foodpro, Australia’s leading trade event for food processing, packaging and innovation, has announced a major new partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) — giving the industry even more reasons to gather in Melbourne from 26–29 July 2026.
Over four dynamic days, foodpro 2026 will bring together the full spectrum of food manufacturing and packaging with more than 400 exhibitors, cutting-edge displays, and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees. Visitors will have the chance to take part in AIP-led mini training courses and forums, covering key topics in food packaging innovations, sustainable packaging design and regulations, food waste and the intersection with packaging and more.
As one of the leading Association Partners for foodpro, the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has developed an action-packed week for anyone that is interested in learning more about packaging for the food and beverage industries.
During foodpro the AIP will be offering 6x educational sessions including 2x mini training courses, 4x packaging panel discussions, a walking tour of the show, a Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Award showcase with the winners being announced on the 28th of July, and the AIP will have an exhibition stand.
AIP Packaging Panel Discussions x4 – Monday 27th July
The AIP will be hosting 4x panel discussions on the Innovation Stage at foodpro which will bring together leading technical packaging experts covering a broad range of topics including the latest global and regional regulatory framework for extended producer responsibility, design for recycling vs design for circularity, innovative materials and trends in food and beverage packaging design, sustainable packaging design, fibre alternative, data and digitalisation and more. The experts will offer global, regional and local perspectives to the discussions.
AIP Packaging Training Courses x2 – Tuesday 28th July
Training Course 1. Unboxing Accessibility: Easy to Open, Reclose, Grip & Handle Packaging Design. Training Course 2. Future of soft plastics and flexible packaging: Sustainable Trends & Innovations
On the 28th of July the AIP will be running not one, but two, mini training courses which are designed for the micro and SME sector, as well as the multinationals. *The training courses are a paid program so all attendees will need to register early. You can attend one, or two courses and attain a Certificate of Completion and points towards the Certified Packaging Professional designation
Register to attend https://aipack.com.au/event-registration/?ee=499
Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards – showcase & gala dinner – Tuesday 28th July 2026
The AIP will be running the annual Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) awards on the 28th of July across the road at The Aviary, Crown Complex. Coordinated by the AIP, the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards are designed to recognise companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field in Australia and New Zealand. The PIDA Awards are the exclusive award program for all Australia and New Zealand entries into the prestigious WorldStar Packaging Awards, which are coordinated by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). All of industry is invited to join the gala awards ceremony. The AIP will also have a unique PIDA showcase area at foodpro for everyone to visit and see the 2026 round of finalists. Winners will be announced at foodpro on the 29th of July.
AIP expert walking tour for foodpro – Wednesday 29th July 2026
The AIP will have an expansive Education team attending foodpro so they will be taking Walking Tours of the show for AIP Members and industry colleagues, as well as for all of the students that the AIP has across the Diploma in Packaging Technology, the Certificate in Packaging, the Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course and the Master of Food & Packaging Innovation degree. Anyone is welcome to join the walk tour with the AIP experts, visit AIP member stands and discuss key trends and innovations that are being showcased. This walking tour will also include the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) showcase and announce the winners of the 2026 round.
All attendees that participate in the AIP educational program will receive a Certificate of Attendance and points towards the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation.
