The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has outlined a refreshed strategic direction, positioning itself as a leading provider of technical education, training and industry guidance as packaging reform and sustainability pressures intensify across the region.
In a message to members, AIP president John Bigley said the institute’s strategy is designed to strengthen its role in supporting industry through a period of regulatory uncertainty and transition, particularly as discussions around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and design standards gather pace.
“The AIP is proud of, and indeed cherishes, its role as an independent, apolitical, material agnostic organisation whose technical expertise is all about educating and training packaging professionals to deliver ‘better packaging’,” Bigley said.
Focus on education and technical capability
At the core of the strategy is a renewed emphasis on education as the industry navigates increasing complexity around recyclability, circularity and environmental impact. The AIP is positioning its technical training programs as critical infrastructure for the sector.
Bigley highlighted the depth of expertise within the organisation’s education team, noting that it brings “ hundreds and hundreds of years of combined technical and practical experience and knowledge” across materials, formats and industries.
With packaging reform discussions resuming – including work by the Design Standards Working Group under the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – the AIP sees a clear need for upskilling across the value chain.
“Now more than ever it is important that the AIP takes an even larger leading regional role in providing the much-needed technical training and education for packaging professionals operating in an increasingly challenging environment,” Bigley said.
Strategic framework and five pillars
The institute has formalised its direction through a strategic framework defining its vision, mission, purpose and ambition, supported by five pillars that will guide priorities through to 2030 and beyond.
While specific actions under each pillar will evolve, the overarching focus remains consistent – expanding access to training and education across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, while strengthening the AIP’s influence globally through partnerships with organisations such as the World Packaging Organisation and UNIDO.
The strategy also reinforces the AIP’s commitment to balancing environmental outcomes, with equal consideration given to reducing packaging waste and minimising food waste.
Circularity, functionality and design
A key theme of the strategy is a holistic approach to packaging design, encouraging professionals to consider the full lifecycle and functional requirements of packaging.
Bigley emphasised that packaging must be “fit for purpose and functional” while delivering the lowest possible environmental impact, incorporating principles such as recyclability, recovery, accessibility, transport efficiency and product protection.
Expanding services and industry engagement
Alongside its education portfolio – which includes qualifications such as the Diploma in Packaging Technology and the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation – the AIP is expanding its consulting capability through a new ‘Consulting Concierge’ model, aimed at connecting industry with technical expertise.
The institute is also strengthening member value through targeted initiatives, including member-only content and continued delivery of its State of Industry webinar series.
Positioning for a challenging year
With 2026 shaping as a pivotal year for packaging reform and sustainability progress, the AIP is positioning itself as a central enabler for industry capability and preparedness.
“2026 is going to be a very challenging year for the packaging industry… and I believe that the AIP is best equipped to give packaging professionals and the industry all the tools they need to make the journey as smooth as possible,” Bigley said.
The strategy signals a clear intent – to anchor the AIP as the region’s technical authority on packaging, supporting industry through education, guidance and practical expertise as regulatory and market expectations continue to evolve.
