May 2013 eNewsletter

AIP National Office 34 Lawson Street Oxley QLD 4075 Australia +61 7 3278 4490 +61 7 3009 9916 [email protected] www.aipack.com.au

AIP NEWSLETTERJoin the AIP on

1

MAY 2013

A fter studying Applied Chemistry and Applied Biology at RMIT University, Pete spent four years at Monsanto Chemicals Ltd working in quality control and later in the research laboratories. I first met Pete at Wrightcel Ltd in the 70’s, where he was working on a major development project introducing Cellophane film into the agricultural market

as a medium for packaging controlled release fertilisers, particularly in high rainfall and steep terrain plantations.

After a brief sojourn with the PA Consulting Group, Pete joined ABM Plastics (Aust.) as National Sales and Marketing Manager, then went on to become Technical and Training Manager and finally General Manager. Pete spent seventeen years at ABM, until it was acquired by AMCOR in 2005. During that time ABM won WorldStar – World Packaging Organisation awards in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997. FPS International, with whom ABM had previous negotiations with a view to merging the Australian and New Zealand operations, offered Pete the position of Operations Manager Australia which he successfully carried out until it was purchased by a large competitor who were looking to consolidate their operations in Australia.

On leaving FPS International Pete set up his own consulting company, and this is where our paths crossed yet again. I left the corporate world in 2005 with the intention of setting up my own consultancy to combine my more than thirty year's experience in the packaging industry with an interest in the environment and sustainability. Early on I found myself in the fortunate position of being offered some projects that were just too big for me to handle and I looked around for kindred souls, who were packaging professionals and who I respected and would enjoy working with. And thus OFPA came into existence. OFPA is an acronym for the Old Farts Packaging Alliance, but as the other members didn’t think that this sounded very professional, this morphed into Pack-Partners. Pete was a vital cog in the Pack-Partners machine and his intellect, intelligence, sense of humour and technical knowledge, particularly in the area of flexible packaging, will be sadly missed. Goodbye Pete and Rest In Peace.

Robin Tuckerman FAIP

VALE PETER NICHOLAS FAIP 13.12.42 – 31.03.13

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING (AIP) NATIONAL TECHNICAL FORUMTHURSDAY 9TH OF MAY 2013

Sydney Showground, Alongside AUSPACK PLUS 2013ONLY A FEW

PLACES LEFT SO BOOK TODAY!

The AIP National Board are pleased to announce that Terence Salmon AAIP, Packaging Technologist, Nestle Australia Ltd, Shane Chislett AAIP, Shift Manager, Nestle Purina Pet Care, Mark Purdy MAIP,

Packaging Manager, McCain Foods (Aust) and Louise Cooney AAIP, have all recently graduated from the Certificate in Packaging. Please join with us in congratulating these students on the successful completion of their Certificate.

The AIP would also like to congratulate Maria Indrayati MAIP, Packaging Technologist (Applications), Parmalat Australia and Derek Joy MAIP, Packaging Development Manager, Green's General Foods for completing the Diploma in Packaging Technology. Lastly, Mark Purdy was recently upgraded to a full Member of the Institute as well.

NEW MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL iPAD WINNER

The AIP would like to welcome the following new Members...

Isabelle Dupont Member NSWAndrew Hammond Member NSWBryan Terry Member NZ

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Filomena Bruce MAIP, Packaging Technologist, Fonterra Brands Australia, for being the lucky winner of the iPad. We hope that you enjoy the iPad!

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 20132

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE LATEST AIP ACTIVITIES FOR 2013

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY EVENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDTo register to attend any of the events simply email [email protected] or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au

AIP TECHNICAL DINNERin conjunction with AFGC

PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONHALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE

INTRODUCTION TO PACKAGING ECONOMICS HALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE

When: Wednesday the 5th of JuneWhere: Box Hill Golf ClubTime: 6.00 pm for a 6.30 pm startSpeakers:

When: Wednesday the 26th of JuneWhere: Viewpoint CentreTime: 10.00 am for a 10.30 am startPresenter: Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP

When: Wednesday the 24th of JulyWhere: BNZ Highbrook Partner CentreTime: 10.00 am for a 10.15 am startPresenter: Pierre Pienaar MSc FAIP

When: Thursday the 9th of MayWhere: Somerville Room, Sydney Showground

When: Thursday the 9th of MayWhere: Novotel Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Boulevard NSW 2127What:

With the theme ‘Global Packaging Trends’ and international speakers from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) coming to present from Brazil, Austria, India, South Africa, Indonesia and the United States, the AIP National Technical Forum is a must-attend on the 2013 calendar.

