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In this episode, Lindy Hughson, managing editor and 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

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To find out more about sponsoring The PKN Podcast, contact Sharon Amos.

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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

Food & Drink Business

Family-owned chocolate maker, Haigh’s Chocolates, has opened its new $120 million production, warehouse and online fulfilment facility in South Australia, enabling the company to almost double its chocolate production.

Sydney Brewery says its acquisition of the brewing assets and long-term lease of the White Bay Brewing site in Rozelle, Sydney, will give the brewery capacity to launch new product lines and expand its bar presence.

Lark Distilling Co. has appointed Four Pillars Gin co-founder, Stuart Gregor, as its new managing director and CEO, taking effect from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Satya (Sash) Sharma, who is stepping down after being in the role since May 2023.