Enrolments have opened for the PIABC Level 3 Diploma in Packaging, offered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at its Loughry Campus, with the course set to begin in September 2026.

The qualification is aimed at professionals in Northern Ireland's agri-food industry who wish to deepen their knowledge of packaging materials, technologies and systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles.

Participants will gain practical insights into packaging selection, waste reduction and recyclability, helping businesses align with emerging environmental standards and prepare for regulatory changes linked to climate action.

Anne Bencze, a packaging technologist at CAFRE, stated that the diploma offers a valuable continuing professional development opportunity. She noted that participants acquire practical, industry-relevant knowledge that supports better packaging decisions and benefits both personal development and organisational capability.

The course covers packaging design, production processes and supply chain considerations, equipping learners to optimise performance while balancing cost, functionality and environmental impact.

CAFRE said the programme is designed for individuals in roles such as product development, quality assurance, procurement or sustainability, and can help companies strengthen internal capabilities and drive innovation.

Further information and enrolment details are available on the CAFRE website, or by contacting senior food technologist Adele Dallas.