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The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), in partnership with the National Retail Association (NRA), is providing a free webinar on the single-use plastic bans across Australia and New Zealand on 6 December.

With six state-based plastic bans in the last year, and more coming up as early as February, it is important for businesses to stay up-to-date with developments, especially as some of the future bans extend beyond takeaway food. 

Ebony Johnson from the NRA will be providing a dedicated session for AIP members and affiliates to provide a comprehensive update across all current and upcoming single-use plastic bans.

Johnson represents industry on multiple taskforces and committees, as well as managing many of the NRA’s business engagement programs. She works with governments across the ANZ region to deliver engagement and education programs to impacted stakeholders. 

This year alone, the NRA team have engaged over 100,000 retailers, suppliers and community organisations on single-use plastic bans and related sustainability programs. 

The NRA manage the National Plastics Ban hotline, visit hundreds of stores every day, and have detailed technical and commercial understanding of the ban implications for business.

As every plastic ban varies in definitions, rules and items in scope, this session will help AIP members and industry colleagues across the ANZ region to receive a timely update in one concise session. 

For more details or to book your place, click here.

Food & Drink Business

A sweet future

As the confectionery industry navigates rapid change – from shifting consumer expectations to sustainability pressures and evolving regulation – its enduring appeal of creating moments of joy, indulgence and connection remains unchanged. Australian Industry Group’s Wendy Larter reports from the 30th anniversary of the Australian confectionery industry’s flagship annual event ConTech2026. 

The federal government has agreed or agreed in principle to 15 of the 23 recommendations from the Food for Thought inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing, with its long-awaited response leaning heavily on existing programs including the National Reconstruction Fund, Industry Growth Program, and Feeding Australia strategy rather than committing new funding.

Three weeks after its official opening, the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub at Ourimbah is preparing to welcome its first tenants. Food & Drink Business toured the facility to see the production spaces, pilot plant, and training programs designed to grow the region’s $2 billion food and beverage manufacturing sector.