The WorldStar Packaging Awards are owned and organised by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The WorldStar Competition, now in its 45th year, is one of the major events of the WPO and last year attracted 243 entries from 32 countries around the world.

AIP NATIONAL TECHNICAL FORUM

WORLDSTAR PACKAGING AWARDSHosted by the AIP

VIC

VIC

NZ

NSW

NSW

REVISED COURSE

David de GarisDirector & Senior Economist, Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities, Wholesale BankingNational Australia BankThe Outlook for Australian Business after the Resources Boom

Tanya BardenDirector Sustainability, Trade and InnovationAustralian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC)AFGC Future of Packaging

The AIP are presenting a half–day training course dealing with the role and preparation of specifications across a range of packaging materials.

Specifications detail not only the physical details abut also those aspects concerned with the performance of packaging materials. It is important that specifications are written in clear unambiguous language and identify the key requirements in recognised units and acknowledgement of established standards.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?The course is designed for those persons charged with the responsibility of the preparation (or monitoring) of specifications e.g. purchasing officers, technologists, production personnel etc. It will address the clear and correct use of language and terminology in the preparation of specifications.

A Specification can be defined as:A document giving a description of material, machinery, equipment, process or product in terms of its required properties and/or performance.

Packaging represents a significant investment in any brand with innovation and design driving improved consumer utility and function. Packaging protects and preserves its valuable contents through the supply chain delivering the product to the consumer in the state that its brand owners intended. WHO SHOULD ATTEND?This course is intended for people who have a direct involvement in packaging operations within all packaging associated industries. This includes the production, development, technology, purchasing, sales, QA/QC, marketing, regulatory and development functions. We will conclude with applications in the industry, associated problems, choosing the correct packaging for the application and which aspects of packaging to avoid with cost in mind.

When: Wednesday the 22nd of MayWhere: 102 Trade St, Lytton 4178Time: 9.15 am arrival

Site visit attendees will have the opportunity to see rotary bottle fillers, cup filler, combi filler, gable top carton fillers, bottle depalletisers, bottle unscramblers, self adhesive and shrink labelling, automatic and manual case packing and palletising. Visitors will also see chilled and hot filled juice batching and blending operations.

AIP SITE VISIT LION JUICE PLANT QLD

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 2013 3

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE LATEST AIP ACTIVITIES FOR 2013ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY EVENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDTo register to attend any of the events simply email [email protected] or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au

PACKAGING FOR PRODUCT LIFE EXTENSION HALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE

When: Wednesday the 25th of SeptemberWhere: Viewpoint CentreTime: 10.00 am for a 10.30 am startPresenter: Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP

VIC

INDUSTRY EVENTS

COME AND SEE THE AIP ON STAND 220

2013 CORMACK INNOVATION AWARDS

AU

REVISED COURSE

AIP 50TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER

When: Thursday the 12th of SeptemberWhere: The Chapter House

Time: 6.30 pm arrivalWhat:

VIC

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is proud to be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September. Come and join us for a most-memorable evening with old and new colleagues, mentors and friends!

This striking building built in 1891 is adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral and is one of the CBD’s most imposing function settings. A truly historic and unique setting for the AIP’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The extension of shelf life using modern packaging techniques plays an important role in food packaging. The course examines a range of integrated technologies with the emphasis on the packaging operation, the materials used and their selection.

INTRODUCTION TO NANOTECHNOLOGY HALF-DAY TRAINING COURSEWhen: Wednesday the 27th of NovemberWhere: Viewpoint CentreTime: 10.00 am for a 10.30 am startPresenter: Terry Turney

VICNEW

COURSE

Celebrating 30 Years

owned and presented by

REGISTER FREE TO VISIT www.auspackplus.com.au

2013 PACKAGING + PROCESSING + MATERIALS

Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th May9.00 am until 5.00 pm

Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Australia’s Premier International Exhibition of Packaging and Processing Machinery, Materials and Associated Technology

• Over 1100 brands on display, more than 302 exhibitors including 73 international.• Most advanced technologies for integrating your packaging and processing lines-in action on the show floor.• Solutions for increasing line productivity, versatility and efficiency.

