When a company joins AICC Canada (The Independent Packaging Association), the membership isn’t just for the owner or the executive suite. It is a company-wide pass that provides every single employee – whether it’s production, design, quality, sales or customer service – access to a treasure trove of industry-specific resources.
If you work for an AICC Canada member company, you are part of a global network of independent corrugators, folding carton manufacturers, and rigid box makers. But beyond the networking, there are practical, daily tools available to you that can sharpen your skills, advance your career, and make your job safer.
Here is everything you should know about the resources available at your fingertips.
1. Professional Development: The AICC Packaging School
One of the most valuable perks for any employee is the AICC Packaging School. In an industry as specialized as packaging, continuous learning is the only way to stay competitive. Through the AICC website, employees have access to over 80 free online training courses. These aren’t just generic business videos; they are highly specialized modules designed specifically for the corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box industries.
- For New Hires: There are “Basics of” courses that cover everything from how a corrugator works to the fundamentals of structural design.
- For Veterans: Advanced courses on lean manufacturing, plant floor safety, and emerging sustainable materials help seasoned professionals stay at the top of their game.
- Language Support: Recognizing the diverse workforce in Canadian manufacturing, many of these courses are available in both English and Spanish.
2. Direct Access to Industry Experts
Have you ever run into a technical snag on the production line or a complex safety question that your internal team couldn’t quite solve? As an employee of a member company, you don’t have to guess.
AICC Canada provides members with unlimited access to technical advisors. These experts specialize in:
- Folding Carton & Rigid Box: Advice on equipment, materials, and production.
- Corrugated Packaging: Technical troubleshooting for corrugating and converting operations.
- Safety and Risk Management: Perhaps the most critical resource, offering guidance on keeping the plant floor compliant and workers safe.
Instead of spending hours searching for answers online, you can leverage the decades of experience these advisors bring to the table.
3. Staying Informed: Newsletters and BoxScore Magazine
Information is power, and the packaging industry moves fast. AICC ensures you are never out of the loop:
- AICC Inbox: This is a weekly email newsletter sent every Monday. It’s a quick read that keeps you updated on industry trends, upcoming webinars, and legislative changes affecting the Canadian packaging landscape.
- BoxScore Magazine: This is the flagship publication of the association. It’s filled with “tips and tricks” written by industry professionals. Whether you’re interested in the latest digital printing technology or strategies for better warehouse management, BoxScore provides deep dives into the topics that matter.
4. Networking and Career Growth
Building a career in packaging is about who you know as much as what you know.
- National and International Meetings: These happen twice a year and feature keynote speakers, workshops, and panels. They are excellent opportunities to see what other “independents” are doing and to find inspiration for your own plant.
- Advisory Groups: These are peer-to-peer groups where you can connect with people in similar roles at other companies. It’s a safe space to share ideas, receive honest feedback, and solve common business challenges.
- Topical Summits: These smaller, focused meetings allow you to dive deep into a specific subject, such as sustainability, sales, or production efficiency.
- Local Events: AICC Canada hosts several events throughout the year that are open to employees of member companies.
5. Benchmarking and Industry Data
For those in management, sales, or administrative roles, having data to back up your decisions is vital. AICC provides 24/7 access to industry statistics.
- Quarterly Statistics: See how the independent market is performing compared to the industry giants.
- Multi-year Forecasts: Help your company plan for the future with reliable data on paper prices, demand shifts, and economic trends.
- Benchmarking Data: Use these reports to see where your company stands in terms of safety, productivity, and profitability.
6. Safety First: The Safety & Risk Management Resource
Safety isn’t just a HR requirement; it’s a culture. AICC Canada emphasizes workplace safety by providing resources that help prevent accidents before they happen. Through their partnership with organizations like Workplace Safety North, members get access to customized safety training and “Safety Talks” templates that you can use during your morning huddles.
Final Thoughts
The independent packaging industry in Canada is a tight-knit community. By taking advantage of AICC Canada’s resources, you aren’t just doing your job, you’re building a career. Whether you want to learn a new skill on your lunch break or connect with a mentor across the country, these tools are there to support you.
Don’t let these resources go to waste! Log in today and see how AICC Canada can help you grow.