• 2026 ABA–AIP packaging scholarship program opens, applications close 27 February
    2026 ABA–AIP packaging scholarship program opens, applications close 27 February
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Applications are now open for the 2026 Packaging Scholarship program, delivered through a partnership between the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) and the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP).

The program includes two scholarships offered to candidates across the packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand. One scholarship will support a candidate to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology, while a second will support a candidate to complete a Certificate in Packaging. The AIP will also provide the successful candidates with complimentary attendance at three training courses from its education portfolio.

The Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification designed to prepare learners to take responsibility for packaging operations across the supply chain and can lead to further study.

The Certificate in Packaging is a Level 3 PIABC qualification that provides an introduction to the packaging industry for those starting out in packaging-related roles.

A third scholarship is available through the AIP President's Award, which is open to AIP members across Australia, New Zealand and across Asia. Under this award, one additional candidate will be supported to undertake either a Certificate in Packaging or a Diploma in Packaging Technology, with applications assessed by the AIP scholarship judging committee using the ABA scholarship criteria and entry form.

The annual scholarship program forms part of the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) awards, with winners to be announced at the gala awards ceremony on 28 July at the Aviary Crown during FoodPro.

Applications close on 27 February 2026.

Food & Drink Business

Plans for the Turbine food and beverage pilot precinct on the Sunshine Coast have collapsed after the project failed to secure sufficient commercial support to meet key funding milestones.

Tasmanian agribusiness TasFoods has entered voluntary administration after failing to secure a buyer for its Nichols Poultry business. Partners from KPMG Australia – Tim Mableson, David Hardy and Emily Seeckts – have been appointed as joint and several voluntary administrators to the group.

Entries for the 2026 Hive Awards are open, but the clock is ticking, with just 1 day left to get your entries in – the closing date is 13 March! There are nine awards up for grabs, with three new categories this year – Best New Food Product, Best New Beverage, and Best NPD. Go, go, go!