefore be suitable for state-of-the-art sorting and recycling processes, in addition to its basic functions.”

The guide provides brand owners, designers and packaging developers with a clear starting point to better understand packaging recyclability, showcasing global best-practice examples and outlining how design decisions can be aligned with real-world recycling capabilities. Users are encouraged to tailor the guidance to regional and local material recovery infrastructure.

Kelton said she was ‘extremely proud’ to launch the Chinese translation, acknowledging the extensive collaboration behind the project.
“A special thank you to both CEPI and CPF for their hard work on the translation and in particular Jasper Liu, who led the project, and supporting translators Guo Zhenmei, Wu Xiaoqing and Melody Wong,” she said in a LinkedIn post following the event.

The Chinese edition is now available via the WPO website, as well as on CEPI and CPF’s WeChat platforms.
The launch drew support from WPO board members in other regions, with representatives from Poland (Krzysztof Niczyporuk) and Japan (Sonoyama San) also attending the forum.
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Kelton said the translation marks an important step in helping more brands across Asia become ‘recycle ready’, strengthening global alignment on packaging design for circularity.

This article was published with permission of PKN Packaging News

The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is pleased to announce that 7x Australian & New Zealand companies have received 11x WorldStar Packaging Awards.

The latest round of WorldStar Packaging Awards attracted 481 entries from 36 countries and 234 were recognised with WorldStar Packaging Awards.

According to Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the AIP ‘With the tough global competition increasing every year receiving a coveted WorldStar Packaging Award is getting harder. The AIP are extremely proud that 7x ANZ PIDA Winners have been internationally recognised with 11x awards across 6x categories including Packaging Materials & Components, Food, Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Other, Household, Labelling & Decoration,’

‘As only winners from the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PDIA) awards are eligible to enter the WorldStar Packaging awards, the continued global recognition of Australian and New Zealand packaging designs is a testament to the strict criteria and judging process of our regional awards program. We look forward to celebrating the ANZ winners in-person on the 8th of May 2026 at a gala awards ceremony which will be held inside of Interpack, Dusseldorf, Germany.” she said.

The 2026 WorldStar Packaging Award winners for Australia and New Zealand are:

Food

• Australian Organic Food Co Mono Material Spout Pouch (Flavour Makers + Cheer Pack Asia Pacific)
• Amprima recycle-ready packaging for shredded cheese (Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific ANZ)
• Koor refillable system – Koor
• Katermaster Regen Reusable Food Container (Bunzl Australia & New Zealand)

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

• Opal Paper-based fresh produce punnet (Mountain Blue + Opal)

Labelling & Decoration

• Carman’s Gourmet Snack Mix – Zipform Packaging

Household

• Koor refillable system (Koor)

Packaging Materials & Components

• Amprima recycle-ready packaging for shredded cheese (Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific ANZ)Australian Organic Food Co Mono Material Spout Pouch (Flavour Makers + Cheer Pack Asia Pacific)
• Advantage 9um Pallet Wrap (Bunzl Australia & New Zealand)

Other

• Reusable Ecommerce Tote (Woolworths Reuse Co +Viscount Reuse)

The full list of 2026 WorldStar Packaging Awards are available to view on https://worldstar.org/winners/worldstar/2026/

Applications for the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards are now open and will close on the 27th of February. The PIDA Awards are the exclusive feeder program for Australia & New Zealand for the WorldStar Packaging Awards. http://aipack.com.au/pida-awards-overview/

The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is pleased to invite the Australasian packaging and processing businesses to join their dedicated group delegation at the 2026 edition of ProPak Asia which will be held the 10 – 13 June in Bangkok, Thailand. ProPak Asia will also be heading to a new venue in 2026; IMPACT MUANG THING THANI, THAILAND.

Experience a week of unparalleled educational opportunities, network with like-minded packaging professionals and visit the largest packaging and processing show in the South East Asian region.

With the AIP being the leading educational partner of ProPak Asia, anyone joining the Australasian Delegation will be able to attend, for free, the following activities coordinated by the Institute, in partnership with Informa Markets.

Free Educational Offerings during ProPak Asia:

• 10th June: The 8th edition of the annual Global Packaging Forum; the pinnacle conference for ProPak Asia each year.
• 11th June: 2x mini training courses to enhance your skills and knowledge and attain Certified Professional Development points towards the global Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation.
• 12th June: 2x workshops that will be discussing the trends and future of paper and fibre and the future roadmap for rigid and soft plastics.
• Visit the 2025 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) award showcase area and see physical samples of all of the winning designs.
• Join the Australasian Delegation to tour the show and meet with preferred exhibitors at the show exclusively.

Benefits to join the Australasian Delegation through the AIP:

• A dedicated AIP education team member to coordinate the delegation.
• Access to leading suppliers across Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics and related industries.
• Exclusive networking opportunities with key industry-decision makers in the region.
• To ensure a seamless experience the delegates may be eligible for complimentary accommodation, complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off services and complimentary BTS Skytrain tickets with unlimited daily usage during the show. *This will be assessed once expressions of interest are received.
• The delegation will cover any company from Australia and New Zealand and AIP Members across the Australasian region.

Please register your interest today for the fantastic opportunity to attend ProPak Asia and participate in multiple educational programs coordinated by the AIP.

Please email info@aipack.com.au today to register your interest in joining the Australasian ProPak Asia delegation.

Applications are now open for the annual Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) packaging scholarship program that is run in partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP).

The Packaging Scholarship program will enable one eligible candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology and a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging. Eligible Candidates will come from across the entire packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the AIP will provide the winning candidates complimentary attendance at 3x training courses from the Institute’s education portfolio.

Scholarship 1 *For ANZ
DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY: 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. The course prepares learners to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can lead to higher level study. Diploma in Packaging Technology students come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, but they all share a desire to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the packaging industry.

Scholarship 2 *For ANZ
CERTIFICATE IN PACKAGING: The ideal first qualification for those working in the packaging industry.
The Certificate in Packaging Technology is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging. The Certificate in Packaging is a Level 3 PIABC course that is recognised as giving an excellent foundation in, and introduction to, the packaging industry. The course provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and businesses.

Scholarship 3 *Australasia
AIP PRESIDENT AWARD *FOR ALL AIP MEMBERS ACROSS ASIA AND ANZ
The AIP President Award has been designed to work in collaboration with the ABA program to help one additional person undertake either a Certificate in Packaging or a Diploma in Packaging Technology each year. The Scholarship program will enable one eligible candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology or a Certificate in Packaging. The AIP scholarship judging committee will also consider applications from AIP Members from across Asia to be eligible for a third scholarship, sponsored by the AIP. Simply apply using the ABA Scholarship Criteria and entry form.

HOW TO ENTER

The annual Scholarship program is a part of the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) awards. To apply for a scholarship please head over to the PIDA Awards webpage (link below) and scroll to the bottom of the page for the scholarship criteria and award portal entry link. *Please note entries are free-of-charge.

Enter here: https://aipack.com.au/pida-awards-overview/ 

*** For AIP Members that reside in South East Asia please use the ABA scholarship application and your application will be reviewed separately for the AIP President Award.

The annual Scholarship program is a part of the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) awards, with winners announced at the gala awards ceremony on the 28th of July, at the Aviary Crown, during FoodPro.

Applications close on the 27th of February