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...

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder of TerraCycle and Loop, about implementing reuse at commercial scale.

We begin our discussion by exploring why the Loop platform was launched, how it is operating at an industrial scale across 345 Carrefour stores in France, and why it is so successful in France. We also review the retailer's role in the system, and the importance of packaging reform and regulation in making reuse products viable. The discussion also gives us an insight into how consumer mindset shapes their behaviour in participation, and the upcoming markets that Loop are planning on entering.

We wrap up assessing how policies can help implement reuse at scale, and how it could be implemented in Australia.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

TerraCycle

www.terracycle.com

France proves reuse at scale, can Australia follow?

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

------------------------------

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 Mark Dingley, CEO of Matthews, about the evolution of the Matthews and Reynolds partnership.

We begin our discussion by getting a history of the partnership, what prompted the new brand identity, and how it will enhance its capabilities in Australia and New Zealand. We get an insight into the new iteration of the IDSnet v5 package code and assurance platform, which will provide improved accuracy and compliance whilst addressing the growing demand for digital traceability and assurance in packaging. Mark shares how this collaboration will prepare retailers for 2D barcode implementation, the increased necessity for collaboration throughout the value chain, and how Matthews' knowledge base and academy is further preparing them for this evolution in packaging. We also discuss the trends seen in the market sectors in New Zealand and how manufacturers are responding to the rebrand.

We wrap up by looking ahead to Matthews’ broader growth strategy that will drive innovation and trans-Tasman collaboration to provide customers long term stability and support.

Links:

Matthews brings NZ partner into the fold

www.packagingnews.com.au/coding-and-labelling/matthews-brings-nz-partner-into-the-fold

2D Barcodes: Where to next?

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2d-barcodes-where-to-next

------------------------------

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 - © 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 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.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

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

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Grant McHerron to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in August.

We begin our conversation by reviewing the push for a mandatory national coordinated producer responsibility scheme, we assess the increased momentum of soft plastics recycling in Australia, and explore the key takeouts from the Recycling Roundtable hosted by Visy and the Sydney Morning Herald. We also discuss investments with Orora’s launch of Helio which provides a new level of efficiency and sustainability for direct-to-can digital printing through Velox technology, and SIG which has launched a new recycle ready bag-in-box for wines made from Terra RecShield film.

We wrap up by reviewing the FY25 results with solid gains for Orora, a shift in strategy for Amcor, and a difficult year for Close the Loop.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

Industry groups urge federal action on packaging

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/industry-groups-urge-federal-action-on-packaging

Treaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics action

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-action

Recycling Roundtable: Local remanufacturing in focus

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/recycling-roundtable-local-remanufacturing-in-focus

ACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recycling

iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholders

EPA Victoria gives green light to APR Chemcycle

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/epa-victoria-gives-green-light-to-apr-chemcycle

Orora dials up innovation with direct-to-can decoration

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-dials-up-innovation-with-direct-to-can-decoration

SIG launches recycle-ready bag-in-box for wine

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/sig-launches-recycle-ready-bag-in-box-for-wine

Orora’s packaging pivot delivers strong FY25 growth

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Barry Cosier, co-CEO of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), about the organisation’s role in shaping a national soft plastics recycling scheme.

The conversation begins with reflections on the recent open day at iQRenew’s SPEC facility, exploring how infrastructure like this underpins future recycling efforts and where gaps remain. Barry discusses SPSA’s role as a connector across the value chain, the challenges and lessons learned from past setbacks, and the significance of its newly appointed Stakeholder Advisory Council in bringing diverse expertise – from regulators and councils to recyclers and retailers – into the fold.

The discussion also covers how SPSA plans to align collection with real recycling capacity, ensure transparency and accountability, and rebuild public trust in soft plastics recycling. Barry provides insight into the ACCC authorisation process, the balance between mechanical and advanced recycling technologies, and the varying levels of commitment from brand owners.

We wrap up by looking at SPSA’s short- and long-term goals, and how industry stakeholders can play an active role in shaping a credible, end-to-end product stewardship model for soft plastics in Australia.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

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

iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholders

Inaugural council to guide SPSA soft plastics scheme

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/inaugural-council-to-guide-spsa-soft-plastics-scheme

Treaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics action

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-action

iQRenew secures $9.1m infrastructure funding boost

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-secures-9-1m-infrastructure-funding-boost

ACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recycling

SPSA seeks green light to activate national soft plastics scheme

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/spsa-seeks-green-light-to-activate-national-soft-plastics-scheme

------------------------------

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...