The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), in partnership with the AIP, revealed the winners of this year's Scholarship program for Australia and New Zealand at the PIDA 2024 Awards evening.
The ABA Scholarship program will enable one eligible candidate from either Australia or New Zealand the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology and a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging.
2024 ABA Scholarship: Certificate in Packaging
The Certificate in Packaging is the ideal first qualification for those working in the packaging industry and is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging.
The Certificate in Packaging Scholarship went to Manpreet Kaur Grewal, product technologist at MSAC Solutions.
About the Scholarship winner:
Since joining MSAC Solutions in 2021, Manpreet Kaur Grewal has had the opportunity of being involved in the critical task of collecting and validating packaging data for major Australian retailers such as Coles, Woolworths and 7-Eleven.
As a qualified food technologist, Grewal is particularly intrigued by the complexities of food packaging, where sustainability, food safety, and cost considerations intersect.
While her experience in managing packaging projects has sharpened her ability to collect and validate quality data, Grewal recognises the need to deepen her knowledge of packaging materials, formats, development, and sustainability to truly excel in this domain.
The Certificate in Packaging will provide her with a solid understanding of packaging materials and their functionalities, allowing her to make better informed decisions and contribute more effectively to projects.
In the next five years, Grewal envisions herself thriving as a packaging technologist specialising in food packaging. Equipped with a deeper understanding of packaging materials and their implications for sustainability, product integrity, and food waste reduction, she aims to become a trusted advisor capable of recommending optimal packaging solutions.
2024 ABA Scholarship: Diploma in Packaging Technology
The Diploma in Packaging Technology is internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry. The degree prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study.
The Diploma in Packaging Technology Scholarship goes to Angela Hanson, packaging technologist at Tip Top.
About the Scholarship winner:
After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science and Nutrition) at the University of Queensland, Angela Hanson worked as a food microbiologist 12 months before moving on to a product development technologist role at Tip Top Bakeries – George Weston Foods (GWF).
As an industry professional, but also as a consumer and a parent, Hanson could clearly see the opportunity to do better for our planet – especially through packaging.
So, to drive change and improvement and to follow her passion, 12 months ago Hanson applied for, and was successful, in moving to the role of packaging technologist.
As a technically minded person Hanson sees an opportunity to become a more well-rounded packaging professional by completing the Diploma in Packaging Technology.
Hanson has recognised that she has numerous areas where her knowledge can be improved and believes that the scholarship will assist her in developing professionally and grow within her role. She wants to add more value to GWF in reaching their goals and being a champion of sustainability.
In her future she hopes to be a packaging expert driving innovation for a sustainable future for food, packaging and beyond.
