Key Takeaways
- Andrew Rennie and Ola Wicik have received scholarships for prestigious packaging qualifications from the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP).
- The awards were announced during the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards ceremony in Melbourne.
- Applications for the 2027 ABA Scholarships will open with the next round of PIDA Award entries.
Scholarship Recipients Announced at PIDA Awards
Two professionals in the packaging industry, Andrew Rennie from New Zealand and Ola Wicik from Australia, have earned fully funded scholarships in packaging qualification programs offered by the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP). Their awards were announced at the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) ceremony held on July 28, 2026, at the Aviary, Crown Complex, Melbourne.
Rennie, a Sales Representative at Oji Fibre Solutions, will pursue a Certificate in Packaging. Wicik, a Packaging Engineer at Opal Fibre Packaging, has been awarded a scholarship for a Diploma in Packaging Technology. Both scholarships will cover the full costs of these internationally recognized qualifications.
The Certificate in Packaging is designed for individuals entering packaging-focused roles, providing foundational knowledge in packaging materials and supply chain processes. The more advanced Diploma in Packaging Technology delves into packaging design, materials science, legislation, environmental considerations, and packaging management.
Martine Poulain, CEO of the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), emphasized the importance of enhancing capabilities within the packaging sector. She remarked that sustainable packaging transitions depend not only on materials but also on individuals who understand their properties and management after use.
Poulain praised both winners for their deserving recognition, asserting that the expertise they gain will be beneficial to their respective roles in the industry. She highlighted the initiative as a valuable investment in the industry’s future, noting that empowering two capable individuals annually is a meaningful contribution.
For those interested, applications for the 2027 ABA Scholarships will be available in conjunction with the next entry phase for the PIDA Awards.
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