The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) will hold an in-person training course on flexible packaging alongside FoodTech PackTech at Auckland Showgrounds, New Zealand, on Wednesday 20 September.
The course, titled Flexible Packaging: Now & Into the Future, will look at one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging industry. Flexible packaging combines the best qualities of plastic, film, paper and aluminium foil to deliver a broad range of protective properties, while employing a minimum of material. Typically taking the shape of a bag, pouch, liner, or overwrap, flexible packaging is defined as any package or any part of a package whose shape can be readily changed.
Leading the way in packaging innovation, flexible packaging adds value and marketability to food and non-food products alike. From ensuring food safety and extending shelf-life, to providing even heating, barrier protection, ease of use, resealability and superb printability, the industry continues to advance at an unprecedented rate.
The lifecycle attributes of flexible packaging demonstrate many sustainable advantages. Innovation and technology have enabled flexible packaging manufacturers to use fewer natural resources in the creation of their packaging, and improvements in production processes have reduced water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and volatile organic compounds.
The training course will cover the basic fundamentals of flexible packaging, its benefits, how you chose the specific structures to match the product, its performance, marketing challenges, and how the packaging is manufactured.
With the latest challenges facing us regarding sustainability in packaging, the course will discuss the options, pros and cons of compostability vs recyclability, moves to mono-material recyclable packaging to meet CEFLEX standards, and other innovative alternative materials now available. As an add-on, the course will be looking at the future plans for flexible packaging and available closed loop collection programs, kerbside collection development, advanced recycling options for circular design, and many others to meet packaging and food waste targets.
The objectives of the course are to provide participants an understanding of:
- A good broad understanding of the benefits of Flexible packaging,
- The process of manufacturing,
- Where the future lies with flexible films and the changes ahead,
- Snap shot of some of the latest packaging trends,
- Understanding the challenges facing us with the sustainable packaging race.
The course is aimed at packaging technologists and designers, product developers, marketing personal, technical and production staff using packaging, sales and marketing reps who want a crash course on all things 'flexible'.
It will be presented by Joe Foster, CEO of Close the Loop Group. Foster has been heavily involved in the flexible packaging industry for over 35 years with experience in engineering, production, technical, sales and marketing. He has a truly global view of the flexible packaging world having started his career in Ireland and also working in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia. Flexible packaging has always been his passion, and Foster will be able to share his extensive knowledge and understanding of this ever-changing market as we see constant challenges from production constraints through to environmental impacts.
Time :
10:30 am to 3.00 pm (AUCKLAND, NZ)
Cost:
AUD $350 + GST - AIP Members
AUD $400 + GST - Members of ABA, APCO, NZIFST or SPE
AUD $450 + GST - Non-Members
Location:
To be held alongside FoodTech PackTech 2023
Auckland Showgrounds
217 Green Lane West
Epsom, Auckland 1051
New Zealand
