In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Sandra Dal Maso, Head of Packaging Transformation at APCO about next steps towards implementing the 2030 Strategy.

We start our conversation by getting an overview of how APCO’s 2030 strategy builds on the 2025 National Packaging targets, we highlight major opportunities for brand owners, and demonstrate the importance of collaboration to ensure the industry acts as a whole before the government takes potentially punitive action. Sandra also discusses the growing focus on product stewardship, as environmental NGOs and industry organisations have come together to call for a mandated product stewardship scheme for packaging, including for soft plastics. We go on to explore the key elements for an effective scheme, the role of business and policy makers in driving change, the biggest challenges circularity faces, and the innovations that are addressing them.

We wrap up by reviewing Sandra’s involvement with the PKN Women in Packaging Awards program, and discuss the importance of highlighting and supporting female leadership in the packaging sector, and how this aligns with APCO’s vision.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

Industry, green groups unite on product stewardship

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/industry-green-groups-unite-on-product-stewardship

APCO charts bold way forward to 2030

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-charts-bold-way-forward-to-2030

APCO Report: State of Packaging in Australia

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-report-state-of-packaging-in-australia

PKN Women in Packaging Awards

pknwomeninpack.com.au

PKN Women in Packaging Awards 2025 opens for entries

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/pkn-women-in-packaging-2025-opens-for-entries

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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