In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek, about what it will take to create a circular economy for plastics in Australia.

We assess the shortcomings in our current recycling capabilities, particularly in polypropylene, and how the Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) will be working to bridge those gaps following its funding of $140m. The discussion explores what is required to transform Australia’s recycling eco-system and we review design considerations such as pigments in plastic that impact the recyclability of packaging for food grade applications.

We discuss the importance of academic research being industry-driven so that the industry’s biggest pain points lead the way, leading to the development of technology that is single-mindedly focused on real-world challenges. Kosior suggests looking at the success stories around the world and introducing the best of these into Australia.

We wrap up by discussing how the CRC can maximise the rate of recovery from the waste stream and review Prof Kosior’s proposed establishment of an advanced recycling sorting centre located in an industrial setting where business and academia can run trials in an industrial environment.

Links:

Plastic waste research centre gets $140 million

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/plastic-waste-research-centre-gets-140-million

Victoria’s biggest PET bottle recycling plant opens

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/victoria-s-biggest-pet-bottle-recycling-plant-opens

------------------------------

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Wayne Robinson, PKN Associate Editor and Editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in January.

We explore the impact investor funding will have on Planet Protector Group, the innovator behind wool-based packaging solutions to replace polystyrene; the ANZ region’s placement in the top 3 at the WorldStar Packaging Awards; BioPak’s expansion to Hong Kong; and TricorBraun's ongoing acquisition trail, with its latest purchase of Plas-Pak WA. We also get an insight into Visy's purchase of the collapsed Advanced Circular Polymers’ recycling assets, and also the Packsize business in ANZ. The discussion explores the latest in the unfolding story of Raphael Geminder’s bid to take over Pact Group, the opening of Victoria’s largest PET bottle recycling plant, as well as the launch of Close the Loop’s upgraded soft plastic recycling plant now on stream.

A new partnership has been announced between Uber Eats and Planet Ark, and we discuss the terms of the agreement. We wrap up by commending packaging sustainability changes made to reduce packaging material usage by Chobani on its Gippsland Dairy yoghurt pack, Nestle on its Allen’s confectionery packaging, and Fonterra on its bulk mozzarella products. We also look at the new partnership between APCO’s ARL programme with paper cup recycler Simply Cups, introducing the ‘Drop Off Only’ logo. We close with a quick preview of the upcoming APPEX trade show.

Links:

Planet Protector raises $12m from impact investors

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/planet-protector-raises-12m-from-impact-investors

ANZ PIDA winners in top 3 spot at WorldStars

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/anz-pida-winners-in-top-3-spot-at-worldstars

BioPak expands to Hong Kong

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/biopak-expands-to-hong-kong

TricorBraun acquires Plas-Pak WA

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tricorbraun-acquires-plas-pak-wa

Visy buys collapsed ACP's plastic recycling assets

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-buys-collapsed-acp-s-plastic-recycling-assets

Visy acquires Packsize business in Australia and NZ

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-acquires-packsize-business-in-australia-and-nz

Geminder on track to win Pact

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/geminder-on-track-to-win-pact

Victoria’s biggest PET bottle recycling plant opens

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/victoria-s-biggest-pet-bottle-recycling-plant-opens

Close the Loop opens soft plastic recycling plant

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/close-the-loop-opens-soft-plastic-recycling-plant

Uber Eats delivers $13m to fund packaging change

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/uber-eats-delivers-13m-to-fund-packaging-change

Chobani cuts plastic by 44% in yoghurt pack

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/chobani-cuts-plastic-by-44-in-yoghurt-pack

Allen’s to remove tonnes of plastic with new packs

www.packagingnews.com.au/food/allen-s-to-remove-tonnes-of-plastic-with-new-packs

'Naked Mozz' reduces packaging to bare minimum

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/naked-mozz-reduces-packaging-to-bare-minimum

APCO, Simply Cups launch paper cups ARL logo

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-simply-cups-launch-paper-cups-arl-logo

APPEX 2024 update with Matthews' Mark Dingley

www.packagingnews.com.au/events/appex/appex-2024-update-with-matthews-mark-dingley 

Countdown is on to APPEX

www.packagingnews.com.au/events/appex/countdown-is-on-all-roads-lead-to-appex-in-march

------------------------------

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Kim Berry, Editor of Food & Drink Business, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in September.