CormackInnova�onAwardsSmart MindsPractical Solutions

We are back for our 12th Year!This year's Award Presentaion Night will be on

Thursday 31st of October 2013in Sydney.

Save the date, it is set to be a great evening!

For all enquiries please contact: Amber Bates [email protected] 02 9707 8017 www.cormack.com.au

AUSPACK PLUS APP NOW AVAILABLE AT

auspack.mobi

LIMITED SPOTS LEFT: DON'T DELAY!

Dr. Johannes BergmairHead of Life Science

Food PackagingPharmaceutical and Medical Products

ofi Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology

PACKAGING AND FOOD SAFETY- GLOBAL APPROACH

Prof. Narayan SahaDirector & Principal Executive Officer

Indian Institute of PackagingECONOMICAL, SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECT OF

PACKAGING AND INDIAN MARKET POTENTIAL

Ariana Susanti Business Development Director

Indonesian Packaging Federation GLOBAL TRENDS IN PACKAGING IN INDONESIA

AND WITHIN THE REGION

Keith PearsonGeneral Secretary

World Packaging OrganisationDISCOVERING THE MISSING LINK: SUSTAINABLE ADVANCES IN THE

PACKAGING SUPPLY CHAIN

Don’t miss out on attending the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) National Technical Forum which will be held alongside AUSPACK PLUS 2013. With the theme ‘Global Packaging Trends’ and international speakers from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) coming to present from Brazil, Austria, India, South Africa, China, Indonesia and the United States, the AIP National Technical Forum will be a must-attend on the 2013 calendar. Limited spots available so book your spot today!

Luciana PellegrinoExecutive Director

ABRE – Brazilian Packaging AssociationPACKAGING AND MARKETING

- GLOBAL APPROACH

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING (AIP) NATIONAL TECHNICAL FORUMTHURSDAY 9TH OF MAY 2013

Somerville Room, Sydney Showground

Thomas L Schneider, CPPPresident

World Packaging OrganisationWPO – A GLOBAL ADVANTAGE

MEDIA PARTNERS

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

A S I A P A C I F I C P A C K A G I N G

Untitled-1 1 19/9/11 3:47:10 PM

Alongside AUSPACK PLUS

Owned and Presented by APPMA2013 PACKAGING + PROCESSING + MATERIALS

Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th May

Jin Zhe (Jack)Vice-President

World Packaging CenterHOW CHINA IS A POWERFUL PACKAGING NATION AND

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WORLD PACKAGING CENTER

LIMITED SPOTS LEFT: DON'T DELAY!

Dr. Johannes BergmairHead of Life Science

Food PackagingPharmaceutical and Medical Products

ofi Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology

PACKAGING AND FOOD SAFETY- GLOBAL APPROACH

WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

TIME:

COST:

2013 WORLDSTAR PACKAGING AWARDSTHURSDAY THE 9TH OF MAY

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), a member of the WPO, have been invited to host the 2013 WorldStar Packaging Awards. This is a one-off opportunity for the Australasian packaging industry to be a partner in this international event. With countries already lined up to host the next awards it will be many years before this event returns to Australia. With the AIP celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2103 it is apt that the WorldStar Packaging Awards are hosted in Australia. Join the AIP and the WPO.

AUSTRALIA & AIP TO HOST 2013 AWARDS

Thursday the 9th of May

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Boulevard NSW 2127

The WorldStar Packaging Awards are owned and organised by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The WorldStar Awards are administered on behalf of WPO by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), UK. The Institute, through its division, the Packaging Society, is a leading body for professionals involved in packaging. Founded in 1968 the World Packaging Organisation is a non-profit, non-governmental, international group of national and regional packaging institutes and associations, federations and interested parties including corporations and trade associations. The WPO is on the roster of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. WPO provides networking opportunities and links among developed and developing nations. The WorldStar Competition, now in its 45th year, is one of the major events of the WPO and last year attracted 243 entries from 32 countries around the world. WorldStar illustrates the continual advancement of the state of packaging and creates a living standard of international packaging excellence from which others may learn.

6.30 pm arrivalCocktail wear for the ladies and suits for men

Individual tickets $187 inc GST Corporate Table of eight $1496 inc GST

PROUDLY HOSTED BY

Proudly Sponsored by

Alongside AUSPACK PLUS

ALONGSIDE

Owned and Presented by APPMA

Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

2013 PACKAGING + PROCESSING + MATERIALS

Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th MayCelebrating 30 Years

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE AIP TO CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

LIMITED NUMBERS FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT SO DON’T DELAY!

