Winners wrap: ABA packaging scholarship winners announced

The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), in partnership with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), has announced the winners of the 2024 annual scholarship program from Australia and New Zealand. The scholarship program gives one candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology and another candidate the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging.

The Diploma in Packaging Technology scholarship winner is Angela Hanson AAIP, Packaging Technologist, Tip Top.

After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science and Nutrition) at the University of Queensland, Angela worked as a Food Microbiologist 12 months before moving on to a Product Development Technologist role at Tip Top Bakeries — George Weston Foods (GWF).

As an industry professional, but also as a consumer and a parent, Angela could clearly see the opportunity to do better for the planet — especially through packaging.

Angela has recognised that she has numerous areas where her knowledge can be improved and believes that the scholarship will assist her in developing professionally and growing within her role.

She wants to add more value to GWF in reaching the company’s goals and being a champion of sustainability. In her future she hopes to be a packaging expert driving innovation for a sustainable future for food, packaging and beyond.

The 2024 ABA Scholarship Certificate in Packaging scholarship winner is Manpreet Kaur Grewal, Product Technologist, MSAC Solutions.

Since joining MSAC Solutions in 2021, Manpreet has had the opportunity to be involved in the critical task of collecting and validating packaging data for major Australian retailers such as Coles, Woolworths and 7 Eleven.

As a qualified food technologist, Manpreet is particularly intrigued by the complexities of food packaging, where sustainability, food safety, and cost considerations intersect.

In the next five years, Manpreet envisions herself thriving as a packaging technologist specialising in food packaging. Equipped with a deeper understanding of packaging materials and their implications for sustainability, product integrity and food waste reduction, she aims to become a trusted advisor capable of recommending optimal packaging solutions.

Image caption: Manpreet Kaur Grewal and Angela Hanson accepting their scholarship trophies.  Image credit: AIP