Australia's peak paper industry association has rebranded as the Australasian Paper and Packaging Industry Association (APPIA), reflecting what it says is the growing importance of fibre-based packaging across Australia and New Zealand.
Formerly known as the Australasian Paper Industry Association (APIA), the organisation says the new identity recognises the evolution of the sector, including the growth of fibre-based packaging, increasing regulatory requirements and a broader membership spanning the paper and packaging supply chain.
Executive director Kellie Northwood said the rebrand reflects the association's evolution into a broader representative body for the paper and fibre-based packaging sectors. She said members could expect a stronger focus on fibre-based packaging, expanded technical guidance, increased engagement with government and regulators, and broader representation across the paper and packaging value chain.
“The transition to APPIA is more than a name change – it reflects the evolution of the industry we represent today,” Northwood told PKN.
According to APPIA, fibre-based packaging categories in Australia have grown by more than 50 per cent over the past decade, driven by increasing demand for recyclable and renewable packaging formats. Northwood said the association's position is supported by Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation market data and broader industry analysis.
The association's membership now extends beyond paper manufacturers to include international mills, packaging converters, fibreboard substrate suppliers, merchants, recyclers and other businesses across the fibre supply chain.
Northwood said APPIA's priorities would continue to centre on advocacy, regulatory advice, environmental stewardship and supporting members as they navigate an increasingly complex policy environment.
She said one of the association's immediate priorities would be ensuring packaging policy recognises the different technical characteristics and environmental performance of different materials.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to packaging regulation,” she said.
“Fibre, plastics, metals and glass each require their own evidence-based policy settings.”
APPIA said it will continue its advocacy work with governments and industry bodies, including the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, where it now holds a seat on the Materials Stewardship Committee.
Chairman Craig Brown, managing director of Sappi Australia, said the expanded identity better reflected today's fibre manufacturing and packaging sector.
“The industry has transformed significantly over the past decade, particularly through the growth of fibre-based packaging and the increased focus on circularity and responsible resource use,” Brown said.
“The new APPIA identity provides a stronger and more representative platform for advocacy, collaboration and technical leadership across the broader paper and packaging supply chain.”
As part of the transition, APPIA will launch a new website in the coming months featuring technical guidance, regulatory updates and compliance resources for members.
Northwood said the success of the transition would ultimately be measured by the association's impact rather than its new name.
“Success will not be measured by the name change itself,” she said.
“It will be measured by whether APPIA has helped deliver better policy outcomes, stronger collaboration across the industry, greater investment in Australian manufacturing, improved environmental outcomes and a more influential voice for fibre-based packaging within government.”
