Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA, Global Ambassador of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and National Education Officer of the Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA), has become the first packaging expert in South Africa to be awarded the designation “Certified Packaging Professional” (CPP) by the international Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), based in the United States of America.

History of Certified Packaging Professional Designation

Since 1972, the IoPP has been awarding this designation to packaging professionals who have proven themselves to be worthy of the CPP status. To date, however, there are less than 2 500 individuals worldwide who have achieved this coveted CPP status which requires proof of years of experience, ­­an in-depth packaging knowledge, as well as commitment to the global packaging industry. The CPP programme is now also endorsed by WPO and IPSA.

Explains Kishan: "The CPP designation has become the leading mark of excellence internationally and a must-have recognition of industry proficiency and achievement for packaging professionals. I am very pleased about attaining the CPP designation, as it is a commitment to excellence in the global packaging profession as well as an important investment in my professional development.” Kishan is now permitted to use the suffix “CPP” after his name on business cards and letterheads, to wear the IoPP/CPP lapel pin, and to display the CPP Certificate.

Ensuring a globally level playing field

The CPP designation is based on current skills and expertise, and candidates are required to be re-certificated every 3 years as part of a continuous professional development system. The CPP programme ensures that candidates are regularly keeping abreast of current packaging trends, innovations and knowledge and the program ensures that packaging professionals are the same, globally level, playing field.

“The CPP programme helps the international packaging fraternity to better understand the level of knowledge and expertise that you truly have in the packaging field.  Being awarded the designation was therefore no easy feat as the criteria that had to be met, were extremely arduous.  Amongst other things, I was required to thoroughly demonstrate technical industry expertise and experience, as well as significant contribution towards education, within the global packaging industry, measured through a flexible applicant testing process,” he explains.

Demonstrating command of applied packaging technology

Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate either their command of applied packaging technology by successfully completing a narrative exam or submitting a detailed resume of activities in which they document their past six years of experience and active participation in local and global packaging and/or related disciplines. They also have to complete a 150 question test on packaging supply chain principles, packaging graphics, packaging manufacturing techniques, packaging machinery, materials and technology, of which a minimum of 80% correct score is considered passing.

Promoting the qualification locally

“South Africans wishing to pursue this international academic qualification, will need to contact the Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA) who are now the agents for the WPO endorsed CPP programme managed through the IOPP. I encourage all those that seek to make Packaging their profession, and who wish to be recognised in a vibrant and ever-changing industry to seek this internationally accepted packaging designation. It’s a tough process, but a valuable investment in your career and, through IPSA, I would be happy to offer help and advice to others who are interested in also applying for the CPP designation,” Kishan concludes.

For more information, visit www.iopp.org or www.ipsa.org.za 

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Issued on behalf of MetPac-SA.

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