PKN Packaging News delivers in-depth news and editorial coverage of Australia's packaging industry. The PKN Podcast is one part of our multi-media platform, which provides: the latest news; expert opinion and business advice; insightful reports on industry issues and trends; new products; the latest research and technology developments; and updates on sustainable packaging developments. Tune in for entertaining and informative interviews with industry leaders, change drivers and experts across all aspects of packaging.
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In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Wayne Robinson, Associate Editor of PKN and Editor of Print21, to discuss Lindy's recent globetrotting to attend a number of events at home and abroad, bringing you updates from the dynamic global packaging industry.
We begin by celebrating our 100th episode of PKN and we review the trends from the APCO awards which were hosted by Lindy and Wayne. The discussion also explores Lindy’s packaging expeditions with highlights from Tokyo Pack with the major theme being sustainability, PackExpo International in Chicago, which had a lot of machinery and material innovations on show, and key ideas emerging from the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam which also hosted the Sustainable Packaging Awards and, separately, the Smart Packaging Congress.
We wrap up with Lindy’s real-world comparison between international packaging trends and the products we see on our shelves in Australia.
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Wayne Robinson, Associate Editor of PKN and Editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in September.
We begin by reviewing Orora’s sale of OPS to focus solely on cans and bottles, giving it more opportunity to grow in premium spirit and wine categories, as well as continue to uphold its market lead in aluminium cans. In other beverage news, Suntory has started production at its +$400 million multi-beverage manufacturing facility in Queensland, which includes high-speed glass and canning lines. We also discuss BioPak’s launch of its new compostable Beer BioCup range for outdoor events, Diageo’s launch of its Johnnie Walker paper-based bottle trial, and Pact Group collaboration with Hilton Foods, Woolworths Group and Cleanaway to deliver a fully circular solution for meat trays and fruit and vegetable punnets made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Australia’s packaging regulatory reform continues to be a hot topic, and we provide insight into the webinar hosted by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), outlining a three-option framework for proposed reforms to the packaging system: strengthening the current co-regulatory framework, implementing national mandatory requirements, or establishing an extended producer responsibility scheme.
We wrap up by reviewing industry feedback on the DCCEEW webinar and explore the launch of the Labels and Packaging Coalition formed by the Visual Media Association (VMA), which aims to provide print industry technical expertise to inform government policy, targets and regulations.
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 April.
We unravel the recent developments concerning Qenos, an Australian plastic resin manufacturer, which has been placed in Voluntary Administration and closed its Botany manufacturing facility. We discuss the impact of this decision on the local packaging industry, highlighting concerns regarding resin standardisation, supply chain interruptions, and the setback to Australia's plastics circularity ambitions.
Shifting to broader industry updates, we examine the ongoing bid by Raphael Geminder to acquire full control of Pact and delist it from the ASX. Additionally, we explore the removal of tariffs on Australian wines by China and its implications for the packaging sector, particularly in boosting demand for glass bottles and labels. We also cover significant global mergers, such as the approved acquisition of WestRock by Smurfit Kappa, and notable acquisitions within the food packaging space, including BioPak's acquisition of Huskee. On the recycling front, we highlight Visy's achievements in increasing recycled content in glass packaging and Pact Group's efforts to recycle milk bottles, earning it recognition at the Chemistry Australia Industry Awards.
Wrapping up the discussion, we touch upon Australia's progress towards packaging sustainability targets, the upcoming Hive Awards, and the Women in Packaging awards, reflecting on the industry's commitment to innovation and positive change.
Great Wrap’s expansion into compostable pallet wrap
Episode 89
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 • Duration 19:50
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Julia Kay, co-creator and co-CEO of Great Wrap, about the company’s entrepreneurial journey to developing a compostable pallet wrap. The Melbourne start-up was inspired by Julia and her husband Jordy’s former careers in architecture and winemaking, which showed them the sheer impact that plastic pallet wrap has on the environment.
The discussion starts with an insight into the shift Great Wrap underwent from manufacturing home compostable cling wrap for household use on a small scale, to moving to a larger, more sustainable, and localised factory able to produce the industrial stretch wrap options now available in their range.
Julia adds insight into the challenges around selecting the right raw material to deliver the tensile strength required for pallet wrap, and the measures taken to ensure the products can be composted. Julia also shares her experiences showing the pallet wrap product at APPEX, and the feedback from attendees.
We wrap up with a mention of Great Wrap’s new c02 to PHA biorefinery, plans for international expansion, the growth in the team, and finally, some sage advice for entrepreneurs from Julia.
Great Wrap brings compostable pallet wrap to APPEX
March: Packaging News Unpacked
Episode 88
Thursday, April 4, 2024 • Duration 33:02
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 March.
We start the discussion with an overview of APPEX 2024, the largest processing and packaging trade show held in Australia, with a major focus on efficiency, automation, and sustainability. We get insights into industry people movements with APPMA chair Mark Dingley’s decision to step down from the Board, and the departure of Amcor’s CEO Ron Delia. The discussion also explores upcoming recycling projects with the launch of Arnott’s, Paco & UNSW recycling research program, and the diversion of 9,600 tonnes of materials from Victorian landfills following $3.4m in funding across six projects.
We also consider the concerns surrounding the speculative closure of Qenos's polymer manufacturing plants in Australia, as well as Raphael Geminder’s ongoing battle to take full control of Pact to delist it from the ASX. We wrap up by extending invitations for our Women in Packaging event and PIDA Awards, and we celebrate the packaging finalists from the Hive Awards.
Industry figure Mark Dingley steps down from APPMA Board
Making sustainable packaging information freely accessible globally
Episode 87
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • Duration 27:10
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and Vice President for Sustainability and Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), about educating companies in the design, production, and implementation of sustainable packaging.
