What another memorable occasion for the Australian Institute of Packaging which was represented at this WPO Board meeting and WorldStars presentation by Michael Grima and Pierre Pienaar.

Not only are these meetings of value to the greater packaging industry in Australia but globally. There is lots of networking happening and it is always interesting and encouraging to renew old acquaintances and meet new member countries attending these meetings from around the world. May I take this opportunity to thank the AIP Board for opportunity to represent Australia at these Budapest meetings.

These meetings were attended by Argentina, Austria, Australia, Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, India, Kenya, Latvia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.

Australia continues to be well regarded at these meetings where our opinion is sought as we sit on a number of sub- committees, e.g. Education, Strategy, Marketing, Sustainability and Save Food. The WPO continues to be financially sound with education portfolio taking a priority in relation to funds for training being spent in developing countries.

WORLDSTARS

This remains the key area of Marketing and income for the WPO. All member countries are encouraged to become directly involved in promoting and encouraging entries from one’s own country. The WorldStar Competition is one of the major events of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and is the pre-eminent international award in packaging. WorldStar illustrates the continual advancement of the state of packaging design and technology and creates a living standard of international packaging excellence from which others may learn.

The WorldStar Competition is the main revenue source for WPO and its success is an important component in financing our global packaging training programmes. On 26 May 2016 winners of the WorldStar 2016 awards gathered at the RaM Colosseum, Budapest, Hungary to receive their WorldStar Awards. Over 100 winners from all continents attended to collect their awards at this fabulous Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner hosted by the Hungarian Association of Packaging and Materials Handling (HAPMH).

Ronald Oehy and Rudiger Grings, Greiner Packaging AG, Switzerland collected the President's Gold Award for their 'inert barrier technology' entry.

WORLDSTARS STUDENT AWARDS 2016

The WorldStar Student Awards, promoted by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), is an international packaging design competition for students – undergraduate or graduate – from countries around the world who are involved in projects in the field of packaging – structural design and/or graphic design. Through publicity of WPO's global publications, student winners are provided the opportunity to gain professional acknowledgement and entrance into a career as a packaging professional. The winner of the 2016 program was Duncan Anderson from the Lahti Institute of Design, Finland for his 'Herbs of Health' entry.

EDUCATION

Packaging training sponsored by WPO has gone well this past year with courses held in India, Vietnam, Indonesia and China. Further packaging training is to be held later this year in Philippines, Iran, Ghana and Italy. The AIP has taken a leading role in this. Additional courses assisted by the WPO may be held in Croatia, Czech Republic and India, still to be confirmed. The AIP was thanked for their leadership and commitment to the training programs. There is continuation of courses worldwide being vetted by the Education Committee and the AIP is part of this vetting system.

MARKETING

All member countries have received their membership certificates and are encouraged to display these at meetings, seminars, conferences, congresses, or any place where recognition can be gained. WPO News: the AIP was congratulated on being so organised in supplying news on a regular basis. They continue to always look for articles of interest and news items. Linkedin membership to WPO Linkedin has grown to about 3000 and members are encouraged to join up, as it remains a good way on keeping in contact and spreading information on WPO.

SUSTAINABILITY

Johannes Bergmair from Austria has created a working group to address this important aspect. He wants to ensure that all corners of the globe are represented and being involved in the program. Some great work is being done in this portfolio mainly focusing on Food Safety and Save Food initiative, FAO (Food & Agricultural Organisation – Rome). The AIP was congratulated on the progressive work that they have done in launching the awards program of Save Food and announcing their first winners of the award at the recent AIP Conference on 1 June 2016.

GENERAL

WPO is bec oming more involved in countries across the globe, great education opportunities exist more now than ever before, Marketing really putting the name out in the open across all continents. Financially sound with good leadership into the future. The AIP has become an important player on this world stage where our opinion, ideas and advice constantly sought.

By Pierre Pienaar (Prof ) Msc, FAIP, CPP