In this special Year in Review episode, PKN Packaging News editor and publisher Lindy Hughson looks 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 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.

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

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Tony Ibbotson, Founder and Creative Director at The Creative Method, about key trends for packaging design for 2026 and beyond. ahead.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the evolution of packaging design from surface level design to a strategic brand driver, and how digital media, storytelling, and authenticity are transforming packaging into a badge of identity and connection, with trust, intelligent disruption, and emotion as key design constants.

The discussion goes on to explore The Creative Method’s top trends, from radical transparency and handmade aesthetics to circular design, augmented reality enabled storytelling, and adaptive brand systems, which have been supported by real world case studies like Hendrick’s Gin, Red Rooster, and St. Clair Wines.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com

The Creative Method

www.thecreativemethod.com

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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

Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2025

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 October.

We begin our review of this month's news stories with Abbe Group’s acquisition of Oji Fibre Solutions’ Australian operations, Jamestrong Packaging returning its aerosol packaging production onshore with the opening of its $8 million aluminium casting line, and, unfortunately, both Great Wrap and Pro-Pac Packaging Group entering into voluntary administration. We also assess developments in sustainability with increasing use of LDPE bags made with 30% recycled plastics by Amcor and Woolworths; trialling the replacement rPET punnets with recyclable cardboard packs for Perino tomatoes by Costa Group, Coles and Opal; and the launch of the Bonson Packaging Replay system in NZ which utilises reusable deli containers.

Our discussion also gives us an insight into Lindy’s visit to Avery Dennison’s ADX Experience Lab in Melbourne, which shows promising opportunities for RFID/NFC/QR, Orora’s Helio direct to can printing line which was recently used for Coopers Dry 3.5 Supercars cans; the launch of Phantm AI aimed to help identify waste and reduce costs; and the development of compostable plastic film by Monash University Scientists. We also assess the increase in regional investments with C4C Packaging building WA’s first aseptic beverage co-manufacturing and packaging facility for single-serve packaging of alcoholic beverage and wine.

We wrap up by celebrating a number of awards for design and branding, and exploring the increased collaboration and circular leadership seen in the industry, and the progress that it’s making

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com

Abbe Group acquires Oji Fibre Solutions’ Australian operations

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/abbe-group-acquires-oji-fibre-solutions-australian-operations

Jamestrong brings aluminium slug production home

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/jamestrong-brings-aluminium-slug-production-home

Great Wrap enters administration with AU$39m debt

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/great-wrap-enters-administration-with-au-39m-debt

Pro-Pac Packaging enters VA, buyer sought

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pro-pac-packaging-enters-va-buyer-sought

Amcor and Woolies bag circular gains

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-and-woolies-bag-circular-gains

Costa, Coles, Opal trial cardboard tomato packs

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/costa-coles-opal-trial-cardboard-tomato-packs

Bonson’s reusable containers hit New World delis

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/bonson-s-reusable-containers-hit-new-world-delis

France proves reuse at scale, can Australia follow?

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/france-proves-reuse-at-scale-can-australia-follow

Avery Dennison unveils new RFID experience hub

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/avery-dennison-unveils-new-rfid-experience-hub

Orora brings Helio to the brands

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/orora-brings-helio-to-the-brands

Coopers races ahead with Orora Helio

www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/coopers-races-ahead-with-orora-helio

Phantm launches AI tool to unlock packaging data

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/phantm-launches-ai-tool-to-unlock-packaging-data

Monash turns food waste into compostable plastic

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/monash-turns-food-waste-into-compostable-plastic

C4C establishes Oceania's first single-serve aseptic facility for wine

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/c4c-establishes-oceania-s-first-single-serve-aseptic-facility-for-wine

Qld's first solar RVM for container...