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 - Trimatt

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

Enzymatic recycling: Unlocking infinite plastic reuse

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/enzymatic-recycling-unlocking-infinite-plastic-reuse

EPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcycle

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/epa-victoria-gives-green-light-to-apr-chemcycle

Cleanaway, Viva kick off circular plastics study

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/cleanaway-viva-kick-off-circular-plastics-study

Uncle Tobys unites under legacy masterbrand

www.packagingnews.com.au/design/uncle-tobys-unites-under-legacy-masterbrand

nviro1 cracks PET cap recycling barrier

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/nviro1-cracks-pet-cap-recycling-barrier

Brown Brothers launches aluminium Prosecco bottle

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/brown-brothers-launches-aluminium-prosecco-bottle

Visy opens 100 roles at Yatala glass facility

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-opens-100-roles-at-yatala-glass-facility

Visy upgrades Brisbane mill for new box grades

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-upgrades-brisbane-mill-for-new-box-grades

Amcor and Woolies bag circular gains

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 - Trimatt

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

Industry groups urge federal action on packaging

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/industry-groups-urge-federal-action-on-packaging

Treaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics action

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-action

Recycling Roundtable: Local remanufacturing in focus

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/recycling-roundtable-local-remanufacturing-in-focus

ACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recycling

iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholders

EPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcycle

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/epa-victoria-gives-green-light-to-apr-chemcycle

Orora dials up innovation with direct-to-can decoration

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-dials-up-innovation-with-direct-to-can-decoration

SIG launches recycle-ready bag-in-box for wine

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/sig-launches-recycle-ready-bag-in-box-for-wine

Orora’s packaging pivot delivers strong FY25 growth

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 - Trimatt

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

iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholders

Inaugural council to guide SPSA soft plastics scheme

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/inaugural-council-to-guide-spsa-soft-plastics-scheme

Treaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics action

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-action

iQRenew secures $9.1m infrastructure funding boost

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-secures-9-1m-infrastructure-funding-boost

ACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recycling

SPSA seeks green light to activate national soft plastics scheme

www.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...

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

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Fiona MacLeod, General Manager Strategic Retail at Visy, about introducing sustainable packaging solutions in Australia.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Fiona’s career, her recent win at the Women in Packaging Awards in the Manufacturing Leader category, and get an insight into how her experiences have shaped their leadership strategies. We dive into how Visy launched locally manufactured paper bags which could be curbside recycled, the importance that local production plays in achieving circularity, and the main challenges faced in Australia when rolling out new sustainability solutions. The discussion gives us insights into how Visy ensures that strategies get turned into results, fosters a culture of innovation, and Fiona’s experience as a woman working in the industry and the importance that representation plays in bringing diverse perspectives.

We wrap up by assessing the importance of mentoring as a leader, and look ahead for what’s coming up for Visy’s sustainable packaging pipeline.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

Visy

www.visy.com

National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO)

nawo.org.au

Women in Packaging 2025: Manufacturing Leader

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/women-in-packaging-2025-manufacturing-leader

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

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 Dr Elissa Foster, Head of Sustainability at Who Gives a Crap, about the challenges of sustainable packaging in multiple countries.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Elissa’s career, how Who Gives a Crap is reducing green house gas emissions, keeping forests intact, reducing water usage, and making sure their packaging is universally recyclable - whilst balancing design, marketing, and concessions that need to be made. We review how Who Gives a Crap educates their consumers about recycling, utilises APCO’s resources tools and portals, and how the feasibility of circular systems can be improved in Australia. The discussion also explores the rise in composting, the barriers faced incorporating sustainability into packaging initiatives, how government regulations can drive innovation, and how accessible transparency can help build trust with consumers.

We wrap up by looking ahead at what the next 5 years will look like for sustainable packaging in Australia, and get some advice for brand owners and packaging designers who are looking to improve the sustainability of their products.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

Who Gives a Crap

au.whogivesacrap.org

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

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

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2025