The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has a representative on the ANZPAC Plastics Pact’s newly-formed ANZPAC Collective Action Group (ACAG), with Dr Nicole Garofano joining the fold.
"Garofano is the ideal AIP representative for Australia and New Zealand, on the ANZPAC Plastics Pact ACAG," said Nerida Kelton MAIP, Executive Director, AIP. ”Many people are not aware that she spent eight years living and working in a small island developing states (SIDS) (Barbados). This was followed by another seven researching SIDS globally, including four specifically focused on the plastic food and beverage packaging value chain as part of her PhD. This provides particular experience that will be so valuable in the ACAG role."
Garofano's passion is to contribute to change in the global packaging space to deliver equitable consumption and post-consumption experiences across all situations so that all packaging is designed for reductions in food waste, and post-consumption, can be considered a resource rather than waste.
Garofano said that being accepted as a member of the ACAG as the representative of the AIP in Australia and New Zealand is a privilege and a thrill.
“This opportunity extends my commitment to create change in the way plastic packaging is generated and managed in the ANZPAC region,” she added.
"My goal is that through AIP representation on the ACAG, members expertise can be shared to support the achievement of Pact targets. The collaborative value of being part of the ANZPAC Plastics Pact will also become evident. Having AIP on the ACAG invites industry innovation to support the ANZPAC value chain to further the achievement of a circular economy for packaging in this region.”
The ANZPAC Plastics Pact, which covers Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands region, is the first in the Oceania region and second regional Plastics Pact to become part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact network, with Pacts already established in Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America.
“For me personally, this role is an exciting continuation of some 16 years of work developing a deep connection to the challenges of managing packaging in complex systems, said Garofano, confirming her appreciation of the need for the elimination of unnecessary, problematic, and non-recoverable plastics and the adoption of a system-wide view to eliminate perverse outcomes.