The recording takes place while Kim is in Ireland for Combilift’s 25th anniversary, so we start by hearing Kim’s takeouts from this experience, and touch on Lindy’s visit this month to Pack Expo Las Vegas.

September was a busy month, and we kick off the main discussion by reviewing Orora’s acquisition of Saverglass, the $11bn merger of paper-based packaging giants Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, Kin Group's takeover bid for Pact Group, and Filton Packaging’s purchase of ACP to boost their flexible packaging offerings.

We also review recent plant expansions with Alepat Taylor’s installation of a new canning line, TricorBraun’s launch of their third Sydney facility, and the $35m upgrade for MAP WA’s meat processing operation. We explore the discussions surrounding the current state of the National Plastics Recycling Scheme, with a focus on the outcomes from the National Soft Plastics Summit hosted by the AFGC, before wrapping up with a look at the feedback from APCO’s nationwide industry engagement Town Hall sessions, where industry weighed in on mandated recycled content and EPR schemes.

Links:

From the factory floor: Combilift turns 25

www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/video/from-the-factory-floor-combilift-turns-25

Pack Expo 2023: What happened in Vegas

www.packagingnews.com.au/pack-expo/pack-expo-2023-what-happened-in-vegas

Orora raises Saverglass acquisition funding

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-raises-saverglass-acquisition-funding

New packaging giant: Smurfit Kappa, WestRock agree to US$11bn merger

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-packaging-giant-smurfit-kappa-westrock-agree-to-us-11bn-merger

Geminder launches bold takeover bid for Pact Group

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/geminder-launches-bold-takeover-bid-for-pact-group

Filton Packaging buys ACP to bolster flexibles offering

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/filton-packaging-buys-acp-to-bolster-flexibles-offering

Melbourne co-packer Alepat Taylor installs new canning line

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/melbourne-co-packer-alepat-taylor-installs-new-canning-line

TricorBraun officially opens third Sydney facility

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tricorbraun-officially-opens-third-sydney-facility

Multi-million upgrade for WA meat processor

www.packagingnews.com.au/food/multi-million-upgrade-for-wa-meat-processor

National Soft Plastics Summit engages stakeholders

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/national-soft-plastics-summit-engages-stakeholders 

------------------------------

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Chris Foley, CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), about advancing Australia’s circular packaging economy.

We review APCO’s recent Town Hall meetings with its members, as a consultative process following the National Packaging Targets Review, and Government’s announcements earlier this year that it plans to change the current voluntary environment and intervene with legislation. The discussion explores the balance of regulation, administration, and autonomy to achieve targets. It examines insights provided by the participants, and the topics discussed in the forums, with a focus on the structure of the proposed framework model, its funding, governance, targets, and scope of its compliance and enforcement.

This detailed review of these sessions and their outcomes also provides insights into the waste and recycling management process, encouraging mandated recycled content, and the steps that need to be taken to achieve these goals.

Links:

APCO Invites Input on Packaging Reset:

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-invites-input-on-packaging-reset

Packaging waste legislation: environment ministers step in:

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/packaging-waste-legislation-environment-ministers-step-in

Targets data disappointing, APCO calls for reset:

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2025-targets-data-disappointing-apco-calls-for-reset

Australia's 2025 National Packaging Targets:

www.apco.org.au/national-packaging-targets

------------------------------

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Kim Berry, Editor of Food & Drink Business, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in August.

We start with an in-depth discussion on soft plastics recycling, looking at Amcor and Mondelez’s investment into Licella’s advanced recycling facility, and reviewing progress of the AFGC’s National Plastics Recycling Scheme, a kerbside solution that, once rolled out, will provide feedstock to the Licella facility. We also review insights from AFGC’s State of Industry report and discuss how challenges faced by the food manufacturing sector are reflected in the packaging sector’s recent round of FY23 results. We go on to discuss Pact’s sale of half its Crate Pooling business, and Orora’s $195m expansion of its canning operations.

