The Australian Institute of Packaging details why brands can no longer ignore the
most-important role that packaging technologists and designers play within the business.
With the 2025 National Packaging Targets looming and the Federal Government announcing that there will be mandatory packaging design standards coming, brands can no longer ignore the most-important role that packaging technologists and designers play within the business.
The challenge that businesses are facing is that packaging design and technology is in fact a science that requires the appropriate higher education and training in the discipline.
Not having the right technical packaging training and knowledge can create unintended consequences due to incorrect material selection or poor packaging design at the start.
If the packaging is not functional and fit for purpose and is unable to contain, protect, preserve and transport a product all the way through the value chain then the decisions made can be costly for a business. The environmental impacts of these decisions can also be significant.
The harsh reality we are seeing right now is a limited supply of truly qualified Packaging Technologists and Designers in Australia and New Zealand.
The qualified and skilled packaging professionals that we do have in the region are already entrenched in a business and are not looking to leave their current role anytime soon.
There is a juxtaposition happening right now in the industry and it is interesting to watch.
On one hand the recent abundance of job advertisements for skilled Packaging Technologists, often thinly veiled in sustainable or procurement roles, is a clear sign that the industry is in desperate search for the ever-elusive qualified Packaging Technologist.
On the other hand, the high volume of applications every year through the AIP Scholarship Program indicates that many people are wanting to upskill and to become qualified Packaging Technologists. The sad reality is that there are not enough scholarships available each year for all applicants and there seems to be limited budgets being offered by brands to upskill staff in packaging-related competencies.
How can the industry work together to fill knowledge gaps and skills shortages?
Starting to hire packaging professionals that are qualified, or upskilling current staff with packaging competencies, will ensure that the people who are responsible for packaging design understand the fundamentals of packaging technology.
We must also consider that there is a monumental skill set shift occurring in the region as the number of qualified packaging professionals currently working in the industry are not sufficient to be able to fill the gaps that will be left behind by those set to retire.
How can we help those already in the industry?
The education and qualifications are already available through the AIP and have been for over forty-five years.
As the peak professional body for packaging training and education in Australasia, the AIP offers internationally accredited and globally recognised degrees and courses.
This includes the Diploma of Packaging Technology, the Certificate in Packaging, bite-sized modules wrapped up in the Fundamentals in Packaging Technology (FPT) course, a Master of Food Packaging & Innovation in partnership with the University of Melbourne and a certified professional development program – the Certified Packaging Professional designation.
The move to Sustainable and Circular Packaging Design has also seen even more people working in, and around, packaging development and design.
People that hold roles in Environment and Sustainability, Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Design Agencies and Packaging Machinery also need to understand packaging at a more technical level than ever before; especially those who are responsible for achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets and future mandatory design standards for the business.
Added to the higher education portfolio mentioned, the AIP also offers over 30 training courses in all materials, all types of packaging and every topic known to the packaging industry. The training courses are designed for anyone who works in and around packaging
Every company has a role to play as everyone uses packaging within their business. Identify key staff that need core competencies in the fundamentals of packaging to fulfil their role.
Anyone that is responsible for the 2025 National Packaging Targets, or the future mandatory design standards, or the purchasing of packaging for the business needs to be supported with access to packaging-related training and education.
Start by reviewing training and professional development budgets and allocate some for the packaging, procurement and sustainability teams. Look to incentivise your packaging-related teams by allowing them a budget each year for their own professional development.
Allocate a budget for new hires so they can have access to basic packaging training from the start of their careers. The AIP are here to help map out a program for all levels of professional development to suit your business.
Another idea is to consider working with the AIP to develop an internal scholarship program for your packaging-related team, or pay for a Diploma in Packaging Technology or Certificate in Packaging degree for someone who shows promise in this field.
Just one person a year enrolling in a packaging-related degree will make such a difference for the skillsets in the industry in the future.
By enhancing the core competencies of not only your packaging team, but also anyone who works in and around packaging, you will set your business apart as one that invests in future-proofing the skills of the industry.