PKN Packaging News: The Podcast

Australia’s manufacturing sector is facing a new wave of disruption, with supply chain instability, rising costs and shrinking local capability, creating what Impact International managing director Aleks Lajovic describes as a “COVID 2.0” moment.Speaking with PKN in a one-on-one interview, Lajovic said the pressures currently impacting the plastics and packaging sector mirror the uncertainty experienced during the pandemic, but with a more fragile industrial base. The conversation follows Lajovic's comments in an article on the resin crisis published in PKN earlier this year, and his forthright opinion piece. Links:Resin crisis grips plastic packaging supplyhttps://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/resin-crisis-grips-plastic-packaging-supply Australia can’t afford to ignore the warning signshttps://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/australia-can-t-afford-to-ignore-the-warning-signs NOTE: This episode of the PKN Podcast was originally published as an Industry Update video on 23rd March 2026.------------------------------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]: Lindy HughsonPKN Packaging News - © 2026

In this special Year in Review episode, PKN Packaging News editor and publisher Lindy Hughson looks back at the big packaging stories of 2025.From the mega merger between Amcor and Berry, and Abbe Group’s acquisition of Oji Fibre Solution’s Australian operations, to the voluntary administration of Pro–Pac and the collapse of compostable disruptor Great Wrap, we unpack the market moves that reshaped the sector.Lindy also highlights major investments in local capability, including Suntory’s four hundred million dollar Swanbank beverage hub, new high–speed canning lines, Ego Pharmaceuticals’ long–term expansion and Jamestrong’s onshore aluminium casting line.On the policy front, we explore APCO’s decision to pause its proposed EPR fee model, the united industry call for mandatory national producer responsibility, and stalled global plastics treaty talks.Finally, we spotlight progress in circularity – from the launch of Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia and upgraded recycling infrastructure, to breakthrough technologies in glass, paper, metal and rigid plastics.Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] All referred stories can be found on the PKN Packaging News website:www.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 [email protected]: Lindy HughsonFacilitator: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Tony Ibbotson, Founder and Creative Director at The Creative Method, about key trends for packaging design for 2026 and beyond. ahead.We begin our discussion by reviewing the evolution of packaging design from surface level design to a strategic brand driver, and how digital media, storytelling, and authenticity are transforming packaging into a badge of identity and connection, with trust, intelligent disruption, and emotion as key design constants.The discussion goes on to explore The Creative Method’s top trends, from radical transparency and handmade aesthetics to circular design, augmented reality enabled storytelling, and adaptive brand systems, which have been supported by real world case studies like Hendrick’s Gin, Red Rooster, and St. Clair Wines.Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] The Creative Methodwww.thecreativemethod.com------------------------------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]: Lindy HughsonFacilitator: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

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 makingLinks:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] Abbe Group acquires Oji Fibre Solutions’ Australian operationswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/abbe-group-acquires-oji-fibre-solutions-australian-operationsJamestrong brings aluminium slug production homewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/jamestrong-brings-aluminium-slug-production-homeGreat Wrap enters administration with AU$39m debtwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/great-wrap-enters-administration-with-au-39m-debtPro-Pac Packaging enters VA, buyer soughtwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pro-pac-packaging-enters-va-buyer-soughtAmcor and Woolies bag circular gainswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-and-woolies-bag-circular-gainsCosta, Coles, Opal trial cardboard tomato packswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/costa-coles-opal-trial-cardboard-tomato-packsBonson’s reusable containers hit New World deliswww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/bonson-s-reusable-containers-hit-new-world-delisFrance proves reuse at scale, can Australia follow?www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/france-proves-reuse-at-scale-can-australia-followAvery Dennison unveils new RFID experience hubwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/avery-dennison-unveils-new-rfid-experience-hubOrora brings Helio to the brandswww.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/orora-brings-helio-to-the-brandsCoopers races ahead with Orora Heliowww.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/coopers-races-ahead-with-orora-helioPhantm launches AI tool to unlock packaging datawww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/phantm-launches-ai-tool-to-unlock-packaging-dataMonash turns food waste into compostable plasticwww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/monash-turns-food-waste-into-compostable-plasticC4C establishes Oceania's first single-serve aseptic facility for winewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/c4c-establishes-oceania-s-first-single-serve-aseptic-facility-for-wineQld's first solar RVM for container returnswww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/qld-s-first-solar-rvm-for-container-returnsUltra Labels and Hentley Farm win global awardwww.packagingnews.com.au/converting-and-printing/ultra-labels-and-hentley-farm-win-global-awardXXXX cans celebrate Qld's triple sporting triumphwww.