AUSPACK 2022, the southern hemisphere’s leading processing and packaging trade event, opened its doors to high expectations this morning, at the Melbourne expo centre.

The WorldStar 2022 Awards presentation, held on 4 May at Fiera Milano during the Ipack-Ima trade show, saw a record number of Australian and New Zealand packaging innovations recognised on this prestigious global stage. PKN was there.

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has today launched a new initiative designed to drive greater uptake of recycled materials in packaging, the Recycled Materials Pledge.

Visy has confirmed a $700 million investment in Queensland recycling and re-manufacturing, and plans to relocate its current glass re-manufacturing operations.

Global digital flexible packaging phenomenon ePac has opened its new $10m Australian site, the latest in its growing list of facilities it has built around the world in the last six years.

Global packaging giant Amcor achieved a 16 per cent growth in sales in the third quarter, although that was five per cent on a constant currency basis, as all its figures beat estimates.

The latest print issue of Machinery Matters, the APPMA’s regular supplement published in partnership with PKN and Food & Drink Business, has now hit desks, and is also available online in digital form.

The judging has been completed for the APPMA Awards of Excellence 2022, and out of a record field of entries across eight categories, the finalists have been selected.

In news that has rocked the Australian packaging industry, APCO CEO Brooke Donnelly is stepping down from the position at the end of July, after five years in the role.

Geelong-based national polymer manufacturer and distributor LyondellBasell Australia is being acquired by Viva Energy Group, which says the acquisition will be a key step in the development of its Energy Hub.

Nina Nguyen's cardboard packaging and printing business Pakko, which she founded in 2017, has won the national 2022 Telstra Best of Business Progressing Australia Award.

Australian material scientist Graeme Lang, pioneer and innovator in label technology, is to be honoured in May with the Global Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the World Packaging Organisation.

Woolworths is growing greener in South Australia as it launches new locally made compostable fruit and vegetable bags by Biobag, the first Australian state to do so.

PKN’s latest issue for 2022 brings you a comprehensive preview of what can be expected at the upcoming AUSPACK event, along with all the latest news in sustainable packaging, and special features on the dynamic active and intelligent packaging, beverage packaging, and labels and labelling sectors.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison opened his 2022 election campaign with a visit to East Coast Canning, a start-up mobile canning, printing, labelling and packaging business on the NSW south coast.

Pro-Pac Packaging (PPG) is selling its PB Packaging rigids business to US giant TricorBraun for $56m, saying the deal will enable it to focus on its core business, and allow it to invest in innovation and sustainability.