At the 2025 Australasian Packaging Conference, attendees were treated to a unique presentation titled Packaging Voices: Global Innovation Snapshots from IPPO, delivered by Lindy Hughson, president of the International Packaging Press Organisation (IPPO) and publisher of PKN Packaging News. The session brought together a curated series of video insights from packaging journalists across the globe, each highlighting a key innovation in their market.
Through this format, the presentation underscored not only the diversity of sustainable packaging developments worldwide but also the shared challenges being addressed through design, material innovation, and circular thinking.
A global scan of packaging progress
The session opened with contributions from India and South Africa, where flexible packaging remains dominant. Naresh Khanna of Packaging South Asia explored how bi-laminate structures are offering affordable, recyclable solutions with sufficient barrier performance for mass-market food products. From South Africa, Packaging & Print Media’s Anton Pretorius spotlighted a recyclable polyethylene flow wrap for fresh produce, backed by MAP technology to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
In the fibre-based space, Packaging Digest’s Lisa Pierce reported on battery brands transitioning to all-paper packaging, aligning sustainability with shelf appeal and merchandising functionality. Adding to this was Pack News Sweden’s Bo Wallteg, who shared developments from Paboco’s paper bottle project and Blue Ocean Closure’s recyclable fibre caps – innovations now gaining traction in the Australian market too.
To highlight local efforts, Hughson presented Australia’s own entry into the paper bottle arena through Zipform Packaging, recently covered in PKN.
The shift to ecommerce and right-sized packaging was represented by Cory Connors (USA), known for his work across social media and the Sustainable Packaging Podcast, who discussed paper roll packaging that can be adapted to product size, reducing excess material. Fellow American Adam Peek highlighted carbon offset initiatives like Print Relief, which uses tree planting to mitigate packaging’s environmental impact – with parallels to Australia’s Impact International forest program.
Driving reuse and recycling innovation
As reuse systems gain traction, Erik Kruisselbrink (Netherlands) presented a returnable tray system influenced by Europe’s PPWR, while Dominique Huret (Belgium) shared a reusable personal care packaging initiative driven by France’s SUP Directive. Both examples reflect the regulatory pressure and infrastructure focus needed to scale such systems.
Recycling efforts were covered by Turkey’s Aslihan Arikan, who showcased collaborative innovation between industry and academia. Her message echoed initiatives heard at the conference, including work by Australian researchers Dr Ruby Chan and Mel Nguyen.
The final contribution came from Brazil’s Liliam Benzi, who brought a designer’s lens to the fore with packaging inspired by architecture – a reminder of the emotional and aesthetic value packaging can deliver alongside sustainability.
A call to share and connect
Closing the session, Hughson encouraged attendees to connect with any of the featured IPPO journalists to deepen knowledge exchange across markets. “Let’s keep doing the work, and sharing the knowledge, so that we can make informed decisions and unite as we strive towards packaging circularity,” she concluded.
▶ Watch the full IPPO Packaging Voices video here:
