The Australasian Institute of Packaging will deliver an expanded packaging-focused program at foodpro 2026, following a new partnership for the event in Melbourne from 26–29 July.
Across four days, foodpro will bring together the full spectrum of food manufacturing and packaging, with more than 400 exhibitors, alongside displays and hands-on learning opportunities.
As one of the event’s Association Partners, the AIP will run six educational sessions, comprising two mini training courses and four packaging panel discussions, as well as an exhibition stand, a walking tour and a dedicated Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards showcase.
The four panel discussions, scheduled for Monday 27 July on the Innovation Stage, will bring together technical packaging experts to cover topics including regulatory frameworks for extended producer responsibility, design for recycling versus design for circularity, fibre alternatives, sustainable packaging design, and data and digitalisation. The sessions will include global, regional and local perspectives.
Two paid training courses will be held on Tuesday 28 July: Unboxing Accessibility: Easy to Open, Reclose, Grip & Handle Packaging Design and Future of soft plastics and flexible packaging: Sustainable Trends & Innovations. The courses are aimed at micro and SME businesses as well as multinational companies. Attendees can take part in one or both sessions, receiving a Certificate of Completion and points towards the Certified Packaging Professional designation.
The AIP will also coordinate the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards, with a showcase on the foodpro show floor featuring the 2026 finalists. The awards, run across Australia and New Zealand, recognise companies and individuals in the packaging sector and serve as the exclusive entry pathway to the WorldStar Packaging Awards, coordinated by the World Packaging Organisation.
A gala dinner will take place on 28 July at The Aviary, Crown Complex, with winners announced as part of the awards program, alongside announcements at foodpro on 29 July.
An AIP-led walking tour will be held on Wednesday 29 July, delivered by the institute’s Education team. The tour is open to AIP members, industry colleagues and students enrolled in the Diploma in Packaging Technology, Certificate in Packaging, Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course and the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree. Participants will visit exhibitor stands, review packaging trends and innovations, and attend the PIDA showcase, with winners of the 2026 awards also announced as part of the program. The tour is open to all attendees.
All participants in the AIP educational program will receive a Certificate of Attendance and points towards the Certified Packaging Professional designation.
To register, click here.
