PKN Podcast Ep 124: 2025 Year in Review

By Lindy Hughson | 1 December 2025

In this special Year in Review episode, PKN publisher Lindy Hughson is joined by co-host Grant McHerron to look back at the big packaging stories of 2025.

From the mega merger between Amcor and Berry, and Abbe Group’s acquisition of Oji Fibre Solution’s Australian operations, to the voluntary administration of Pro–Pac and the collapse of compostable disruptor Great Wrap, we unpack the market moves that reshaped the sector.

Lindy also highlights major investments in local capability, including Suntory’s four hundred million dollar Swanbank beverage hub, new high–speed canning lines, Ego Pharmaceuticals’ long–term expansion and Jamestrong’s onshore aluminium casting line.

On the policy front, we explore Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)’s decision to pause its proposed EPR fee model, the united industry call for mandatory national producer responsibility, and stalled global plastics treaty talks.

Finally, we spotlight progress in circularity – from the launch of Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia and upgraded recycling infrastructure, to breakthrough technologies in glass, paper, metal and rigid plastics.

If the last three years were about disruption and recovery, 2025 has been about repositioning. The next phase will be all about execution: converting this mix of investment, innovation and intent into measurable circular outcomes at scale.

You can listen above or follow on your own podcast platform:

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To find out more about sponsoring The PKN Podcast, contact Sharon Amos.

Links:
Sponsor - Trimatt
www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com

All referred stories can be found on the PKN Packaging News website: 
www.packagingnews.com.au

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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
Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2025

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