As part of the 2022 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDAs), the 2022 Industry Packaging Professional of the Year, AIP President’s Scholarship winner and 2022 ABA Scholarship winners were also revealed at the FoodTech Qld show on the Gold Coast.

Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence, sustainability consultant at UPM Raflatac won the 2022 Industry Packaging Professional of the Year award.

The2022 Industry Packaging Professional of the Year award is designed to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding achievements and contribution by an individual currently working within the packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand.

The judges look for individuals who have demonstrated vision and leadership, shows innovation and not afraid to take risks. This award is for significant and continued contribution of an Individual to the industry over a minimum period of 20 years.

The AIP President’s Scholarship was given to Azadeh Yousefi, with the decision to offer her a Diploma in Packaging Technology scholarship.

The AIP President’s Scholarship 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.

As for the 2022 ABA Scholarships, the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), in partnership with AIP has offered an annual Scholarship program for Australia and New Zealand.

The Scholarship program will enable one eligible candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology valued at $9,000 and a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging valued at $7,000.

The winner of the first 2022 ABA Scholarship which will enable one person to undertake a Certificate in Packaging is Lea Reynolds, commercialisation manager at Steggall Nutrition.

The winner of the second 2022 ABA Scholarship which will enable one person to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology is Mark Saturnino, packaging specialist at Woolworths.