Read more
Tetra Pak is progressing the commercialisation of an ice cream wrapper made from up to 85% paper, with European producer trials under way ahead of a phased rollout beginning in Q4 2026. Read more
A new Australian research centre has been launched at Monash University to lead a five-year, $11m initiative developing fibre-based alternatives to single-use plastics and addressing the material performance, manufacturing and recycling challenges involved in commercial adoption.
Pirate Life’s Nitro Draught Stout uses Ball’s fixed-widget cans for a tap-style pour with a creamy head. The cans are imported exclusively by Orora Cans and digitally decorated on its Helio printing line.
Opal has sold its Australian and New Zealand bag manufacturing business to an affiliate of The Magan Group, with no production interruptions expected during the transition.
Read more
MCC Label Asia Pacific produces BAIE labels
8 Oct 2026MCC Label Asia Pacific has produced a refreshed label design for BAIE Wines, using digital printing on Tintoretto Gesso stock with hot foil, deboss and high build gloss screen finishes.
Read more
Amcor develops flip-top closure for Choví sauces
6 Oct 2026Amcor has developed a bespoke two-colour flip-top closure for Spanish sauce brand Choví, incorporating a silicone valve to control sauce flow.
Read more
Opal explores biogas at Maryvale Mill
24 Sep 2026A new feasibility study has highlighted an opportunity to produce renewable bio-energy at Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill in Gippsland, marking a step toward more sustainable manufacturing.
Read more
Popit recycling system wins Good Design gold
7 Oct 2026Popit Recycling’s milk bottle recycling system has won Gold for Engineering Design at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, recognising its approach to food-grade HDPE recycling.
Read more
Japan sets flexible film recycling test protocol
8 Oct 2026The artience Group subsidiary Toyo Ink and DIC will showcase a new protocol for assessing flexible packaging recyclability at Tokyo Pack 2026, introducing common tests for ink removal and film separation.
Read more
Flexibility drives machinery investment
16 Sep 2026PMMI’s 2026 State of the Industry Report identifies flexibility, automation, workforce constraints and emerging AI applications as major influences on machinery investment. The operational pressures the US market- based report describes have clear relevance for Australian manufacturers.
Read more
PLAY PKN: Video Bulletin 9 October
9 Oct 2026In the news: SMaRT-Pack, Pirate Life, Orora, Opal, Reckitt, Finish, Mondi, Popit, Wild Turkey, Creative Method, MCC, Tokyo Pack
Read more
PKN Podcast Ep 124: 2025 Year in Review
1 Dec 2025In this special Year in Review episode, PKN publisher Lindy Hughson and co-host Grant McHerron look back at the big packaging stories of 2025.
Ballarat confectionery and snack bar maker, Ferndale Foods Australia, will install a $3 million packing line in early 2027 to lift mint capacity fivefold, as its JILA brand launches into 16,500 stores in South Korea.
Western Star has reached 100 with a narrow butter and spreads focus, a single regional factory and a new French owner. Its marketing team says the brand’s market position has never been stronger, even as cheaper imported dairy pushes onto supermarket shelves.
The Federal Court has allowed Noot Drinks Co to rely on expert reports from a drinks industry professional in Bickford’s trademark infringement case over the word ‘Spritz’.
