At the 2012 National Conference the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) recognized four packaging technologists for significant contribution to their specific packaging field and to the wider packaging industry, including the 7th only Founders Award in 50 years.

AIP Founders Awards

The Founders Award has only been awarded 6 times in the last 50 years and is only presented to those who give outstanding performances which in a real way enhances the profession of Packaging Technology.

The 7th Awardee of the AIP Founders Award is Llewelyn Stephens, FAIP, Senior Packaging Technologist, LION. The honour was awarded for Llew's commitment and significant contribution to the promotion and application of packaging technology and education in industry. Llew is highly respected as a packaging technologist and has a sound knowledge of packaging. He is a person of integrity, brings a wealth of experience and understanding and is always willing to provide counsel and advice to other technologists.

AIP Life Member

Life Membership of the AIP is designed to recognize those long-standing members who have volunteered their time and passion to the continued growth of the Institute. Life Members are people who continually go above and beyond for the AIP and for the betterment of the packaging industry.

This year the AIP has one Life Member Richard Mason MAIP. Richard continues to assist the NSW Division even in his retirement and has who worked in the packaging industry for over forty years. He is on the national membership grading committee, the NSW branch committee and helps the national office on a continued basis. Nothing is too much trouble for him and he is always willing to help the AIP in any way he can.

AIP Fellows

The grade of Fellow is the highest professional recognition awarded to AIP Members by their peers and is designed to recognize the significant and sustained contribution these people have made to the technology, science or application to packaging in the industry. The AIP upgraded two members for 2012; Dr Roya Khalil, Senior Packaging Technologist, SPC Ardmona and Nola Porteus, Paper & Board Laboratory Manager, VISY Technology & Innovation Centre.