The AIP recently recognized five members who have contributed over 125 years of service to the Institute and the packaging industry. The five recipients were Peter Hull MAIP, Technical Manager, Ardagh Group, Gregory Johnson MAIP, Product Development Manager, Visy Board, Mitchell McDonald MAIP, Key Account Manager, Amcor Flexibles, Andrew Preston MAIP, Appointment Group and Tony Whelan MAIP, Regional Sales Manager, Ulma Packaging.

The AIP invited Tony Whelan MAIP to share some of his insights into the last 25 years.

Tony started in the packaging industry in 1986 for Leigh Mardon Flexibles in Sydney and he worked with a very young George Ganzenmuller FAIP. When asked about the things that have changed in the industry over the last 25 years Tony said that his work over the last ten years has been specifically in the packaging equipment field and it is in this area that he has seen significant improvements in the quality of equipment being produced today.

"With improved health and safety requirements of today's customers, packaging machinery is increasingly exposed to aggressive cleaning processes and must be able to withstand exposure to a wide range of cleaning agents. Some of the equipment being manufactured today is almost submersible", Mr Whelan said.

"Having worked in the packaging industry now for 28 years I would invite everyone to be a part of the AIP in some way. The AIP has always been about the monthly meeting and the chance to catch up with colleagues and meet new people."

"Training and education, like the AIP provides our industry, is critical in our industry today. Every company involved in packaging food items should have a qualified packaging professional working for them."

When asked what advice he would give the people just starting out in the packaging industry Tony said, "If you are asked to do anything in an organization and you don't know how to do it say yes anyway and then then learn what to do as quickly as you can."

The AIP would like to acknowledge all five recipients and their contribution to the packaging industry over the last 25 years or more.

The photograph features Tony Whelan (l) and Michael Grima (r).