About the APRI
The Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute is a professional body concerned with the science and technology of polymers. It has been part of the Australasian industry since 1945 and independent since 1992.
Foundation
Eighty years, three names and one break with London.
The Institution of the Rubber Industry (IRI) was founded in England in 1921. The Australasian Section was established in 1945 by a group of industry figures, including G.N. Milne and J.A. Smithson, whose names the Institute's two highest awards carry today.
In 1975, the IRI amalgamated with the Plastics Institute (founded 1931) to form the Plastics and Rubber Institute (PRI), which became the largest international professional society in the world devoted to the plastics, rubber and allied industries.
When the PRI (UK) later merged with the Institute of Metals and the Institute of Ceramics to form the Institute of Materials, the Australasian section took a different path. In December 1992, members voted to disassociate and form an independent body, the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Incorporated (APRI Inc.), to better serve members in Australasia.
APRI Inc. has run its own affairs since. Members elect the Australasian Council, the Council sets the subscription, and the Institute answers to nobody overseas.
England
Institution of the Rubber Industry founded
Australasia
Australasian Section established by G.N. Milne & J.A. Smithson
Global
Plastics and Rubber Institute formed by amalgamation
Independence
APRI Inc. formed as an independent Australasian body
Mission
Advancing polymer science for public benefit.
APRI's principal aim is to develop the Institute as a professional body made up of members concerned with the science and technology of polymers, across academic, research, commercial and administrative roles.
We also exist to improve polymer education and training. The industry's future depends on building the next generation of capable, qualified professionals.
Objectives
Set out in the Institute's constitution. APRI exists to:
- Promote the development of polymer science and technology.
- Encourage the education and training of managers, chemists, scientists, physicists, engineers, technologists and others employed in the polymer industries.
- Confer qualifications and awards that recognise and raise the status of suitably qualified professionals.
- Promote the dissemination of polymer science and technology knowledge through meetings, seminars and publications.
- Support Standards Australia through the nomination of members to relevant polymer technical committees.
- Carry out activities for voluntary and charitable purposes.
The full text is in the constitution.
How We Operate
APRI Inc. operates through state-based coordinators and an Australasian Council, a national governing body made up of state representatives.
The Council and coordinators principally devote their time to organising lectures, meetings and technology conventions; to recruiting members and supporting technical education; and to the day-to-day management of the Institute.
All financial members hold full voting rights and are eligible to serve on the Australasian Council.
Anti-Competitive Policy
APRI maintains a formal anti-competitive policy. Members and the Council conduct all activities in compliance with international and domestic competition law.
Read the PolicyConstitution
APRI's rules and constitution govern the conduct of the Institute, the rights of members and the procedures of the Australasian Council.
Read the ConstitutionRegulations for Membership
The grades of membership, how each is awarded, and the rights and privileges each grade carries.
Read the RegulationsThe George Milne Memorial Medal
Awarded annually by the Council since 1964 for significant contribution to the Institute and the industry. It commemorates George Milne and the other pioneers of the Australasian Institution of the Rubber Industry.
View Past Medallists