• Vale Ian Fletcher.
    Vale Ian Fletcher.
Close×

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has paid tribute to Life Member and Fellow of the Institute, Ian Fletcher, who died tragically in a car accident on Phillip Island on Christmas Day.

Ian Fletcher dedicated 48 years to the AIP and was instrumental in the the Association's Southern Region for decades. Fletcher held several roles over his tenure with AIP, including pesident, treasurer, southern regional director, and AIP board member. He was recognised over the decades with a number of Distinguished Service Awards, a Fellowship and Life Membership.

"Even in retirement, Fletch still wanted to help the AIP so he was nominated our ‘time-keeper’ at many of our packaging conferences. Ian was given a bell and for all those that attended our conferences you would recall you did not mess with his time-keeping!," Nerida Kelton, AIP executive director, reflects. 

"Whilst the bell may have stopped ringing, Ian Fletcher's contribution to the AIP will not be forgotten." 

"The AIP sends its deepest condolences to his wife Roz, his children and grandchildren at this time," Kelton said.

"Ian was looking forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the AIP in 2023 so we will make sure he is remembered and celebrated with many of our members in September."

Fletcher was farewelled at a funeral service in Melbourne last week, where his contribution was recognised and his life celebrated.

AIP stalwarts: Ralph Moyle, the late Ian Fletcher, Nerida Kelton, and Keith Chessell.
AIP stalwarts: Ralph Moyle, the late Ian Fletcher, Nerida Kelton, and Keith Chessell.

Food & Drink Business

Orora has started operations at its newly rebuilt oxygen-fuelled glass furnace in Gawler, South Australia, marking a significant leap in energy efficiency and sustainability for manufacturing glass wine bottles.

Drinks business Suntory Oceania has appointed Jared Chamberlain its New Zealand licensed sales director, as the business prepares to officially launch its $3 billion multi-beverage partnership across the premium spirits and non-alcohol segments.

With the ACCC set to deliver its final report into the supermarkets and pricing practices at the end of the month, and 1H25 earnings expected to be below the forecast $1.65 billion, Woolworths Group says the restructure of its Food leadership and organisational structure will allow a greater focus on the areas that “have the most impact for customers”.