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

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Zaidee Jackson, the National Business Development Manager Sustainable Packaging at Ball & Doggett.

We kick off our discussion by celebrating some of Zaidee’s recent industry award recognition, including PKN's 2025 Women in Packaging Award for Communications & Marketing Excellence while also reflecting on how the industry resource Ecoporium, developed by Zaidee and her team, has evolved into a platform for education and networking that also helps maintain awareness of the latest sustainability initiatives and constantly changing governance frameworks. We also review the primary difficulties faced by customers keeping up with such changes, the complexity and additional resourcing required to meet sustainability targets, and Ball & Doggett's role as a converter to guide suppliers and brands into the right outcomes.

We wrap up by discussing APCO’s decision to pause on EPR fees and get some fun insights into the content that Zaidee is engaging with, then circle back to some favourite packaging on the shelves and what is in store for the year ahead.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

ecoporium by Ball & Doggett

ecoporium.com.au

PKN Women in Packaging Awards 2025: Winners announced

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/pkn-women-in-packaging-awards-2025-winners-announced

APCO shifts timeline on EPR: Here’s why

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-shifts-timeline-on-epr-here-s-why

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

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 Deputy Editor Jan Arreza and Senior Journalist Navan Kaur, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in June.

We kick off our discussion by celebrating our placement in the top 5 out of 20 packaging podcasts globally and catch up on some role changes on the PKN team. Looking at local events, we delve into the key moments and wins from the Women in Packaging Awards which enjoyed great support, representation, and turnout, as well as highlights from PacPrint and the National Print Awards. The conversation turns to Lindy’s European tour highlights, covering Worldstar Awards in Milan, Italian trade show IPACK-IMA – where paperisation and automation were the notable trends – and the K-2025 Preview in Dusseldorf, which pointed to the transformation of the plastics industry and the driving theme of sustainability. We get a detailed insight into Paques Biomaterials’ Caleyda product, a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer derived from organic waste; and we examine the factors behind the pause on APCO’s Extended Producer Responsibility fees. We also discuss a partnership In Australia involving APR Plastics and other partners, which aims to transform the recycling of hard-to-recycle soft plastics. The discussion also explores updates from Pact Group, with its delisting is underway, and its recent success with the passing of rigorous US FDA testing for its rHDPE resins to be used in recycled milk and juice bottles.

We wrap up by reviewing updates from East Coast Canning + Printing, which has increased the durability, design, and sustainability of its direct to can printing for craft brewers, with planned expansion into other beverage categories, as end on the positive news of Planet Ark’s exit from voluntary administration and its path forward.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

PKN Women in Packaging Awards 2025: Winners announced

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/pkn-women-in-packaging-awards-2025-winners-announced

Brenda Denbesten talks 'Packaging your Power'

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/brenda-denbesten-talks-packaging-your-power

Hall of Fame inductee, Nadia Taylor, on life and leadership

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/hall-of-fame-inductee-nadia-taylor-on-life-and-leadership

VIDEO: Women in Packaging Awards 2025 highlights

www.packagingnews.com.au/women-in-packaging1/video-women-in-packaging-awards-2025-highlights

Strong global turnout for IPACK-IMA 2025

www.packagingnews.com.au/ipack-ima/strong-global-turnout-for-ipack-ima-2025

Innovation inspiration from Italy's best packaging

www.packagingnews.com.au/design/innovation-inspiration-from-italy-s-best-packaging

ANZ packaging steps up at WorldStar Awards

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/anz-packaging-steps-up-at-worldstar-awards

K 2025 Preview: Plastics industry at a turning point

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/k-2025-preview-plastics-industry-at-a-turning-point

Paques Biomaterials unveils PHA breakthrough

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/paques-biomaterials-unveils-pha-breakthrough

K 2025 showcases plastics industry transformation in 7 days

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/k-2025-showcases-plastics-industry-transformation-in-7-days

K 2025 to trial scalable reusable cup system at show

www.packagingnews.com.au/k/k-2025-to-trial-scalable-reusable-cup-system-at-show

APCO shifts timeline on EPR: Here’s why

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-shifts-timeline-on-epr-here-s-why

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

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 April.

This month was quieter with the Easter break, which didn’t stop us from assessing the impacts of microplastics, packaging formats, and tackling food waste during a family holiday in Queensland. We then explore the misleading claims made by Clorox Australia, which is now facing greenwashing penalties due to falsely claiming their products being made from ‘ocean plastic’, and we review the newly released 2025 Sustainable Packaging Trends Report, from the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), which identifies the need for improving regulation, collaboration, circularity, innovation, and digital technologies to improve the circularity of packaging. The discussion moves on to Visy’s ‘Visycell’, a fibre-based, kerbside-recyclable insulation liner made from cardboard offcuts designed to replace expanded polystyrene (EPS). Visy’s New Zealand glass operation also achieved 70 per cent average recycled glass content in locally made bottles and jars in 2024.

We wrap up with a calendar update for May with plenty of upcoming industry events, including the Australasian Packaging Conference, PIDA Awards, HIVE Awards, and PacPrint.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

Clorox fined $8.25m for greenwashing on GLAD bags

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/clorox-fined-8-25m-for-greenwashing-on-glad-bags

FaBA report maps path to circular packaging for F&B sector

www.packagingnews.com.au/news/research-and-analysis/faba-report-maps-path-to-circular-packaging-for-fandb-sector

Visy trials fibre-based EPS alternative for food delivery

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-trials-fibre-based-eps-alternative-for-food-delivery

Visy NZ achieves 70% recycled glass in 2024

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-nz-achieves-70-recycled-glass-in-2024

Events

www.packagingnews.com.au/events/events-calendar

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

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