In beverage related news we review the $3 billion merger of Beam and Frucor Suntory, to bring together 40 beverage brands under the new Suntory Oceania banner, and the packaging demand projected growth could create; and we assess the controversy surrounding Ashai/ CUB’s Hard Solo packaging. We wrap up by discussing APCO’s packaging forums inviting industry feedback on the proposed packaging reset (including Government mandates and regulations designed to cut waste and boost recycling) and end with the positive news that there’s ongoing investment in recycling infrastructure, like Visy’s upgrade to its advanced paper recycling facility.

Links:

Amcor, Mondelez invest in Licella’s advanced recycling facility

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-mondelez-invest-in-licella-s-advanced-recycling-facility 

AFGC report: Food and grocery value chain pain

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/afgc-report-food-and-grocery-value-chain-pain

Consumer bulk buying hits Amcor profits

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/consumer-bulk-buying-hits-amcor-profits

Pact to sell half of crate pooling business for $160m

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pact-to-sell-half-of-crate-pooling-business-for-160m

Orora cans expansion supported by Vic Govt

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-cans-expansion-supported-by-vic-govt

Beam & Frucor Suntory create $3bn beverage giant

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/beam-and-frucor-suntory-create-3bn-beverage-giant

Is Hard Solo’s livery designed to lure?

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/is-hard-solo-s-livery-designed-to-lure 

APCO invites input on packaging reset

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-invites-input-on-packaging-reset

Visy opens Australia's most advanced paper recycling facility

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-opens-australia-s-most-advanced-paper-recycling-facility 

------------------------------

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Tanya Barden, CEO of the Australian Food & Grocery Council, about the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS) which aims to recycle household post-consumer soft plastics. 

We get an insight into how the scheme was designed and launched to supply consumers with specialised bags to recycle their soft plastics through their existing kerbside bin collections. Tanya gives us an update on the progress of the scheme, outcomes from their household trials, and the next steps towards securing circularity in soft plastics.

The discussion also explores how the NPRS will support infrastructure development, the stakeholders involved in the delivery of the scheme, and how members of the packaging industry can get involved. 

LINKS:

Kerbside collection sees soft plastic uptake

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/kerbside-collection-sees-soft-plastic-uptake

AFGC supports Govt steps to boost recycling

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/afgc-supports-govt-steps-to-boost-recycling

Any manufacturers looking to highlight their environmental credentials and drive this project early are encouraged to get in touch with the team ([email protected]) to sign on. 

https://www.afgc.org.au/ 

------------------------------

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Boris Munster, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Oceania, about sustainable packaging leadership.

We get an insight into Boris’s previous experience and his current goals as MD. The discussion explores the regional differences in packaging, an update on the expansion of the saveBOARD beverage carton recycling , as well as Tetra Pak's sustainable products and expansion into other categories.

We wrap up with Boris extending an invitation for collaboration and innovation with Tetra Pak, to those in the industry.

LINKS:

Boris Munster appointed MD of Tetra Pak Oceania:

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/boris-munster-appointed-md-of-tetra-pak-oceania

Australia's first beverage carton recycling facility opens:

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/aus-first-beverage-carton-recycling-facility-opens

APR Kerbside and Tetra Pak install AI robot for waste:

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apr-kerbside-tetra-pak-install-ai-robot-for-waste

SaveBOARD to set up new facility in QLD:

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/saveboard-to-set-up-new-facility-in-qld

Rosella soup moves from cans to Tetra Recart:

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/food/rosella-soup-moves-from-cans-to-tetra-recart

------------------------------

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 - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Kim Berry, Editor of Food & Drink Business, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in July.

