Interview with Ralph Moyle, National President of the Australian Institute of Packaging

I have been a member of the AIP since: 15 August 2004.

What the AIP means to me: The most powerful [feeling] is to be a member of a group of like-minded individuals acting as volunteers who can maintain and grow a not-for-profit organisation for 50 years and take it to world organisations and be respected for their professionalism and endeavour. I am so proud to be a member of this group of wonderful people.

Education in the industry is: The force that drives growth, success and personal fulfilment of all who accept its core need.

My strongest memory of change within the packaging industry: The only constant is change. In Australia (and most of the western world), retailers forcing change back through the supply chain is the most significant in the past 10 years and this is demonstrated by the requirements for shelf-ready packaging, which challenges many of the criteria for sound packaging performance. In the third world, the changes due to population growth increase the challenges of protecting against food waste.

Advice to those starting in the industry: Stay alert, stay focused, listen to and learn from those around you. Find a person with passion and drive for packaging, and work with them.

My mentor: I have been fortunate to have many. In packaging, George Ganzenmuller, who coerced me into the Queensland branch and provided quality leadership; Llew Stephens for his always-balanced views and dedication; and Harry Lovell for proving you can fire on all cylinders at any age. In management, Barry Collet, the Danes at Plumrose and Fletcher Jones. In life, my father.

My greatest achievement in the industry: To have the passion to learn new aspects and influences that packaging can bring to our society.