Nerida Kelton, executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), has been elected to the position of ANZ delegate on the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Board.

In her new role Ms Kelton will represent the interests of not only the AIP on the world stage, but also the greater packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand.

“Nerida, as the Executive Director of the AIP, has been part of the AIP and the packaging industry now for almost two decades and is hands-on with all aspects of representing the AIP, its Members and the wider packaging industry,” said AIP National President, Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence.

Dr Kilcullen-Lawrence said Ms Kelton had an in-depth knowledge of the packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand.

“She has made a significant contribution to the AIP educational programs – CPP Program, Master course, Women’s Mentoring program, industry and government representation on the National Food Waste Strategy, development of the Save Food Packaging Award and the PIDA Awards, and management of industry-based educational events.

Long-standing contributions

“The AIP look forward to continuing the fruitful collaboration between our Institute and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) to achieve the best outcome for the whole industry from a global perspective.

“The AIP has no doubt that Nerida will provide great long-standing contributions to the WPO Board.”

Ms Kelton’s election to the WPO Board follows the recent shift of Professor Pierre Pienaar’s to the position of President of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

Prof Pienaar, a past president of the AIP, took up his new position in January this year after serving as VP Education for the WPO.

The appointment is timely, as Australia will host the prestigious WPO WorldStar Awards, which coincides with the 100th WPO bi-annual meeting in May this year.

These events will be held in conjunction with the AIP National Conference at Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

Fresh thinking and new approach

Prof Pienaar said: “From time to time the Board of the World Packaging Organisation requires new ideas, fresh thinking and sometimes a new approach. What better time now that Nerida has been elected by the AIP to represent ANZ Packaging on the WPO Board.

“Having worked with Nerida for many years in the AIP, I know and understand her thinking and ideology, he said.

“This along with her positive attitude, the will to do better and the capability of getting the best out those with whom she interfaces bodes well for future years in the WPO. 

“Her determination and going well beyond her assigned duties, will no doubt give the WPO some new impetus and focus. She will be an asset to the WPO. Welcome Nerida, and we on the WPO Board look forward to working alongside you.”

Prof Pierre Pienaar with new WPO delegate Nerida Kelton