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

We begin our review of this month's news stories with Abbe Group’s acquisition of Oji Fibre Solutions’ Australian operations, Jamestrong Packaging returning its aerosol packaging production onshore with the opening of its $8 million aluminium casting line, and, unfortunately, both Great Wrap and Pro-Pac Packaging Group entering into voluntary administration. We also assess developments in sustainability with increasing use of LDPE bags made with 30% recycled plastics by Amcor and Woolworths; trialling the replacement rPET punnets with recyclable cardboard packs for Perino tomatoes by Costa Group, Coles and Opal; and the launch of the Bonson Packaging Replay system in NZ which utilises reusable deli containers.

Our discussion also gives us an insight into Lindy’s visit to Avery Dennison’s ADX Experience Lab in Melbourne, which shows promising opportunities for RFID/NFC/QR, Orora’s Helio direct to can printing line which was recently used for Coopers Dry 3.5 Supercars cans; the launch of Phantm AI aimed to help identify waste and reduce costs; and the development of compostable plastic film by Monash University Scientists. We also assess the increase in regional investments with C4C Packaging building WA’s first aseptic beverage co-manufacturing and packaging facility for single-serve packaging of alcoholic beverage and wine.

We wrap up by celebrating a number of awards for design and branding, and exploring the increased collaboration and circular leadership seen in the industry, and the progress that it’s making

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

Abbe Group acquires Oji Fibre Solutions’ Australian operations

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/abbe-group-acquires-oji-fibre-solutions-australian-operations

Jamestrong brings aluminium slug production home

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/jamestrong-brings-aluminium-slug-production-home

Great Wrap enters administration with AU$39m debt

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/great-wrap-enters-administration-with-au-39m-debt

Pro-Pac Packaging enters VA, buyer sought

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pro-pac-packaging-enters-va-buyer-sought

Amcor and Woolies bag circular gains

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-and-woolies-bag-circular-gains

Costa, Coles, Opal trial cardboard tomato packs

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/costa-coles-opal-trial-cardboard-tomato-packs

Bonson’s reusable containers hit New World delis

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/bonson-s-reusable-containers-hit-new-world-delis

France proves reuse at scale, can Australia follow?

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/france-proves-reuse-at-scale-can-australia-follow

Avery Dennison unveils new RFID experience hub

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/avery-dennison-unveils-new-rfid-experience-hub

Orora brings Helio to the brands

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/orora-brings-helio-to-the-brands

Coopers races ahead with Orora Helio

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/coopers-races-ahead-with-orora-helio

Phantm launches AI tool to unlock packaging data

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/phantm-launches-ai-tool-to-unlock-packaging-data

Monash turns food waste into compostable plastic

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/monash-turns-food-waste-into-compostable-plastic

C4C establishes Oceania's first single-serve aseptic facility for wine

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/c4c-establishes-oceania-s-first-single-serve-aseptic-facility-for-wine

Qld's first solar RVM for container returns

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/qld-s-first-solar-rvm-for-container-returns

Ultra Labels and Hentley Farm win global award

www.packagingnews.com.au/converting-and-printing/ultra-labels-and-hentley-farm-win-global-award

XXXX cans celebrate Qld's triple sporting triumph

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/xxxx-cans-celebrate-qld-s-triple-sporting-triumph

Boxer & Co scores win at Sydney Design Awards

www.packagingnews.com.au/design/boxer-and-co-scores-win-at-sydney-design-awards

Koor refillable pack wins Good Design Award

www.packagingnews.com.au/design/koor-refillable-pack-wins-good-design-award

TomKat, Sekisui sign supply agreement

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tomkat-sekisui-sign-supply-agreement

TomKat opens equity raise to scale KoolPak

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tomkat-opens-equity-raise-to-scale-koolpak

Coles, Wirra Wirra join bottle weight pact

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/coles-wirra-wirra-join-bottle-weight-pact

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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].

Host: Lindy Hughson

Facilitator: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2025