• PKN Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson and Food & Drink Business Editor Kim Berry
    PKN Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson and Food & Drink Business Editor Kim Berry
Close×

In this regular monthly podcast, industry insiders Lindy Hughson and Kim Berry provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry.

We start with an in-depth discussion on soft plastics recycling, looking at Amcor and Mondelez’s investment into Licella’s advanced recycling facility, and reviewing progress of the AFGC’s National Plastics Recycling Scheme, a kerbside solution that, once rolled out, will provide feedstock to the Licella facility.

We also review insights from AFGC’s State of Industry report and discuss how challenges faced by the food manufacturing sector are reflected in the packaging sector’s recent round of FY23 results. We go on to discuss Pact’s sale of half its Crate Pooling business, and Orora’s $195m expansion of its canning operations.

In beverage related news we review the $3 billion merger of Beam and Frucor Suntory, to bring together 40 beverage brands under the new Suntory Oceania banner, and the packaging demand projected growth could create; and we assess the controversy surrounding Ashai/CUB’s Hard Solo packaging.

We wrap up by discussing APCO’s packaging forums inviting industry feedback on the proposed packaging reset (including Government mandates and regulations designed to cut waste and boost recycling), and end with the positive news that there’s ongoing investment in recycling infrastructure, like Visy’s upgrade to its advanced paper recycling facility.

Links:
Amcor, Mondelez invest in Licella’s advanced recycling facility
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-mondelez-invest-in-licella-s-advanced-recycling-facility 

AFGC report: Food and grocery value chain pain
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/afgc-report-food-and-grocery-value-chain-pain

Consumer bulk buying hits Amcor profits
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/consumer-bulk-buying-hits-amcor-profits

Pact to sell half of crate pooling business for $160m
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pact-to-sell-half-of-crate-pooling-business-for-160m

Orora cans expansion supported by Vic Govt
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-cans-expansion-supported-by-vic-govt

Beam & Frucor Suntory create $3bn beverage giant
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/beam-and-frucor-suntory-create-3bn-beverage-giant

Is Hard Solo’s livery designed to lure?
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/is-hard-solo-s-livery-designed-to-lure 

APCO invites input on packaging reset
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-invites-input-on-packaging-reset

Visy opens Australia's most advanced paper recycling facility
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-opens-australia-s-most-advanced-paper-recycling-facility 

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

 |  |  | 

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

------------------------------
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
Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

Food & Drink Business

The Victorian government has invested $160,000 to support the sustainability and profitability of the state’s wine industry, matched by $240,000 from Wine Australia. The funds will help Wine Victoria to provide the wine industry with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to improve practices and outcomes.

Australian spirits producers had an outstanding showing at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London, with top scoring producers including 30 Knots Spirits, Australian Distilling Co., Ester Distilling, Mt. Uncle Distillery, Nine Circles Distillery, and Turner Stillhouse.

The recent innovation forum hosted by the Australian Marketing Institute and research company, T Garage, examined the reality for the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer goods that innovation is now table stakes. Experts from three of Australia's Top 100 food and drink companies shared their experiences and confirmed innovation is not just a corporate strategy, but a mindset permeating personal and professional life.