PKN talks... Soft Plastics: Building Trust, Driving Change.
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, managing editor and publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Barry Cosier, co-CEO of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), about the organisation’s role in shaping a national soft plastics recycling scheme.
The conversation begins with reflections on the recent open day at iQRenew’s SPEC facility, exploring how infrastructure like this underpins future recycling efforts and where gaps remain. Barry discusses SPSA’s role as a connector across the value chain, the challenges and lessons learned from past setbacks, and the significance of its newly appointed Stakeholder Advisory Council in bringing diverse expertise – from regulators and councils to recyclers and retailers – into the fold.
The discussion also covers how SPSA plans to align collection with real recycling capacity, ensure transparency and accountability, and rebuild public trust in soft plastics recycling. Barry provides insight into the ACCC authorisation process, the balance between mechanical and advanced recycling technologies, and the varying levels of commitment from brand owners.
We wrap up by looking at SPSA’s short- and long-term goals, and how industry stakeholders can play an active role in shaping a credible, end-to-end product stewardship model for soft plastics in Australia.
You can listen above or follow on your own podcast platform:
| 
| 
| 
To find out more about sponsoring The PKN Podcast, contact Sharon Amos.
Links:
Sponsor - Trimatt
www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com
iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholders
Inaugural council to guide SPSA soft plastics scheme
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/inaugural-council-to-guide-spsa-soft-plastics-scheme
Treaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics action
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-action
iQRenew secures $9.1m infrastructure funding boost
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-secures-9-1m-infrastructure-funding-boost
ACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recycling
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recycling
SPSA seeks green light to activate national soft plastics scheme
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/spsa-seeks-green-light-to-activate-national-soft-plastics-scheme
------------------------------
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
