In this episode, Lindy Hughson, managing editor and publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Wayne Robinson, associate editor of PKN and editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in March.
This month we review a number of interesting material developments, including the ‘paperisation’ trend in packaging, taking a closer look at Australia’s first recyclable and scalable paper bottle developed by Zipform Packaging, along with an update on innovative fibre-based packaging that has come to market from brands like Carmans and Cadbury.
The discussion expands to metal packaging, with Visy setting a new benchmark for recycled content in beverage cans, and NCI Packaging introducing digital metal decoration technologies.
And on the soft plastics front, we review innovation in flexible packaging to improve recyclability with monomer materials, Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia’s proposal to manage a national soft plastics recycling scheme for post consumer soft plastics, and recycling advances for industrial flexible packaging, with Fonterra participating in a new big bag recycling system developed by Circular Communities Australia.
We wrap up with further developments in reuse systems and a reminder that entries for the PKN Women in Packaging Awards for ANZ industry are open until 11th of April.
Links:
Sponsor - Trimatt
www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com
Zipform pioneers scalable, recyclable paper bottle
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/zipform-pioneers-scalable-recyclable-paper-bottle
Hive Awards: Best Packaging – who made the cut?
www.packagingnews.com.au/food/hive-awards-best-packaging-who-made-the-cut
Paper 'bottoms up' on Cadbury Drinking Chocolate
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/paper-bottoms-up-on-cadbury-drinking-chocolate
Visy unveils Aus-first 83% recycled content can
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-unveils-aus-first-83-recycled-content-can
NCI splashes out on digital metal decoration
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/nci-splashes-out-on-digital-metal-decoration
Amcor honoured with two flexible packaging awards
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/amcor-honoured-with-two-flexible-packaging-awards
SPSA seeks green light to activate national soft plastics scheme
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/spsa-seeks-green-light-to-activate-national-soft-plastics-scheme
Fonterra joins Australian big bag recovery program
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/fonterra-joins-australian-big-bag-recovery-program
Australia-first reusable cup system for cafes
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/australia-first-reusable-cup-system-for-cafes
Women in Packaging
https://pknwomeninpack.com.au/
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To find out more about sponsoring The PKN Podcast, contact Sharon Amos.
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The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.
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If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to editor@packagingnews.com.au.
MC: Grant McHerron
Host: Lindy Hughson
Editor: Chris Visscher
Producer: Steve Visscher
PKN Packaging News - © 2025