We get an insight into what her role as the VP for the WPO entails, and the creation of the Global Packaging for Recycling Guide which is designed to be accessible, free and ensure the recycling of the entire container. Nerida gives us an update on the Save Food Packaging Guidelines which is pending release globally, which has resulted in collaboration with more WPO countries. We also get an overview of the results of PIDA with exciting results for ANZ at the WorldStar awards, with top 3 placement for the region overall, and with students bringing home golds and silvers for best of show awards.
The discussion also explores how the AIP has worked to make the Australian Recycling Label more accessible to SME’s, and how to properly conduct Life Cycle Assessments. We also get an insight into the broad reach of the institute with members in New Zealand and the Philippines.
We wrap up by discussing the AIP’s ongoing support of the PKN Women in Packaging forums, with increased growth in representation throughout the industry, and the importance of the new PKN Women in Packaging Awards programme to ensure that women in the industry are being recognised, supported, and celebrated.
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 February.
We unpack the context behind AMCOR’s 60% profit crunch and loss of 2000 jobs following post COVID destocking and decreased volumes of flexible and rigid packaging, as well as Orora’s record breaking boost in revenue for its canning operation and itsrecent purchase of Saverglass. The discussion also gives us an update to Close the Loop’s strong half year, and we review the current status and trial of soft plastics collection in supermarkets. We get an insight into Pro-Pac’s decreased sales in flexible and specialty packaging due to challenges with reduced consumer spending, post COVID destocking, and decreased agricultural volumes. As well as Pact’s decrease in revenue caused by reduced demand in Australian, New Zealand, and Chinese markets, and get an update on the recent take over bid by Raphael Geminder.
We also review IVE’s investment into a $150m-a-year folding carton operation, and the opening of Visy’s $50m upgrade to its glass recycling facility and launch of its heavyweight retail paper bag. The discussion also explores Spicer's acquisition of Signet, the partnership between Jet and Actega to provide improved sustainable packaging solutions to ANZ, and gives a sneak peak into the IPPO forum at APPEX.
We wrap up by discussing Mondelez and Amcor’s deal to increase the recycled content of Cadbury’s chocolate wrappers to 50%, Frugalpac’s paper bottle production coming to Australia, and mourn the loss of Robert Becher who was the Managing Director of Inox and a director on the APPMA Board.
Talking sustainability at APPEX with ecoporium by Ball & Doggett
Episode 85
Sunday, March 3, 2024 • Duration 20:36
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Zaidee Jackson, National Business Development Manager of Sustainable Packaging for Ball & Doggett, about its ecoporium sustainable packaging resource.
We get an overview of how the ecoporium platform is educating the industry in best adopting sustainable packaging, and its upcoming live presentations at APPEX consisting of 14 speakers who will be discussing the sustainability aspects of design, printing, converting, and manufacturing. We get a sneak peak into upcoming sessions, which among other things will cover the important role that suppliers play in guiding brand owners, printers, and suppliers to achieve their sustainability initiatives, whilst ensuring that the material is still fit for purpose, and that the companies involved are prepared to adopt it.
The discussion wraps up with Zaidee giving us an insight into what they’re looking forward to at APPEX, including displaying their fibre-based stand, presenting their team, seeing the new innovations on display, and joining and contributing to panels.
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.
Building the dream: How Planet Protector attracted impact investors
Episode 84
Sunday, February 25, 2024 • Duration 24:52
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Joanne Howarth, founder and CEO of Planet Protector Group, about the company’s goals to scale up current manufacturing operations for its sustainable multiple award-winning Woolpack insulated packaging solution, create a vertically integrated operation on shore, and expand to other markets.
We start off by discussing how Planet Protector spent 15 months closing a $12m Series A capital raise, with challenges including current market conditions and the market's lack of support for female founders. Joanne gives us an insight into the investors, the company’s intentions to expand into South East Asia, and the collaboration from the Victorian State Government. We also do a deep dive into how Woolpack is recovering waste wool from going to landfill, what makes wool such an effective insulator, and the timeline for the new manufacturing facility to come on stream in Altona North, Victoria.
The discussion also explores the level of involvement of the investors, the importance of value aligned investors, and Planet Protector’s ambitions to expand to India. Joanne gives us a detailed overview of the company’s intentions in India to establish a pilot facility to, in part, supply a large retailer who faces $5bn in wastage due to not having refrigerated transport. We also review other fibres that Planet Protector is investigating for packaging and insulation solutions and reducing landfill. We wrap up by getting some valuable tips for those interested in starting a business with revolutionary ideas.
Partnering for packaging change: Planet Ark & Uber Eats
Episode 83
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 • Duration 20:01
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Rebecca Gilling, CEO and Executive Director of Planet Ark, about its new $13m partnership with Uber Eats to drive a shift to sustainable packaging in the food service sector.
We discuss why Uber Eats engaged Planet Ark in its quest to give the 50,000+ restaurants on its platform access to sustainable packaging options; the framework developed by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures; and how the $13 million funding from Uber Eats will be used to educate and incentivise SMEs in food service to make the switch to sustainable packaging. We review the obstacles businesses may face adopting new packaging, the importance of clear recycling labels for consumers, and the shortcomings of our current compostable solutions.
The discussion also explores Planet Ark’s position on government intervention in sustainable packaging mandates; its role in printer cartridge recycling with Close the Loop that has seen the development TonerPlas technology – made from combining recycled printer cartridges and recycled soft plastic waste – and used as an extender in asphalt roads; and finally we wrap up the conversation by reviewing Planet Ark’s release of its second report on circularity in Australian 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 editor@packagingnews.com.au.
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 editor@packagingnews.com.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 editor@packagingnews.com.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 editor@packagingnews.com.au.
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