WHAT:

WHEN: Thursday 12th September WHERE: The Chapter House 197 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000 This striking building built in 1891 is adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral and is one of the CBD’s most imposing function settings. A truly historic and unique setting for the AIP’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is proud to be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September. Come and join us for a most-memorable evening with old and new colleagues, mentors and friends!

Please email [email protected] or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au for more information

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 2013 7

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE AIP TO CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN

While ostensibly a stable market enjoying steady growth, the packaging industry nevertheless faces a range of competitive pressures affecting the economic performance of its individual players. Pierre Pienaar* FAIP presents

a brief introduction to the economic factors impacting the industry.

April 2013 www.packagingnews.com.au tech speak 15

AckAgIng plays a vital part in product distribution. It is the major factor in ensuring that the quality obtained at the end of the production line finishes up in the hands of the ultimate con-sumer. Packaging which is designed and constructed solely for this pur-

pose adds little or nothing to the value of the product. It merely prevents physical damage and/or preserves the product.

Cost effectiveness is the sole criterion for success in today’s competitive business en-vironment. Therefore, efficient and cost ef-fective packaging is an essential element in the marketing mix of a product.

MATERIAL EcOnOMIcSThe name of the game has become one of intense competition, of finding the growth niches within the overall packaging mar-ket to make sure that you grow faster than your opposition. The overall packaging market in developed countries may there-fore seem to be rather mature and static but internally it certainly is very dynamic.

Each packaging material – paper, glass, metal and plastics – and each form of pack-aging within these segments, continuously struggles for its share of this enormous mar-ket. But because the total is growing slowly,

the industry has come to resemble a zero game where one material’s gain is another’s loss. This accelerating competition between the different materials has forced a greater emphasis on new technology, new packag-ing systems and new distribution systems, and these developments are increasingly occurring on a worldwide basis.

Two issues have become apparent when we refer to competitive packaging materials.

Firstly, materials must have certain characteristics to perform the functions re-quired in their use as a packaging material. Some materials are better placed than oth-ers and there is normally a comparison of these properties to decide which will per-form best under any given circumstances. No one material is perfect and in most cas-es there is a trade-off of properties to reach a final decision. It is interesting to note that most packaging materials can, through highly scientific means and advanced technological developments, overcome some of their inherent weaknesses to place them in a better competitive position.

This invariably costs money, which leads to the second point, namely that of the economics of packaging material.

Upgrading the product technologically may be a technically feasible proposition but the vital question remains, is it com-mercially feasible? And in this respect the commercial realities of a product carry more weight than anything else. The crux of the matter is that customers will only convert to an alternative packaging medi-um if the conversion results in better bot-tom line performance.

This is a very stable industry, which has grown steadily over many years. It is far less prone to violent swings in the eco-nomic cycle, mainly because the major off-take is pitched at the non-durable seg-ment of the market with a heavy emphasis on beverages – alcoholic and non-alcohol-ic – as well as food.

Packaging in product distribution is a tech-no-economic function aimed at maximising sales, while minimising the total overall cost of distribution. It can be regarded as a benefit to be optimised rather than merely a cost to be minimised. Packaging must be considered in relation to four major factors in industry to-day: materials utilisation; machinery and line efficiency; movement in distribution and management of people.

Pressures on packaging are intensifying in the global marketplace. Too often, packaging is forced into a commodity status, at the mer-cy of the decisions of other sectors. ■

bEhInd ThE jARgOnMacro-economic factors impacting the global packaging industry

■ Materials utilisation: Makers of the major materials used in packaging – paper, glass, metal and plastics – continuously struggle for share of the market.

■ Machinery and line efficiency: Upgrading technology may increase efficiency, but needs to be commercially feasible.

■ Movement in distribution: Packaging durability must be measured against the costs and challenges of transporting it. P

Counting the costs of packaging

Pierre Pienaar MSc, FAIP, is the education coordinator for the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) as well as the institute’s immediate past president.

wellman.indd 1 6/03/13 3:23 PM

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 20138THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN

ne of the most intriguing features in the history of packaging has

been the use of metal, the most striking application being that of the food can.

At a time when plastic materials have been used in every conceivable format the can has kept its place as a reliable and trustworthy pack and retaining the confidence of consumers.

