Applications for the 2026 Packaging Scholarship Program, delivered by the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) in partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) close in just a matter of days, on 27 February.
Aimed at supporting skills development across the packaging industry, the program offers emerging and early‑career professionals the opportunity to undertake nationally recognised packaging qualifications.
Currently in its 5th year, the program will award three distinct scholarships to candidates across Australia and New Zealand, with one position open to AIP members across Asia through the AIP President’s Award.
“The ABA Packaging Scholarship Program is about supporting the future of sustainable packaging,” said Martine Poulain, Australasian Bioplastics Association, CEO.
“By investing in education and practical skills development, we’re supporting the next generation of packaging professionals to drive innovation, improve circularity and deliver better environmental outcomes across Australasia.”
Program Highlights:
- Diploma in Packaging Technology Scholarship - Full enrolment in the Level 5 PIABC Diploma in Packaging Technology, a premier qualification preparing participants for responsibility across packaging operations.
• Certificate in Packaging Scholarship - Level 3 PIABC Certificate in Packaging, designed as a solid foundation for those embarking on packaging careers.
• AIP President’s Award Scholarship - Open to AIP members across Australasia and Southeast Asia, enabling an additional candidate to pursue either the Diploma or Certificate.
All successful recipients also receive complimentary access to three AIP training courses, enhancing professional development and industry insight.
Pippa Corry, a 2025 scholarship recipient and founder of Philo & Co, described her experience.
“It’s been great to have been given the opportunity to further my professional development and have such a relevant program made accessible to us,” said Corry.
“I’m particularly enjoying the assignment and applying the course learnings to my research. The packaging format I’m assessing is very relevant to my work in FMCG and I believe there’s a huge opportunity within the personal skincare and beauty space to drive innovation and greater circular economy outcomes.
“I believe we are fortunate to work in an extremely connected and supportive industry and together with our shared learnings we can continue to unlock improvements for the future of packaging in Australia and beyond.”
Ransheema Rita, a 2025 scholarship recipient, also highlighted the career-building opportunities enabled through the ABA scholarship.
“The ABA scholarship has been a catalyst for my growth over the last nine months, enabling me to pursue a Diploma in Packaging Technology,” said Rita.
“It helped me build a solid foundation in packaging principles, understand industry needs, and apply learnings to my work as a Packaging Technologist. The course has opened doors to exciting opportunities within the Industry.
“My advice to anyone applying is: grab this opportunity with both hands! It’s not just a launch pad for a career in packaging, but a chance to make a real difference for businesses and the planet.”
Important Dates:
• Applications Open: Now
• Application Deadline: 27 February 2026 (free entry)
The annual Scholarship program is a part of the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) awards, with winners announced at the gala awards ceremony on the 28th of July, at the Aviary Crown, during FoodPro.
Interested applicants can access full criteria and submit entries via the PIDA Awards portal at: https://aipack.com.au/pida-awards-overview/
