Ball & Doggett recently hosted an immersive educational tour for 78 students and lecturers from the University of Melbourne’s Master of Food and Packaging Innovation program, reinforcing its commitment to building knowledge and collaboration across the packaging value chain.
The tour was coordinated in partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), following a request from globally recognised packaging educator and AIP education director, Professor Pierre Pienaar. It offered students a rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes at one of Australia’s leading suppliers of sustainable packaging materials.
Held at Ball & Doggett’s converting facility, the programme provided hands-on insights into fibre-based packaging materials, circular economy principles, and the international supply networks that support sustainable innovation. The visit included guided tours of the converting floor, presentations from industry professionals, viewing of printed packaging samples, and interactive case studies, concluding with a materials-focused showcase where students could explore a range of packaging tools and innovations.
Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett’s national business development manager for Sustainable Packaging, said supporting the next generation of packaging professionals was critical to the industry's future.
“Creating a sustainable future starts with empowering the next generation of change-makers. Our partnership with the AIP is grounded in a shared commitment to education, innovation and access,” she said.
“Hosting these students is just one way we open our doors to inspire, inform, and invite new talent into our industry.”
AIP executive director Nerida Kelton commended Ball & Doggett’s dedication to delivering meaningful education and engagement opportunities for students.
“We can only provide such informative tours each year when we have exceptional partners who believe in supporting the next generation of packaging professionals,” Kelton said. “The immersive tour Ball & Doggett created will stay with these students for years to come.”
Ball & Doggett acknowledged the contributions of University of Melbourne lecturers Dr Sajid Arshad and Dr Hafiz Suleria, and its own team members who helped deliver the tour experience.
The visit underscores Ball & Doggett’s broader mission to promote packaging sustainability and strengthen industry-education partnerships, ensuring the sector continues to evolve with informed, innovative, and purpose-driven leaders.
