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 - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com

New partnership to “revolutionise” hard-to-recycle plastics

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-partnership-to-revolutionise-hard-to-recycle-plastics

Soft plastics: Building a circular path

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/soft-plastics-building-a-circular-path

Coming full circle: Recyclers speak out

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/coming-full-circle-recyclers-speak-out

APR recognised for pushing boundaries in recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apr-recognised-for-pushing-boundaries-in-recycling

$3.4 million in funding to new recycling projects

www.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 editor@packagingnews.com.au.

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2025

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Patrick Manley, CEO and co-founder of Cercle, about reusable systems for take away cups and food packaging.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Cercle’s history, how it is inserting itself as an accessible reusable coffee cup system for cafes, and the technologies involved in tracking and charging customers, which has seen a 99.8% return rate in workspaces. We review the sustainability impact of the reuse system, the metrics used to assess its success, and the end of life disposal. We get an insight into the business' key partners and challenges, the current reuse economy in Australia, and the plans for expansion moving forward.

We wrap up reviewing common misconceptions with reuse systems, and advice for other entrepreneurs entering the sustainability space.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com

Cercle

www.cercle.com.au

Cercle charts path to a reuse-first future

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/cercle-charts-path-to-a-reuse-first-future

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

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.

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN 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 July.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the increased investment into local packaging and manufacturing with the opening of Suntory Oceania’s filling and packaging facility in Queensland, Ego Pharmaceutical’s expansion of its Victorian operations, and Onpack’s continued investments and success in can printing. We move onto company news by assessing the factors behind Pact Group’s delisting from the ASX, how the Spicers and Papkot partnership will improve the sustainability of their packaging, and how Close the Loop’s appointment of Kesh Nair as CEO is aiming to simplify their structure and focus on growth. The discussion also explores regulatory updates, with the logistics behind APCO direction to remove Return to Store labels for REDcycle from packaging and the factors surrounding SA’s delay on the ban of non-compostable plastic stickers.

We wrap up by getting some in field experiences from CeMAT and ReGen which saw themes of circularity, compliance, digitalisation, and the need for real, scalable solutions.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com

Suntory Oceania opens smart, sustainable beverage hub

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/suntory-oceania-opens-smart-sustainable-beverage-hub

Ego powers up local production with $156m boost

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/ego-powers-up-local-production-with-156m-boost

Onpack delivers fast-turn custom cans for Rippl

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/onpack-delivers-fast-turn-custom-cans-for-rippl

Pact to delist from ASX next week

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pact-to-delist-from-asx-next-week

Spicers partners with Papkot on eco-packaging solutions

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/spicers-partners-with-papkot-on-eco-packaging-solutions

Close the Loop leadership change amid refocus

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/close-the-loop-leadership-change-amid-refocus

REDcycle & Return to Store labels must be removed

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/redcycle-and-return-to-store-labels-must-be-removed

SA delays plastic sticker ban on produce

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/sa-delays-plastic-sticker-ban-on-produce

CeMat