Flavour Makers' senior packaging technologist Christopher Cester has been named the 2026 Packaging Technologist of the Year, recognising a career built on technical innovation and the commercialisation of world-first packaging formats.
Over two decades with Flavour Makers, Cester has overseen the design and implementation of packaging formats ranging from dry goods to hot-fill applications, form-fill-seal systems and rigid plastics, while progressively redesigning formats to improve sustainability.
Among his most significant achievements are two world-first mono-material retort packaging developments for The Australian Organic Food Co. The first delivered a CEFLEX-compliant mono-material retort pouch, while the second introduced a mono-material retort spout pouch that went on to receive PIDA, WorldStar and international flexible packaging awards.
The judges also recognised Cester's commitment to professional development through the Australasian Institute of Packaging, where he has completed the Diploma in Packaging Technology and become an active presenter, sharing technical knowledge with industry audiences in Australia and overseas.
The Packaging Technologist of the Year award recognises advanced technical skills and innovation across packaging engineering, design and development.
