PKN's March-April print issue is out, packed with latest news and analysis, with special features covering sustainability, technology, innovation and design. It also includes our exclusive Machinery Matters supplement.
The latest issue is on its way to subscribers in the mail, but if you can't wait – especially if you're currently in a work from home situation due to the coronavirus shut-down – the digital version is available here.
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
There have been big developments in the sustainability space in recent weeks. We provide in-depth coverage of the inaugural National Plastics Forum, take a closer look at what the ANZPAC Plastics Pact means for our market, and share our one-on-one interview with Tom Szaky, founder of circular economy packaging project Loop, which is launching in Australia next year in partnership with Woolworths. And Michael Zacka of Amcor shares insights on the shifting packaging landscape and the circular economy following participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
INTERPACK PREVIEW
At the time of going to print, global mega trade show interpack had not yet been postponed, although there was a foreshadowing of the inevitable. PKN went ahead with our interpack preview feature regardless, with the view that the transformative technology we featured is highly relevant and interesting to our audience, even more so if a physical showcase is being postponed. See page 36 onwards for our round-up of Australian exhibitors (now due to exhibit at interpack in February 2021).
BEVERAGE PACKAGING
This feature kicks off with editor Ian Ackerman's article entitled Sea Change on page 46, which delves into the response from beverage packaging producers to the shifting consumer sentiment around beverage packaging that sees them making new investments in recycling facilities and innovating new ways of packaging drinks.
Featured on this issue's cover, Ecolean makes a strong argument for using lightweight plastic packaging for beverages and liquid food products, especially when taking a life-cycle view. Read more on page 48.
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION
With bushfire disaster recovery still top of mind, we hear from Universal Robots how collaborative robots (cobots) can assist in rebuilding the economy. Read more on page 52.
CODING & MARKING
We take a look at the new Track & Connect coding system introduced by food manufacturer Danone for its infant formula products, and also at Woolworths' trial of a new data-embedded 2D code in partnership with Matthews and GS1. Read more on page 54
And that's just the highlights, there is plenty more engaging content in our News, Design, Machinery Matters, Supplier Spotlight, and Product Watch sections. Page through this issue for yourself here or download the PDF to your desktop here.