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/xxxx-cans-celebrate-qld-s-triple-sporting-triumphBoxer & Co scores win at Sydney Design Awardswww.packagingnews.com.au/design/boxer-and-co-scores-win-at-sydney-design-awardsKoor refillable pack wins Good Design Awardwww.packagingnews.com.au/design/koor-refillable-pack-wins-good-design-awardTomKat, Sekisui sign supply agreementwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tomkat-sekisui-sign-supply-agreementTomKat opens equity raise to scale KoolPakwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tomkat-opens-equity-raise-to-scale-koolpakColes, Wirra Wirra join bottle weight pactwww.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/coles-wirra-wirra-join-bottle-weight-pact------------------------------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]: Lindy HughsonFacilitator: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder of TerraCycle and Loop, about implementing reuse at commercial scale.We begin our discussion by exploring why the Loop platform was launched, how it is operating at an industrial scale across 345 Carrefour stores in France, and why it is so successful in France. We also review the retailer's role in the system, and the importance of packaging reform and regulation in making reuse products viable. The discussion also gives us an insight into how consumer mindset shapes their behaviour in participation, and the upcoming markets that Loop are planning on entering.We wrap up assessing how policies can help implement reuse at scale, and how it could be implemented in Australia.Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] TerraCyclewww.terracycle.comFrance proves reuse at scale, can Australia follow?www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/france-proves-reuse-at-scale-can-australia-follow ------------------------------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]: Lindy HughsonFacilitator: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Mark Dingley, CEO of Matthews, about the evolution of the Matthews and Reynolds partnership.We begin our discussion by getting a history of the partnership, what prompted the new brand identity, and how it will enhance its capabilities in Australia and New Zealand. We get an insight into the new iteration of the IDSnet v5 package code and assurance platform, which will provide improved accuracy and compliance whilst addressing the growing demand for digital traceability and assurance in packaging. Mark shares how this collaboration will prepare retailers for 2D barcode implementation, the increased necessity for collaboration throughout the value chain, and how Matthews' knowledge base and academy is further preparing them for this evolution in packaging. We also discuss the trends seen in the market sectors in New Zealand and how manufacturers are responding to the rebrand.We wrap up by looking ahead to Matthews’ broader growth strategy that will drive innovation and trans-Tasman collaboration to provide customers long term stability and support.Links:Matthews brings NZ partner into the foldwww.packagingnews.com.au/coding-and-labelling/matthews-brings-nz-partner-into-the-fold2D Barcodes: Where to next?www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2d-barcodes-where-to-next------------------------------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]: Grant McHerronHost: Lindy HughsonProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

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 September.We begin our discussion by reviewing breakthrough recycling developments, as Samsara Eco launches Australia’s first enzymatic recycling plant and APR Chemcycle gains EPA approval for Victoria’s first chemical recycling facility. Cleanaway and Viva Energy’s large-scale feasibility study in Geelong adds further momentum to circular plastics innovation. We also explore new brand and packaging designs, with Uncle Tobys’ masterbrand refresh improving navigation on shelf, and Sydney’s nviro1 solving a long-standing recycling challenge through its mono-material PET closure. Brown Brothers also breaks new ground with Australia’s first aluminium Prosecco bottle, signalling shifting consumer perceptions of premium packaging.The episode wraps up with local manufacturing and policy updates, from Visy’s major Queensland investments, to the expansion of Container Deposit Schemes in NSW and SA, and Amcor and Woolworths’ collaboration on recycled bread bags, underscoring steady progress toward a more circular packaging economy.Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] Enzymatic recycling: Unlocking infinite plastic reusewww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/enzymatic-recycling-unlocking-infinite-plastic-reuseEPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcyclewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/epa-victoria-gives-green-light-to-apr-chemcycleCleanaway, Viva kick off circular plastics studywww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/cleanaway-viva-kick-off-circular-plastics-studyUncle Tobys unites under legacy masterbrandwww.packagingnews.com.au/design/uncle-tobys-unites-under-legacy-masterbrandnviro1 cracks PET cap recycling barrierwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/nviro1-cracks-pet-cap-recycling-barrierBrown Brothers launches aluminium Prosecco bottlewww.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/brown-brothers-launches-aluminium-prosecco-bottleVisy opens 100 roles at Yatala glass facilitywww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-opens-100-roles-at-yatala-glass-facilityVisy upgrades Brisbane mill for new box gradeswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-upgrades-brisbane-mill-for-new-box-gradesAmcor and Woolies bag circular gainswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-and-woolies-bag-circular-gains------------------------------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]: Lindy HughsonFacilitator: Grant McHerronEditor: Chris VisscherProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Grant McHerron to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in August.We begin our conversation by reviewing the push for a mandatory national coordinated producer responsibility scheme, we assess the increased momentum of soft plastics recycling in Australia, and explore the key takeouts from the Recycling Roundtable hosted by Visy and the Sydney Morning Herald. We also discuss investments with Orora’s launch of Helio which provides a new level of efficiency and sustainability for direct-to-can digital printing through Velox technology, and SIG which has launched a new recycle ready bag-in-box for wines made from Terra RecShield film. We wrap up by reviewing the FY25 results with solid gains for Orora, a shift in strategy for Amcor, and a difficult year for Close the Loop.Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] Industry groups urge federal action on packagingwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/industry-groups-urge-federal-action-on-packagingTreaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics actionwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-actionRecycling Roundtable: Local remanufacturing in focuswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/recycling-roundtable-local-remanufacturing-in-focusACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recyclingwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recyclingiQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholderswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholdersEPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcyclewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/epa-victoria-gives-green-light-to-apr-chemcycleOrora dials up innovation with direct-to-can decorationwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-dials-up-innovation-with-direct-to-can-decorationSIG launches recycle-ready bag-in-box for winewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/sig-launches-recycle-ready-bag-in-box-for-wineOrora’s packaging pivot delivers strong FY25 growthwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-s-packaging-pivot-delivers-strong-fy25-growthAmcor delivers solid FY25, eyes earnings lift in FY26www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-delivers-solid-fy25-eyes-earnings-lift-in-fy26CLG reports FY25 loss as strategy resetswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/clg-reports-fy25-loss-as-strategy-resets------------------------------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]: Lindy HughsonMC & co-host: Grant McHerronEditor: Chris VisscherProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Barry Cosier, co-CEO of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), about the organisation’s role in shaping a national soft plastics recycling scheme.The conversation begins with reflections on the recent open day at iQRenew’s SPEC facility, exploring how infrastructure like this underpins future recycling efforts and where gaps remain. Barry discusses SPSA’s role as a connector across the value chain, the challenges and lessons learned from past setbacks, and the significance of its newly appointed Stakeholder Advisory Council in bringing diverse expertise – from regulators and councils to recyclers and retailers – into the fold.The discussion also covers how SPSA plans to align collection with real recycling capacity, ensure transparency and accountability, and rebuild public trust in soft plastics recycling. Barry provides insight into the ACCC authorisation process, the balance between mechanical and advanced recycling technologies, and the varying levels of commitment from brand owners.We wrap up by looking at SPSA’s short- and long-term goals, and how industry stakeholders can play an active role in shaping a credible, end-to-end product stewardship model for soft plastics in Australia.Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholderswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholdersInaugural council to guide SPSA soft plastics schemewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/inaugural-council-to-guide-spsa-soft-plastics-schemeTreaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics actionwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-actioniQRenew secures $9.1m infrastructure funding boostwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-secures-9-1m-infrastructure-funding-boostACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recyclingwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recyclingSPSA seeks green light to activate national soft plastics schemewww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/spsa-seeks-green-light-to-activate-national-soft-plastics-scheme------------------------------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]: Grant McHerronHost: Lindy HughsonEditor: Chris VisscherProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Darren Thorpe, Managing Director of APR Plastics, about the company’s major investment in advanced recycling for soft plastics.The conversation begins with an overview of APR Plastics and its role within the APR group, before moving into the drivers behind the decision to invest in pyrolysis technology – a process that converts hard-to-recycle and multi-layer soft plastics into oil, creating a new feedstock for circular packaging solutions. Darren explains how this initiative supports Australia’s national packaging targets, the importance of the collaborative partnerships that complete the value chain, and the opportunities for scaling this technology further.We also explore the challenges recyclers face in the current global climate, the benefits for local manufacturing and job creation, and what advanced recycling could mean for the future of Australia’s soft plastics recycling capability. Darren wraps up with a call to action for brand owners, policymakers, and consumers to support circular solutions by ensuring a steady supply of recyclable soft plastics feedstock. Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] partnership to “revolutionise” hard-to-recycle plasticswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-partnership-to-revolutionise-hard-to-recycle-plasticsSoft plastics: Building a circular pathwww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/soft-plastics-building-a-circular-pathComing full circle: Recyclers speak outwww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/coming-full-circle-recyclers-speak-outAPR recognised for pushing boundaries in recyclingwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apr-recognised-for-pushing-boundaries-in-recycling$3.4 million in funding to new recycling projectswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/3-4-million-in-funding-to-new-recycling-projects------------------------------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]: Grant McHerronHost: Lindy HughsonEditor: Chris VisscherProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025