We discuss the increased adoption of aluminium cans, with the launch of high speed digital print for cans, the increased consumption of RTDs, and increased packaging efficiencies. We discuss further developments in plastics recycling in regards to policy, REDcycle and local recycling. We then wrap up by discussing the trends and innovations on display at foodpro 2023, with additional commentary from Pippa Haupt, journalist for Food & Drink Business.

Links:

Helio by Orora brings high-speed digital print to cans

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/helio-by-orora-brings-high-speed-digital-print-to-cans

Pernod Ricard opens fastest can+bottle combiline

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pernod-ricard-opens-fastest-can-bottle-combiline

AFGC supports Govt steps to boost recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/afgc-supports-govt-steps-to-boost-recycling

Soft plastics co-op to continue post-REDcycle

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/soft-plastics-co-op-to-continue-post-redcycle

Martogg’s 40kt plastic recycling plant close to kick-off

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/martogg-s-40kt-plastic-recycling-plant-close-to-kick-off

Food & Drink Business

www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/

foodpro 2023

www.foodproexh.com/foodpro-news/foodpro-2023-explore-whats-new-for-your-business/

------------------------------

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 - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Tim Grant of LifeCycles about securing sustainability in supply chains.

We get an insight into the Global Lifecycle Assessment Methods (GLAM) project hosted by the UN Environment Program, which aims to utilise a vast array of data points to provide an encompassing perspective of the benefits, impacts and damages associated with global production.  

The discussion explores the impending introduction of packaging legislation and the role that research plays in informing government policies. We also review the management of sustainability metrics in a circular economy, applications for life cycle assessment tools in packaging, and Australia’s progress in achieving sustainability and a circular economy. 

Lastly, we explore the factors involved in informing sustainability without displacing the environmental impact, whether sustainability is a priority for producers, and suggestions for improvement.

Links:

LifeCycles' website and LinkedIn page:

http://www.lifecycles.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/6439780

PIQET's website and LinkedIn page:

https://piqet.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/90451316/

Packaging waste legislation: Environment Ministers step in

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/packaging-waste-legislation-environment-ministers-step-in 

Want to catch up on more sustainability news?

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability 

------------------------------

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 - © 2023

In this regular monthly podcast, industry insiders Lindy Hughson and Kim Berry provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry.

We discuss the landmark move by Australia’s Environment Ministers to implement packaging waste legislation aimed to improve the circularity of packaging; the controversy around Absolut’s paper bottle; the entry of the Frugalpac paper bottle into the ANZ market; and the increased implementation of other paper-based packaging solutions, including Detpak’s new paper bag for Mitolo Family Farms potatoes. The discussion also explores US company PakTech’s entry into our market to manufacture, in partnership with Visy, the recyclable carry handles for multipacks made from rHDPE.

We look at Mars Petcare’s investment in two single-serve pouch manufacturing lines, and discuss social enterprise Thankyou’s ambitious global launch of its new ‘Consumerism Reimagined’ product range developed through its new global supply partner network. We wrap up by exploring Better Packaging Co’s bold statement in the form of a confronting plastic waste sculpture parked on Bondi Beach for World Environment Day.

LINKS:

Packaging waste legislation: Environment Ministers step in

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/packaging-waste-legislation-environment-ministers-step-in

Absolut's paper bottle trial sparks controversy

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/absolut-s-paper-bottle-trial-sparks-controversy

Frugalpac paper bottle makes ANZ debut

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/frugalpac-paper-bottle-makes-anz-debut

Mitolo spuds hit Coles stores in Detpak paper bag

www.packagingnews.com.au/food/mitolo-spuds-hit-coles-stores-in-detpak-paper-bag

PakTech enters Australia, partners with Visy

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/paktech-enters-australia-partners-with-visy

Mars Petcare invests $112.6m in pouch facility

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/mars-petcare-invests-112-6m-in-pouch-facility 

Thankyou 'reimagines consumerism' for global rollout

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/thankyou-reimagines-consumerism-for-global-rollout

Pile of plastic 'poop' parked on Bondi Beach

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pile-of-plastic-poop-parked-on-bondi-beach 

------------------------------

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 - © 2023