PKN’s latest print issue is hitting desks around the country, packed with news on the latest industry developments and in-depth features spanning food packaging, converting & printing, labels & labelling, packaging technology, sustainability, and more.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News September-October 2025 issue is on its way to you in the mail and available online for your convenience.
FEATURES
In our Cover Story, we look at how fibre-based packaging is setting the pace for sustainable solutions, offering the strength, versatility and appeal needed to replace traditional plastic formats. PKN takes a closer look at Detpak’s role in driving this shift, exploring how innovation in fibre-based packaging is helping brands meet environmental expectations and consumer demand for responsible alternatives (page 20).
In Sustainability, we speak with Dr Elissa Foster, head of Sustainability at purpose-led toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap, to uncover the strategy behind the company’s packaging choices (page 14). The section also examines the ACCC’s Draft Determination endorsement of the SPSA’s recycling scheme, a move that will shape Australia’s capacity and infrastructure for soft plastics recycling (page 16); and SIG’s new recycle-ready bag-in-box for wine, developed in partnership with major local wineries at its Adelaide facility, demonstrates how local innovation is advancing sustainable packaging solutions (page 18).
In Food Packaging, Nestlé has unveiled a complete redesign of the Uncle Tobys core ready-to-eat cereal range, the first coordinated packaging change in two decades, with the new look rolling out in stores from September (page 22). Meanwhile, in the UK, Fairfields Farm has expanded production with an automated snack food packaging system from Ishida, supplied by Heat and Control, highlighting the role of automation in boosting efficiency and consistency across food packaging operations (page 24).
In Converting & Printing, Orora’s new high-speed digital direct-to-can printing system, Helio, has produced its first cans at the Dandenong facility, showcasing rapid, high-quality printing capabilities (page 28). Melbourne-based innovator Onpack is delivering a sustainable, fast-turnaround packaging solution, merging high-quality digital printing with fully recyclable aluminium cans (page 28). RollsPack Group has expanded its footprint in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of a flexible packaging manufacturing facility in Huai’an, China, reinforcing the strategic growth of Australian packaging expertise abroad (page 30).
Then in Labels & Labelling, we examine the growing permanence of 2D barcodes, noting that their success will require collaboration, investment and change management across the supply chain (page 32). Epson has launched the next-generation Surepress label press, while Henkel has developed an adhesive aimed at boosting PET recycling (page 34); and Chris Ellison, MD of OPM Labels and Packaging Group, reflects on the transformation underway in the global flexible packaging market, providing insight into what these changes mean for label printers worldwide (page 36).
In our CeMAT Report, APPMA’s Processing & Packaging Pavilion, combined with the forums it co-ordinated, contributed to the success of CeMAT Australia 2025, highlighting industry collaboration and innovation (page 42). PKN also brings readers snapshots from the CeMAT show floor, showcasing the latest in process and packaging technology (page 44).
In Smart Packaging, the AIPIA & AWA World Congress 2025 delivered a packed two-day programme, with brand owners, solution providers and innovators showcasing how smart packaging is moving from concept to commercial reality. Andrew Manly reports for PKN on the trends, technologies and insights that are shaping the future of intelligent packaging solutions (page 46).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…
As always, rounding out the issue are our regular sections: Industry Insight takes a closer look at Australia’s position amid global plastics negotiations, noting that while UN talks to deliver a legally binding treaty have ended in deadlock, the nation remains aligned with the High Ambition Coalition and is progressing domestic recycling infrastructure and circular economy policy, although decisive action on packaging reform remains stalled. Lindy Hughson provides the analysis (page 12). she also share her thoughts on actions being taken in the market in her Comment (page 3)
Tech Speak highlights a new international position paper that examines the delicate balance between reducing food loss and waste while meeting packaging sustainability targets, a paradox that demands careful design, innovation and global collaboration (page 48).
And in What’s On, we flag upcoming industry events to mark on your calendar, including a focus on the global packaging industry uniting in Utrecht (page 50).
And finally, in News: Amcor posts milestone FY25 results and eyes strong FY26 (page 6); Orora’s packaging pivot delivers solid FY25 growth (page 6); Visy's recycling roundtable puts local remanufacturing in focus (page 7); BioPak buys Bygreen, expanding its eco packaging range (page 8); EPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcycle (page 8); iQRenew secures $9.1m funding boost (page 8); and iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders (page 10).
Enjoy the read.
