The 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards finalists have been announced, with this year’s shortlist spotlighting the innovations, materials and talent shaping the future of packaging across Australia and New Zealand – and setting the stage for a competitive run into the global WorldStar awards.

PulPac has signed Australian packaging company Zipform Packaging as a licensee of its Dry Molded Fiber technology, to accelerate the development of fibre-based solutions for food packaging applications.

Following a rigorous two-stage judging process, finalists in the 2026 Women in Packaging Awards have been selected, reflecting the depth of talent, leadership and innovation shaping Australasia’s packaging sector.

Australia’s plastic packaging industry bracing for prolonged disruption, as conflict in the Middle East continues to drive sharp increases in resin costs, freight rates and supply uncertainty.

ASX-listed Papyrus Australia is progressing towards commercialisation of a proprietary process that converts banana plantation waste into refined pulp for use across paper, board and packaging applications.

Following its acquisition of Oji Fibre Solutions in late 2025, Abbe has confirmed full integration of the business, positioning itself as a scaled, national alternative in the corrugated packaging market.

Visy has released independently verified lifecycle analysis results indicating its fibre-based insulation product, Visycell, delivers measurable environmental benefits compared with expanded polystyrene.

As construction progresses on its $500 million glass recycling and remanufacturing facility at Yatala in Queensland, Visy is ramping up efforts to prepare the workforce that will operate the site.

Perth-based materials company Uluu is set to scale production of its seaweed-based alternative to plastic packaging after securing $2.1 million through the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program.

At a time of heightened sensitivity around plastic resin supply, pricing volatility and import dependence, the government has launched new funding streams under the National Reconstruction Fund.

Australian packaging converters are continuing to adapt to ongoing volatility in global polymer markets, with a focus on material optimisation and supply resilience.

This year’s Best Packaging finalists in The Hive Awards showcase how innovation is reshaping performance, sustainability, and scalability across the food and beverage sector.

Orora has downgraded its FY26 earnings outlook for Saverglass, citing both direct operational disruption and broader market impacts stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Thrace Group has acquired 100 per cent of BHA Holdings Pty Ltd, which operates through Bulk Handling Australia and Bulk Handling New Zealand, strengthening its presence in Oceania.

Automation & Robotics Technology has been acquired by a consortium of investors including Foodmach, Packaging Partners, Rob Niggl, and Frank Floriano, former CEO of Aldus.

From fibre-based formats to premium gift tins, a PKN store check reveals how Easter chocolate packaging is evolving across Australian supermarkets and speciality chocolatiers.