Page 69 - Packaging News Magazine Nov-Dec2020

60 OF THE BEST | PKN 60 YEARS SPECIAL
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als instead of using plastics derived from fossil resources. Their ultimate goal is a zero-waste economy.
At the time of the company’s establish- ment, interest in sustainably-sourced, compostable, foodservice packaging was very low. However, in the span of a decade, BioPak has disrupted an industry and helped numerous businesses reduce the environmental impact of their operations. What initially appealed only to a small community of like-minded environmen- tally-aware businesses has now become mainstream. There has been a huge shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainability and their small idea a decade ago is now part of a growing worldwide movement. For Smith and Fine, the triple bottom line of “People, Planet, Profits” is foundational to the business DNA and its success.
Richard Smith
Richard Smith is director Safety, Quality & Sustainability at Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific. Over his career in packaging, he has gained 30 years’ technical experience across multiple disciplines.
Smith has extensive knowledge in inno- vation and development of flexible plastic packaging and rigid plastic packaging and has authored a number of patents in both rigid and flexible packaging formats. He also has expansive knowledge of poly- mers, analytical assessment methods for polymers and packaging, regulatory requirements for packaging including product safety. In addition, he has exten- sive experience in development of bio- based materials, compostable flexible packaging and the associated environmen- tal standards that pertain to packaging.
Smith believes we have no time to waste in pursuit of circularity, and that the solu- tion has several dimensions: packaging, waste-collection infrastructure, consumer behaviour, and recycling infrastructure.
Smith was part of the working group that developed the Home Compostability standards with Standards Australia (AS5810). Smith has been recognised with an AIP Fellowship for his significant con- tribution to the industry.
Jim Strang
Jim Strang is a highly respected and well known industry figure. He joined Heat and Control in 1982 heading up the company’s Melbourne-based packaging division. In 1987 he relocated to the regional headquar- ters in Brisbane assuming the role of general manager. After an organisational restruc- ture in 1995, Strang was promoted to a three person executive management team that oversaw Heat and Control’s international operations. His responsibility for the sales and marketing functions covered the terri- tories of Oceania, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. From 1997 he was appointed to the role of CEO for International Regions and guided the organisation through exten- sive expansion and market growth.
During his time working in the food indus- try, Strang has been a valued and active mem- ber of the packaging sector. His involvement with the APMA (now APPMA) began with attendance at the inaugural meeting when the association was established in 1983. His con- tinued participation led to executive commit- tee roles including APMA Chairman from 1998 to 2008. From 2005 to 2008, he assumed a three-year presidency at the World Packaging Machinery Association – COPAMA.
To date Strang is the first and only Australian to have held this position. During his presidency he tackled many issues affect- ing international business and the packag- ing machinery sector in general. During his term with COPAMA he made the significant contribution of increasing the standing of APPMA on the world packaging scene.
Alf Taylor
Iconic and highly respected indus- try figure, Alf Taylor is co-founder and
managing director of tna solutions. Taylor’s passionate involvement and wealth of experience in the snack food industry paved the way for tna, which he co-founded with his wife Nadia, in 1982 (see page 104). Together they turned their dream, that started out from their kitchen table – and with Taylor’s idea for a break- through rotary form fill seal machine – and turned into a highly successful global business with over 30 sales and support
offices around the world.
tna went on to redefine performance
standards in vertical form fill & seal (VFFS) packaging systems with the launch of its first bagmaker with patented technology; the tna robag. Today, the tna robag is the best-selling VFFS system in the world and the company is recognised as a leader in integrated food processing and packaging solutions with over 14,000 systems installed across more than 120 countries.
Taylor’s significant contributions to the industry have earned him much recognition, including the prestigious International Award for Achievement by the Processing & Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) in the UK. Strong believers of inclusive growth, Alf and Nadia’s contribution to society under tna’s philanthropic initiatives were applauded this year when they both received the Order of Australia (AM), for meritorious service to the community.
Nadia Taylor
As co-founder and director of leading food processing and packaging solutions provider, tna solutions, Nadia Taylor is actively engaged in the strategic devel- opment and operations of the business.
After migrating to Australia from Egypt in the 1960s, she founded tna with her husband and business partner Alf Taylor in 1982 (see above). With more than 40 years of experience in the snack food industry, in her role as director of tna, Taylor is responsible for business development and the management of tna’s growing global customer relation- ship program.
www.packagingnews.com.au | November–December 2020