• PKN Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson and Food & Drink Business Editor Kim Berry
    PKN Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson and Food & Drink Business Editor Kim Berry
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In this regular monthly podcast, industry insiders Lindy Hughson and Kim Berry provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry.


Covering news from June, we discuss the landmark move by Australia’s Environment Ministers to implement packaging waste legislation aimed to improve the circularity of packaging; the controversy around Absolut’s paper bottle; the entry of the Frugalpac paper bottle into the ANZ market; and the increased implementation of other paper-based packaging solutions, including Detpak’s new paper bag for Mitolo Family Farms potatoes. The discussion also explores US company PakTech’s entry into our market to manufacture, in partnership with Visy, the recyclable carry handles for multipacks made from rHDPE.

We look at Mars Petcare’s investment in two single-serve pouch manufacturing lines, and discuss social enterprise Thankyou’s ambitious global launch of its new ‘Consumerism Reimagined’ product range developed through its new global supply partner network. We wrap up by exploring Better Packaging Co’s bold statement in the form of a confronting plastic waste sculpture parked on Bondi Beach for World Environment Day.

LINKS:
Packaging waste legislation: Environment Ministers step in
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/packaging-waste-legislation-environment-ministers-step-in

Absolut's paper bottle trial sparks controversy
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/absolut-s-paper-bottle-trial-sparks-controversy

Frugalpac paper bottle makes ANZ debut
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/frugalpac-paper-bottle-makes-anz-debut

Mitolo spuds hit Coles stores in Detpak paper bag
www.packagingnews.com.au/food/mitolo-spuds-hit-coles-stores-in-detpak-paper-bag

PakTech enters Australia, partners with Visy
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/paktech-enters-australia-partners-with-visy

Mars Petcare invests $112.6m in pouch facility
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/mars-petcare-invests-112-6m-in-pouch-facility 

Thankyou 'reimagines consumerism' for global rollout
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/thankyou-reimagines-consumerism-for-global-rollout

Pile of plastic 'poop' parked on Bondi Beach
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pile-of-plastic-poop-parked-on-bondi-beach 

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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 - © 2023

Food & Drink Business

Three Australian companies have been recognised at the 2025 Top Shelf Awards, honouring the winners from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits and Ready to Drink Competitions – Burdekin Rum, Callington Mill, and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic.

Inghams Group has reaffirmed its FY26 earnings guidance despite higher-than-expected operational costs across its Australian operations. The poultry producer expects underlying EBITDA pre-AASB 16 to be between $215 million and $230 million.

Diageo has appointed Dave Lewis as its next CEO and executive director, as the global drinks company grapples with debt, US tariffs, and consumers’ drinking less alcohol. He starts on 1 January 2026.