One of the core objectives of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is to ensure that individuals are recognised for their significant contributions to the packaging industry. Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence PhD, FAIP, CPP, National President of the AIP had the opportunity at the gala awards night on the 2 May to present five AIP Special Awards. The AIP Special Awards are not given often and are designed to recognise inspirational individuals who have contributed significantly to the packaging industry over many years.

AIP Fellowship to Jacky Norsdvan

Jacky Norsdvan, Packaging Specialist, Nestle Australia has been recognised with a Fellowship for her work in the packaging industry over the last 25+ years that has resulted in change in the packaging industry, bringing packaging sustainability, recyclability, labelling, and accessibility, to the forefront of packaging design. She has helped develop tools and processes and engaged stakeholders to enable informed decisions on packaging sustainability and packaging accessible design in the concept phase of packaging development, which is key to improving environmental performance and packaging accessibility.

AIP Fellowship to Phillip Rolls

Phillip Rolls, Managing Director, Rolls Pack has been a Member of the AIP for twenty years and is a business visionary. He has led his own packaging company to success through a pioneering spirit, positive thinking and strong business acumen. Motivated and handson, Phillip is constantly on the search for new innovations. This thirst for knowledge and commitment to knowing where the industry is heading, has seen his business grow from a small plastic bag manufacturer to respected industry leader.

Founders Award to Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPP

The Founders Award has been named to honour the Foundation Members of the Institute and to recognise their contribution to the development of packaging technology in Australia. The Founders Award shall be given for outstanding performances which in a real way enhances the profession of Packaging Technology. Only three people have ever attained this award; Professor Harry Lovell OAM, George Ganzenmuller and Llewelyn Stephens. The AIP are very excited to make it four.

With 30 years extensive experience in the packaging industry Pierre Pienaar has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of packaging education and training around the world. Pierre has given of his time and knowledge to assist developing countries with packaging education and training and has lectured in the technology and science of packaging at various universities across the globe. Closer to home Pierre accepted the toughest role of all which was filling Harry Lovell’s shoes and leading the education portfolio for the AIP across Australasia. His drive, hard work, long hours and commitment to improving packaging education across the world is remarkable and we at the AIP are proud to call him our Education Director. Please welcome Pierre Pienaar to be the fourth recipient of the AIP Founders Award.

AIP Life Membership to Keith Chessell FAIP

The next AIP Special Award has only ever been awarded five times in 55 years. Keith Chessell has a 46-year career in the Food, Beverage & Confectionery industries with extensive experience in the innovation and development of new products and the relaunch of existing products and packaging. In recent years his focus has been on sustainable packaging design and has been a significant and invaluable contributor to the development and judging of the Save Food Packaging and Sustainable Packaging Awards, the successful participation of the AIP within the National Food Waste Strategy and the newly formed Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre and is the current AIP representative on the LCA Standards Australia committee.

Distinguished Service Award – Nerida Kelton MAIP

Having joined as an associate Member of the Institute a key focus for her has always been to support the growth or people of all walks in life in many facets of the industry. Whether it was to help find a new packaging job, help seeking a new machinery system, or connecting teams in the pursuit of a successful project, nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Nerida is very modest and has always increased her own broad knowledge of not only packaging technology in all its forms but also the packaging players and kindred associations around Australasia, and more recently around the world. Nerida is constantly sharing knowledge and connections with others, plus the opportunities they bring, all testament to the outstanding service she has brought to the AIP, and our members, above and beyond various formal roles, which are now a strategic element of the management of the Institute.