PKN talks... Advanced Recycling: Turning soft plastics into circular solutions.
In this episode, Lindy Hughson, managing editor and publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Darren Thorpe, managing director of APR Plastics, about the company’s major investment in advanced recycling for soft plastics.
The conversation begins with an overview of APR Plastics and its role within the APR group, before moving into the drivers behind the decision to invest in pyrolysis technology – a process that converts hard-to-recycle and multi-layer soft plastics into oil, creating a new feedstock for circular packaging solutions.
Darren explains how this initiative supports Australia’s national packaging targets, the importance of the collaborative partnerships that complete the value chain, and the opportunities for scaling this technology further.
We also explore the challenges recyclers face in the current global climate, the benefits for local manufacturing and job creation, and what advanced recycling could mean for the future of Australia’s soft plastics recycling capability.
Darren wraps up with a call to action for brand owners, policymakers, and consumers to support circular solutions by ensuring a steady supply of recyclable soft plastics feedstock.
You can listen above or follow on your own podcast platform:
| 
| 
| 
To find out more about sponsoring The PKN Podcast, contact Sharon Amos.
Links:
Sponsor - Trimatt
www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com
New partnership to “revolutionise” hard-to-recycle plastics
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-partnership-to-revolutionise-hard-to-recycle-plastics
Soft plastics: Building a circular path
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/soft-plastics-building-a-circular-path
Coming full circle: Recyclers speak out
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/coming-full-circle-recyclers-speak-out
APR recognised for pushing boundaries in recycling
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apr-recognised-for-pushing-boundaries-in-recycling
$3.4 million in funding to new recycling projects
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/3-4-million-in-funding-to-new-recycling-projects
------------------------------
The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.
The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.
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
