PKN’s latest print issue is hitting desks and landing in inboxes, bringing readers up to speed with the innovations, investments and strategic shifts shaping packaging across Australia and global markets in early 2026.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News Quarterly March 2026 issue is on its way to you in the mail and available online for your convenience.
FEATURES
This edition’s Cover Story explores how Opal has engineered a paper-based punnet and custom de-nester, demonstrating how fibre solutions can scale nationally as a viable alternative to plastic in fresh berry retail supply chains (page 14).
In FMCG Packaging, growing consumer scepticism, tighter regulation and evolving sustainability narratives are reshaping packaging strategies across fast-moving consumer goods (page 16). Meanwhile, packaging takes centre stage in Brownes Dairy’s launch of Füll+, a high-protein liquid meal designed to challenge traditional fast food formats (page 18).
Our Expo Report sees Dominique Huret highlight key innovation themes emerging from Paris Packaging Week, offering insight into technology directions and material trends influencing global packaging development (page 20).
In Sustainable Materials, fibre-based packaging’s strong presence at the 2026 WorldStar Awards signals a decisive shift in global innovation focus (page 22). Fonterra Oceania rolls out Amcor’s AmPrima recycle-ready flexible packaging across its shredded cheese portfolio in ANZ (page 24).
In Pack and Label Printing, Immij Print & Packaging accelerates its expansion into folding cartons through new equipment investments at its Melbourne and Sydney operations (page 28). At Close the Loop’s advanced recycling facility, an industry gathering showcased HP Indigo consumables’ circular loop and the growing momentum behind print-sector sustainability initiatives (page 30).
Ahead of interpack 2026, we review how Düsseldorf will once again become the global hub for the processing and packaging sector, with a strong Australasian presence expected among 2800 exhibitors and 142,000 visitors (page 32). Materials transformation has been identified by organisers as a central theme, with dedicated floorspace reflecting its strategic importance (page 34).
TNA Solutions will use the platform to demonstrate how food manufacturers can simplify operations amid labour shortages and rising costs (page 35), while Nupac outlines why the exhibition remains a critical innovation compass for Australian manufacturers (page 36). Cama Group will showcase automated secondary and tertiary packaging technologies focused on robotics, modularity and digital control (page 38). Tecma Aries, supported locally by FlexCAM, highlights new automation opportunities for the region’s manufacturers (page 39), and Heat and Control will present integrated technologies aimed at boosting snack production efficiency and reducing waste (page 40).
In Packaging & Processing Tech, Turck positions decentralised automation architectures as a practical response to the demand for smarter conveyor systems (page 42). J.L.Lennard’s Mahdokht Aghel explores how Floridia Cheese continues to balance tradition with technology in pursuit of efficiency and authenticity (page 44). Fibre King delivers a custom high-performance end-of-line packaging solution for a leading Victorian wine producer, designed to integrate into existing infrastructure (page 46).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…
In Industry Insight, we examine how packaging reform has entered a holding pattern, and why the cost of delayed action is increasing for industry stakeholders (page 12).
Tech Speak celebrates Australia’s strong performance in the 2026 WorldStar Student Awards, highlighting emerging talent shaping the future of packaging innovation (page 48).
And in What’s On, we round up the key industry events to mark on your calendar as the sector moves further into a busy year (page 50).
Finally, in News: Orora’s cans momentum powers robust first-half performance (page 6); Close the Loop Group posts growth supported by packaging demand (page 6); Amcor lifts earnings following its Berry integration (page 7); Tetra Pak advances paper-based aseptic barrier development (page 8); Labelmakers acquires selected Perfection Packaging assets (page 8); a buyer is confirmed for Pro-Pac Packaging (page 9); Packserv takes Australian machinery expertise to the US market (page 9); and Visy opens a new Packaging Hub in Tasmania (page 10).
Enjoy the read.
