In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Senior Journalist Navan Kaur, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in September.
We begin our discussion by reviewing breakthrough recycling developments, as Samsara Eco launches Australia’s first enzymatic recycling plant, and APR Chemcycle gains EPA approval for Victoria’s first chemical recycling facility. Cleanaway and Viva Energy’s large-scale feasibility study in Geelong adds further momentum to circular plastics innovation.
We also explore new brand and packaging designs, with Uncle Tobys’ masterbrand refresh improving navigation on shelf, and Sydney’s nviro1 solving a long-standing recycling challenge through its mono-material PET closure.
Brown Brothers also breaks new ground with Australia’s first aluminium Prosecco bottle, signalling shifting consumer perceptions of premium packaging.
The episode wraps up with local manufacturing and policy updates, from Visy’s major Queensland investments, to the expansion of Container Deposit Schemes in NSW and SA, and Amcor and Woolworths’ collaboration on recycled bread bags, underscoring steady progress toward a more circular packaging economy.
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Enzymatic recycling: Unlocking infinite plastic reuse
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/enzymatic-recycling-unlocking-infinite-plastic-reuse
EPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcycle
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/epa-victoria-gives-green-light-to-apr-chemcycle
Cleanaway, Viva kick off circular plastics study
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/cleanaway-viva-kick-off-circular-plastics-study
Uncle Tobys unites under legacy masterbrand
www.packagingnews.com.au/design/uncle-tobys-unites-under-legacy-masterbrand
nviro1 cracks PET cap recycling barrier
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/nviro1-cracks-pet-cap-recycling-barrier
Brown Brothers launches aluminium Prosecco bottle
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/brown-brothers-launches-aluminium-prosecco-bottle
Visy opens 100 roles at Yatala glass facility
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-opens-100-roles-at-yatala-glass-facility
Visy upgrades Brisbane mill for new box grades
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-upgrades-brisbane-mill-for-new-box-grades
Amcor and Woolies bag circular gains
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-and-woolies-bag-circular-gains
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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.
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.
Host: Lindy Hughson
Facilitator: Grant McHerron
Editor: Chris Visscher
Producer: Steve Visscher
PKN Packaging News - © 2025
