Winner of the PIDA Young Packaging Professional of the Year Award, Lars Ljung is sustainability manager at Planet Protector Packaging, where he has been instrumental in developing the technology behind the award-winning range of insulated solutions under the Woolpack brand. PKN's Will Wain-Williams caught up with him after his win.
So, first of all, congratulations on winning the Young Packaging Professional of the Year Award. What did winning this award mean for you?
Winning the Young Packaging Professional of the Year Award was an incredible honour, and I am absolutely over the moon about it. It means a lot to me to have my work recognised and to be able to represent the next generation of packaging professionals.
How did you get started in the packaging industry? What inspired you to start this career path?
I got interested in the packaging industry while studying sustainability at the University of Sydney. I became fascinated with the way that conscious packaging design and material choices could come together to create functional and environmentally responsible products. After graduating, I started working at Planet Protector and quickly realised that packaging was the perfect intersection of my interests in materials research and sustainability. I was inspired by the potential to make a tangible impact on the environment and help reduce waste and improve Australia's sustainability efforts.
As a young professional, what sort of challenges have you faced getting to where you are now, and how did you overcome them?
As a young professional, one of the biggest challenges I faced was building my knowledge base in regards to packaging. I overcame this by attending industry events and conferences, and reaching out to professionals in my circle. It also helps to be a part of professional organisations like the Australian Institute of Packaging. These connections have been invaluable in helping me build my knowledge and advance my career.
What were your biggest takeaways from the recent AIP conference?
The recent AIP conference was an amazing experience. One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork in the packaging industry. I came away with a renewed sense of excitement about the potential for collaboration and innovation in the packaging industry.
While so much focus is currently on 2025, as a young person in the industry, that is really only the beginning for you. How do you see the future of packaging post-2025?
Looking to the future of packaging post-2025, I see a continued focus on sustainability, circularity, and innovation. There will be new challenges to face, such as the increasing demand for e-commerce packaging, an increased need for efficient recycling systems, and stringent legislation around problematic plastics. However, I am confident that the packaging industry will rise to these challenges and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
And finally, what advice do you have for those either just starting in the industry, or considering starting a career in packaging?
For those just starting in the industry or considering a career in packaging, my advice would be to be curious, stay up-to-date on industry trends and innovations, and never stop learning. Attend industry events and conferences, join professional organisations, and seek out mentors and networking opportunities. And most importantly, be passionate about what you do and never lose sight of the impact that packaging can have on the world around us.
This article was first published in the May-June 2023 print issue of PKN Packaging News, p21.