The history of can making and canning processes has been well documented over the years and progress has been visible to consumers – two piece cans with easy-open ends, shaped cans and new decoration techniques.

Research and development, however, is not only concerned with improving marketability but also manufacturing operations.

In the case of the hermetically sealed can the process of drawing the metal body was a significant step forward. Equally, it is not surprising that the

double seam (invented by Max Ams in 1896) should also receive attention.

Over many years the assessment of the double seam has involved some mechanical operations to measure and evaluate seam quality. Inevitably the ‘tearing down of seams’ has the potential to cause some distortion to the metal.

Whilst this has been carried out skilfully and produced results which haven given confidence that a satisfactory hermetic seam has been formed, it is still a destructive process.

However the process of ‘seam teardown’ can now be replaced by a static examination using x-rays. Developed by CMC Kuhnke the Seamscan XTS X-Ray tightness scanner provides a ‘virtual teardown’ of the seam to give detailed measurement for the seam components even including wrinkle amplitude.

The expansion of new techniques of quality assessment of cans has provided new insights into measuring performance requirements.

Whilst there has been a significant improvement in facilitating seam assessment and other attributes, there have been concomitant developments in the formation of the double seam with attention being directed to the profiles of the seaming rollers and the precision with which they carry out their function.

This has facilitated an increase in can manufacturing speeds, up to 450 cans per minute, with the consequence that routine maintenance requirements have become more demanding.

In December 2012 the Swiss Company Ferrum announced a new development in machine monitoring.

A small device added to its can seamers allows access to the can seamer at any time by Ferrum and advises the customer in respect to performance and draws attention to service requirements.

Currently the new system, called ferruTell, can provide up to sixty machine parameters.

The geographic location of the Ferrum machines is not a problem which means that attention can be given to the processors such as routine maintenance at an early stage.

The canning industry has a proud record extending over a hundred years and that is reflected in the confidence of consumers for canned products secure in the knowledge of its safety record.

* Professor Harry Lovell entered the food industry in 1947. His production experience has encompassed not only processing but also a wide range of packaging systems from cans and glass jars to cartonboard and plastics packaging.

PKN_PacKagiNg News_13

Tech Speak

Few modern packaging types can boast the longevity, trustworthiness and reliability of the metal can. Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP* looks at how manufacturers continue to improve this most widespread of packaging materials.

O

The ubiquitous can is still precious metal

Key dates in canning• 1810: The tin can was patented by

British merchant Peter Durand, based on experimental food preservation work in glass containers by the French inventor Nicholas Appert the year before.

• 1896: Double seam invented by Max Ams of Max Ams Machine Co of New York.

• 1957: Aluminium cans came into use.• 1959: American Ermal Fraze devises

a can-opening method that would come to dominate the canned beverage market. His invention was the “pull-tab”.

Metal cans have not only become a common packaging medium – they have also become part of our wider culture.

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AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 2013 9THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM FOOD MAGAZINE

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 201310THIS ARTICLE WAS RE-PRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM FOOD MAGAZINE

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 2013 11

But apart from the fat and sugar hit delivered by the meal none of the presenters showed a need to enhance their performance. Each in a connected way showed that packaging can enhance performance of products and

the product packaged.

Selecting the Right Packaging Supplier and the Sustainability challenge was the substance of the address given by Keith Chessell FAIP at the April meeting of Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) in Melbourne.

Keith's forty-six years with the one organisation (General Foods, Schweppes Cottee’s, Cadbury Schweppes, Cadbury, Kraft Foods) has provided him a broad experience with Food & Beverage packaging materials, equipment and in recent years an active involvement in sustainable packaging design and development. During this time he has had the opportunity to develop close working relationships with many major suppliers, fully utilising suppliers’ developments and technologies.

He set the scene with his opening remark that he considered changing sides of the desk and becoming a seller rather than a buyer but thinks that he is too honest to be a spin doctor! The remark was light-hearted as he went into say “I have the greatest admiration of suppliers”. But he did couch the remark saying that the information given in a supply proposal must be honest and defensible.

The honesty theme overarched both presenters address. For instance many of the achievements claimed to be in the sustainability basket are really economic achievements. If you are a new packaging supplier not only honesty but humility will be on your side for you need to be proven and prove your credentials to the new customer.

Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies today face many challenges in ensuring their brands and products are ranged by customer and purchased by consumers. What do FMCG companies look for in selecting and contracting packaging suppliers to support them in meeting this challenge? Where does sustainability fit into this selection process? These were the main questions addressed by Keith.

Underpinned by honesty an evaluation will be made to establish the cost, the service risk, and value delivery with defined backup from technical and operations to determine if an offer is acceptable. An annual supplier evaluation will normal be undertaken. Most packaging purchasers technical & operation teams do not like changing suppliers as there is a huge risk and time investment required to get a new supplier up to speed.

If you are a supplier you need to develop a good working relationship with your key contact and ensure that sufficient time and investment by your company will be given to gain and retain a supply contact. You need to be aware of the customer’s products and business practices, their competitors and global insights and be totally open with your client. A warning was given that Technical personnel don’t like suppliers talking directly to Marketing and joint meeting should be arranged.

Global insights are an interesting function and we were advised that successful companies may have a whole department focusing on what is happening beyond their front door. Global licensing has the ability to add value to your products with the ability to have new technology earlier and at a reduced cost in your Research and Development budget.

We were alerted to a fact that specifications evolve rather than be conceived correctly. There has to be a packaging design balance but community perspectives and understanding must be a high consideration. Over packaging can tip the balance as can retailer demands. As Keith explained shelf ready dimensions are now as important than the net unit load size on a pallet.

To be an Effective Packaging Supplier:-1. Develop you key contacts.2. Know your perspective customer’s materials, systems and

supply requirements and understand your competitors and global offerings.

3. Credibility – don’t over promise on your technical, supply or sustainable capabilities.

(Being honest in the performances of your own packaging).

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICYWritten by Michael B Halley FAIP

Michael Grima MAIP and Keith Chessell FAIP

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 201312

So having achieved a supply contract what do you do about providing sustainable packaging? It is quite perplexing as consumers as well as industry are confused and some promoted sustainable packing is simply not portraying the whole picture.

Keith enjoined our Education Coordinator Pierre Pienaar who recently wrote: -“Australia’s packaging industry needs to participate seriously in co-ordinated & co-operative efforts around global packaging sustainability and to develop some honest measurement tools for the manufacturing industry to consider.”

But added his own mantra viz: -1. Pricing Competitiveness – sourcing, material reductions

and alternative materials.2. Supply reliability and payment terms.3. Quality and product protection (pack appearance on

shelf, barrier/shelf life, chemical tainting).4. Innovation – being first to the market, exclusivity, owning

the Intellectual Property.5. Sustainable Packaging Design – accessibility issues,

renewable resources and end of life issues (recyclability, compostability, Land fill).

But took comfort from a competitor’s recent statement: -“Putting sustainability at the heart of your business, we believe, will become the only growth model acceptable to consumers.” Unilever‘s Flip Dötsch 03-Apr-2013.

The challenges facing packaging designers to deliver sustainable units will require them to address issues of litter, recycling, reduction of over packaging and accessibility. But how and where the material is sourced and the end of life aspects is the critical mass! The key question that suppliers and packaging users must ask in sustainable design is: “What will happen with our packaging after the consumer has finished with it”? But out in the marketplace are show stoppers! The ageing population and the increase in people with arthritis and similar disabilities are more and more important. (Two manufacturer’s representatives in the audience where brought to heel by Keith with personal experiences around his breakfast juice bottle). Consumer groups such as Choice (Pack Attack) and those championing the unsavoury practices in agriculture where some of the material for packaging is obtained will have a major impact on how consumers view your package on the supermarket shelf.

Our honest Fellow Keith Chessell discussed many other subsets of the actions revolving but summarised→ being a supplier of sustainable packaging requires: 1. Develop you key contacts.

2. Know your perspective customer’s materials, systems and supply requirements.

3. Credibility – don’t over promise on your technical, supply or sustainable capabilities.

4. Address the sustainable design challenges with your packaging now and you’ll lead the market.

So the coffee break was called and another member and stalwart of the Institute delivered an enthralling overview of Tokyo Pack 2012, a demographic overview of the country, the culture of the people and trends in packaging.

