Queensland-based Bundaberg Sugar has installed an advanced Fawema packaging machine from JL Lennard, planned to be filling bags from 500 grams to three kilograms, and enabling the sugar manufacturer to embrace paper bags as a sustainable option for the business.
The Fawema machine will deliver flexibility, focusing on the high-demand one- and two-kilogram formats, while also accommodating the less common 500-gram and three-kilogram packs.
The company said this versatility is expected to boost operational speed, reduce packaging waste, and maximise shelf space –a win-win for Bundaberg Sugar and its retail partners.
“We’ve always seen sustainability not just as a responsibility, but as a chance to innovate,” said Giuseppe Barazza, general manager of operations and sustainability at Bundaberg Sugar. “Switching from plastic to paper bags reflects our ongoing commitment to recyclability and responsible packaging. It’s about closing the loop for our customers and the environment.”
“Plastic bags once seemed convenient and environmentally sound, but the reality of soft plastic recycling in Australia prompted us to rethink. Paper bags are easier for consumers to recycle kerbside, reducing waste and supporting APCO’s circular economy vision. It’s a strategic choice that balances responsibility with practicality.”
Bundaberg Sugar has been stirring Australia’s sugar story for over a century. What started as a humble cane mill has grown into one of the nation’s most recognised sugar brands – always evolving, always looking ahead.
With three decades of hands-on experience – working from the processing floor to packaging operations – Barazza knows every facet of the business and brings a deep commitment to sustainable practices.
And JL Lennard has been a key partner in this journey. For more than 10 years, Bundaberg Sugar and JL Lennard have worked side by side, merging industry know-how with cutting-edge machinery solutions.
“Our relationship with JL Lennard goes beyond supplier and customer,” Giuseppe explained. “It’s built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision. They understand our challenges and consistently provide solutions that keep us ahead in packaging innovation."
Looking ahead, Barazza emphasised that packaging innovation is ongoing.
“The industry is dynamic. Chemical recycling for plastics is on the horizon, and in five to ten years, we might see a return to recyclable plastic packaging. For now, our focus is making the paper bag transition smooth and effective,” he said.
Bundaberg Sugar’s story shows that legacy businesses can lead in environmental responsibility, while sustaining commercial success.
According to Barazza, its collaboration with JL Lennard and Fawema machinery reflects a shared commitment to smart, sustainable packaging solutions – keeping both the planet and the consumer in mind.
“This partnership is about more than business. It’s a true collaboration focused on long-term success,” he continued. “Sustainability isn’t a trend – it’s part of who we are. By blending tradition with innovation, we’re ensuring Bundaberg Sugar remains a trusted, forward-thinking brand for generations to come."
