In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Deputy Editor Jan Arreza and Senior Journalist Navan Kaur, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in June.

We kick off our discussion by celebrating our placement in the top 5 out of 20 packaging podcasts globally and catch up on some role changes on the PKN team. Looking at local events, we delve into the key moments and wins from the Women in Packaging Awards which enjoyed great support, representation, and turnout, as well as highlights from PacPrint and the National Print Awards. The conversation turns to Lindy’s European tour highlights, covering Worldstar Awards in Milan, Italian trade show IPACK-IMA – where paperisation and automation were the notable trends – and the K-2025 Preview in Dusseldorf, which pointed to the transformation of the plastics industry and the driving theme of sustainability. We get a detailed insight into Paques Biomaterials’ Caleyda product, a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer derived from organic waste; and we examine the factors behind the pause on APCO’s Extended Producer Responsibility fees. We also discuss a partnership In Australia involving APR Plastics and other partners, which aims to transform the recycling of hard-to-recycle soft plastics. The discussion also explores updates from Pact Group, with its delisting is underway, and its recent success with the passing of rigorous US FDA testing for its rHDPE resins to be used in recycled milk and juice bottles.

We wrap up by reviewing updates from East Coast Canning + Printing, which has increased the durability, design, and sustainability of its direct to can printing for craft brewers, with planned expansion into other beverage categories, as end on the positive news of Planet Ark’s exit from voluntary administration and its path forward.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected]

PKN Women in Packaging Awards 2025: Winners announced

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/pkn-women-in-packaging-awards-2025-winners-announced

Brenda Denbesten talks 'Packaging your Power'

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/brenda-denbesten-talks-packaging-your-power

Hall of Fame inductee, Nadia Taylor, on life and leadership

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/hall-of-fame-inductee-nadia-taylor-on-life-and-leadership

VIDEO: Women in Packaging Awards 2025 highlights

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/video-women-in-packaging-awards-2025-highlights

Strong global turnout for IPACK-IMA 2025

www.packagingnews.com.au/ipack-ima/strong-global-turnout-for-ipack-ima-2025

Innovation inspiration from Italy's best packaging

www.packagingnews.com.au/design/innovation-inspiration-from-italy-s-best-packaging

ANZ packaging steps up at WorldStar Awards

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/anz-packaging-steps-up-at-worldstar-awards

K 2025 Preview: Plastics industry at a turning point

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/k-2025-preview-plastics-industry-at-a-turning-point

Paques Biomaterials unveils PHA breakthrough

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/paques-biomaterials-unveils-pha-breakthrough

K 2025 showcases plastics industry transformation in 7 days

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/k-2025-showcases-plastics-industry-transformation-in-7-days

K 2025 to trial scalable reusable cup system at show

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/k-2025-to-trial-scalable-reusable-cup-system-at-show

APCO shifts timeline on EPR: Here’s why

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-shifts-timeline-on-epr-here-s-why

New partnership to “revolutionise” hard-to-recycle plastics

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-partnership-to-revolutionise-hard-to-recycle-plastics

BulletProof can boosts print durability and design

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/bulletproof-can-boosts-print-durability-and-design

Fresh start for Planet Ark after VA exit

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/fresh-start-for-planet-ark-after-va-exit

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The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2025