Michael Grima MAIP Design Director- Structural Packaging (AU/NZ) at Outerspace Design was the person in question. Since late 2005, Michael has run the dedicated Structural Packaging division of Outerspace Design Group, one of Australia’s leading Industrial design consultancies. In this capacity, Michael has overseen development of local and international award winning pack designs for a mix of leading global FMCG brands, Manufacturers and Branding agencies. The honesty gene is well entrenched in Japanese culture according to what Michael told us! Japan has a population of just over 127 million and Tokyo holding 30 Million of that total and the country is self-sustaining with its consumer brands. It is the3rd largest national economy in the world after USA and China and has the second largest developed economy. It is twenty-fifth on the scale of gross domestic product per capita.

It was explained both by Michael using our newly acquired microphone system, and the amassed pictorial montage that he had collected (some may not have been honesty obtained) that in Japan the modern and past collide. Calligraphy plays an important part of package design as does Zen (Zen is based upon a belief system that helps people find their true and natural following) and the concept that less is more. (1)

The culture of packaging is enshrined in history and relates back several centuries to the 'gift giving' culture, common in the poorer classes, when honouring their superior on special anniversaries. A 'Perfect packaging implies perfect product' and the wrapping is an extension of this level of respect the giver has for the receiver. Where money could not extend to a valuable gift item the care and considered approach with the outer packaging made up for this shortfall. This cultural value is ingrained in modern Japan and is still practiced in every transaction no matter how small or insignificant to us westerners. It is a valuable insight into the meaning behind many Japanese packaging solutions.

But there is a significant matriarchal influence as packaging is designed with both women and the elderly in mind.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY Cont'd...Written by Michael B Halley FAIP

AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 2013 13

Women are the home keepers, key decision makers and shop regularly at the plethora of convenience stores peppered throughout Tokyo. They look for quality and perfection but pleasing to the senses is the clincher. Easy to hold, easy to take home, easy to open or close, and convenient to dispose is paramount.

Forty percent of the Japanese population is classed as ‘challenged groups’ when it comes to opening packaging considerations. Apart from majority being seniors’ physical concerns, the group also includes;-

�Children under 4 (hand size and grip). �Pregnant women (mobility and diet). �Left handed people (gripping). �Foreigners (Language). � Intellectually disabled (Cognitive).

The issues with each of the groups are specific and whilst here only ‘lip service’ maybe delivered, in Japan all are treated with respect and central to the considerations of the packaging designers. Not all eating is in the home as vending machines are ubiquitous with 5.5million installed at latest census. There is a machine for one in twenty three residents and you’ll find one readily within 200 metres at any point on the compass. But you can buy almost anything from a vending machine. Drinks, snacks, cigarettes, chewing gum, liquor, beer, fried foods, iPods, pornography, sexual aids, live lobsters, fresh meat, eggs, potted plants, automobiles...even houses!

Competing with vending machines are the 42,345 convenience stores - but convenience is the key! In a high demand area a store may be restocked as many as eight times a day. Restocked not refilled!! Check-out operators detail transactions to centralised databases. Data is compared to train timetables, weather, time of day

and other factors. Micro managed stock holding to result in maximised trade.

The whole store will be changed to meet the specifics of the day. Breakfast in the early morning, then lunch and later catering for children returning from school will be a typical day. Michael explained that growth in vending machines suit the high cost of labour and limited space in Japan. Above all else it’s the honesty of the people, the lack of graffiti, rubbish and petty crime that keeps them viable and profitable.

So much for the demographic, we now focus on Japanese packaging trends: -Increasing private brands manufactured by major national brand owners.

�Decreasing population overall. �Smaller families with fewer children. � Increasing elderly population. �More price conscious because of smaller wallet. �Consumers very conscious for 'reuse, reduce, recycle' in packaging.

By visual and descriptive means Michael explained the many aspects of packaging in Japan and the underlying trends and culture overlay. The fifty people who attended the meeting left with more information than can be delivered in this synopsis so just one trend will be covered here.

Pre-made pouch making technology has been one of the most important key issues for flexible packaging in Japan. Re-closable Zipper tapes, pouches that stand up and can be retorted as well as active packs that scavenge oxygen and pouches with spouts are available. Barrier technology and shrink labelling together with aesthetic finishes make for expanded use in the coming years.

Written by Michael B Halley FAIPHONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY Cont'd...

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AIP NEWSLETTER MAY 201314

A short aside considered important for those who foster recyclability. All PET bottles are clear so that there can be no confusion with the consumer as to which recycle bin the empty has to be placed. Consumers are legally required to dispose of packages in accordance with defined protocols. For instance we saw the Sprite beverage in a clear bottle, whereas since introduction in USA, the bottles are coloured (predominately green). In Japan if you want to use colour as a brand image or marketing a coloured sleeve or overwrap must be used.

