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Australia's environment ministers have declared packaging reform urgent and named soft plastics as an initial priority, but offered no firm timetable or regulatory commitments. SPSA has welcomed the soft plastics focus, while Boomerang Alliance and WMRR have raised concerns about the lack of concrete action. Read more
Economic analysis commissioned by SPSA estimates national recycling reforms could deliver up to $278m in net productivity gains and stimulate up to $2.6b in capital investment each year.
A cross-sector open letter is urging national leaders to agree on a pathway for regulated producer responsibility schemes at the September Environment Ministers Meeting.
Colgate-Palmolive, Mars, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble and Unilever are the founding members of the PaperFlex Consortium, convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
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Aus Beverage Council adds voice to reform call
15 Sep 2026The Australian Beverages Council has joined calls for the Federal Government to reconsider its decision not to progress national packaging regulation during the current parliamentary term.
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Australian packaging research goes global
21 Sep 2026The AIP will mark the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September by highlighting how Australian research into Save Food Packaging is being translated into international practice.
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Why less packaging can mean more waste
21 Sep 2026Ahead of the seventh International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, Nerida Kelton and Kelly Mulholland say that food packaging should be judged by how well it protects food, preserves shelf life and prevents waste – not only by the material it uses.
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Boxer wins 4 x Gold at Sydney Design Awards
8 Sep 2026Boxer Brands has walked off with four Gold awards at the 2026 Sydney Design Awards for projects spanning brand creation, identity, and illustration across food, dairy and personal care categories.
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UPM brings barrier paper to labels
16 Sep 2026UPM Specialty Materials has extended its barrier paper technology to label face papers with the launch of UPM Asendo™ 80, a grease-resistant grade made without PFAS.
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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.
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PLAY PKN: Video Bulletin 18 September
18 Sep 2026In the news: Packaging Reform, Boomerang Alliance, APCO, SPSA, Pact Group, Nespresso, Detpak, PaperFlex Consortium
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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.
Mars ANZ has appointed Rita McComb and Mitch Maiers to senior commercial and category roles to strengthen retailer partnerships and support growth in its pet food business.
Australia's rendering industry has strengthened its sustainability credentials, with the ARA formally launching its first Sustainability Framework at the conclusion of its 18th International Symposium.
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has agreed to sell Seppelt to Stonier CEO and co-owner Aaron Drummond and partners, the latest step in its plan to cut its brand portfolio from 76 to fewer than 30. The deal includes the Seppelt brand, the Great Western winery and cellars, and the Drumborg vineyard. No price was disclosed.
