Pierre Pienaar recognised in packaging hall of fame

Prof. Pierre Pienaar FAIP, CPP, Education Director for the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and President for the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), has been recognised by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) in the United States with a packaging and processing hall of fame award.

Career packaging and processing professionals are recognised by the hall of fame for their significant contributions to the industry and education. It has been awarded since 1971. Past inductees are packaging leaders who have dedicated themselves to the industry through expanding knowledge and volunteer leadership and have personally advanced the field of packaging.

Prof Pierre Pienaar MSc, FAIP, CPP

Pierre Pienaar’s interest in packaging started in 1984 after having studied pharmacy. Soon after joining a large pharmaceutical company, he became concerned about a number of packaging-related issues in the pharmaceutical world. This combined field has taken him to the far corners of the world, always involving one or other aspects of research in packaging.

Taking over from the late Emeritus Prof. Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP as the AIP Education Director 14 years ago, Pierre is responsible for the education team who manage the diploma in packaging technology, the certificate in packaging, the fundamentals in packaging technology, the certified packaging professional program, the master of food and packaging innovation, the extensive portfolio of training courses, and all of the student programs across the multiple universities that the institute works with.

Outside of his role with the AIP, Pierre also lectures in the technology and science of packaging at 11 universities and institutions around the world. Pierre has a Master of Science Degree (Packaging Engineering/Technology) from Brunel University, UK. He also has a Master of Manufacturing and Production Degree from University of Hertfordshire, UK. He is a registered Certified Packaging Professional, a Past President of the AIP and a Founders Award winner in the Australasian Region.

Pierre said of receiving the award: “It is humbling. But this is also a proud moment to be honoured by one’s international peers. What I value most from this accolade is that it gives me more opportunities to persuade the global packaging industry that we must become more sustainable, as there is no Plan B.

“Whatever packaging course you follow, packaging education is where our future lies. The more that become knowledgeable in packaging will produce better decisions in packaging technology, which leads to more innovation and better quality of life, through better packaging for more people around the world,” he said.

Pierre and the 2022 inductees will be honoured at a ceremony on 24 October at PACK EXPO International 2022.