We were then taken on a visual tour of Japanese markets, vending machines and other places where consumers shop. As well images captured at Tokyo Pack were shown. Mind blowing would not quite do justice to the developments and consumer care delivered as a matter of course. Much emphasis is made of providing assistance to people with vision impairment, accessibility, easy open, easy disassembled – all driven by the adoption of the 'Universal Design' principles to their design process and in their R&D packaging process. The writer’s award however goes to the take away coffee cup on which the label crinkles and becomes the cool place to hold the cup whilst you drink.

We may have found a way to keep Keith Chessell on his side of the desk! In Japan, Package design and development is the responsibility of the manufacturer not the brand owner.

Michael Grima brought the evening to an end with a Japanese Market Summary:-

�Reduced pack formats; easier transport and shipping. �Container laws encouraging consumer to disassemble packaging & penalties to producers if weight not reduced. �All design of packaging focused on 2 main buyers; women and elderly. �Respect for traditional and cultural paramount to supply packaging solutions to Japan. �Accessibility is a major consideration in Packaging design. �Culturally aware society for the need for the consumer to disassembly the package. �Producers are open to pack format change if it assists meeting the container law and provides consumer ease.

A question time followed with the assistance of our roving microphone. A question about legally required advice panels on packages was answered by our multi-lingual Chair Nim Smyth who explained that characters can contain more information than English words.

Llew Stephens on behalf of AIP and Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (joint meeting) thanked the presenters and gifted them with all good graces but not quite with Japanese aplomb.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY Cont'd...Written by Michael B Halley FAIP

Efficient Consumer Response Australasia (ECRA) works on behalf of the FMCG/Retail sector to deliver industry-wide initiatives within the value chain that deliver benefits to the industry and the shopper. They do this by gathering together retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, who share a common belief that by working together on non-competitive matters they can bring transformational change to our industry. Two new reports are now available for industry.

ECRA has a focus on delivering improvements to on-shelf availability and since 2009 we have examined product availability in the month of January. Often, January service levels have suffered and as a result we see poor product availability; lost sales; stock outs on shelf and a less than satisfactory offering for the consumer.

The 2013 ECRA Winning in January Review provides readers the latest in an ongoing series of annual fact based suites of key industry results, learning's and next steps to optimise service performance and sales across Christmas and January. ECRA remains committed to working with industry to further improve On Shelf Availability (OSA) and as such they anticipate further reports to be generated in

subsequent years. This year's report should be used to inform your business, prepare for 2014 and act as a catalyst for further discussion with your trading partners. This report is available free of charge to participating retailers and members of AFGC/NZFGC. Alternatively you can purchase the report by contacting the ECRA. http://www.ecraustralasia.org.au/publications/2013/3/26/winning-in-january-2013-review.html

Retail ready packaging, specifically shelf friendly packaging, remains a key retail industry requirement. In recent years ECRA has developed a set of common industry standards and guidelines to assist retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and packaging companies implement shelf friendly packaging. The Toolkit provides guidance on packaging formats, a framework for implementation and avoids prescribed solutions or technical specifications. To supplement the Toolkit ECRA has launched a Troubleshooting Guide detailing some common issues. The guide is structured around the Five Easy's and focuses on the three key aspects of execution - product, process and people. To access your free copy please click on http://www.ecraustralasia.org.au/toolkits/retail-ready-packaging-toolkit-edition-3.html

ECRA - TWO NEW REPORTS NOW AVAILABLE!

ASK THE AIP HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR STAFF WITH THEIR PACKAGING EDUCATIONPH: +61 7 3278 4490 [email protected] www.aipack.com.au

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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WHO IS LOOKING AFTER YOUR PACKAGING DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY? DO THEY NEED FORMAL PACKAGING QUALIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE?

Are you aware that the AIP can assist you with internationally accredited formal packaging training?

Did you know that you can complete a Certificate in Packaging on-line in less than two years?

Did you know the AIP can offer you an on-line Diploma in Packaging Technology?

The AIP can also customise half day training courses just for your company. The courses can be delivered on-site to your marketing, supply chain, production and technical staff to promote a broad understanding of current and potential pack formats that suit your manufacturing equipment and processes.