PKN Packaging News: The Podcast

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Julia Kay, co-creator and co-CEO of Great Wrap, about the company’s entrepreneurial journey to developing a compostable pallet wrap. The Melbourne start-up was inspired by Julia and her husband Jordy’s former careers in architecture and winemaking, which showed them the sheer impact that plastic pallet wrap has on the environment.

The discussion starts with an insight into the shift Great Wrap underwent from manufacturing home compostable cling wrap for household use on a small scale, to moving to a larger, more sustainable, and localised factory able to produce the industrial stretch wrap options now available in their range.

Julia adds insight into the challenges around selecting the right raw material to deliver the tensile strength required for pallet wrap, and the measures taken to ensure the products can be composted. Julia also shares her experiences showing the pallet wrap product at APPEX, and the feedback from attendees.

We wrap up with a mention of Great Wrap’s new c02 to PHA biorefinery, plans for international expansion, the growth in the team, and finally, some sage advice for entrepreneurs from Julia.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] 

Great Wrap:

greatwrap.com.au

Great Wrap launches breakthrough pallet wrap

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/great-wrap-launches-breakthrough-pallet-wrap 

Great Wrap brings compostable pallet wrap to APPEX

www.packagingnews.com.au/events/appex/great-wrap-brings-compostable-pallet-wrap-to-appex

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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 [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

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

We start the discussion with an overview of APPEX 2024, the largest processing and packaging trade show held in Australia, with a major focus on efficiency, automation, and sustainability. We get insights into industry people movements with APPMA chair Mark Dingley’s decision to step down from the Board, and the departure of Amcor’s CEO Ron Delia. The discussion also explores upcoming recycling projects with the launch of Arnott’s, Paco & UNSW recycling research program, and the diversion of 9,600 tonnes of materials from Victorian landfills following $3.4m in funding across six projects.

We also consider the concerns surrounding the speculative closure of Qenos's polymer manufacturing plants in Australia, as well as Raphael Geminder’s ongoing battle to take full control of Pact to delist it from the ASX. We wrap up by extending invitations for our Women in Packaging event and PIDA Awards, and we celebrate the packaging finalists from the Hive Awards.

Links:

Sponsored by Trimatt Systems

https://trimatt.com/contact/ 

APPEX declared a "triumph" for all of industry

www.packagingnews.com.au/events/appex/appex-declared-a-triumph-for-all-of-industry

APPEX Files 2024: Conversations from the show floor

www.packagingnews.com.au/events/appex/appex-files-2024-conversations-from-the-show-floor

Industry figure Mark Dingley steps down from APPMA Board

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/industry-figure-mark-dingley-steps-down-from-appma-board

Ron Delia to depart Amcor next month

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/ron-delia-to-depart-amcor-next-month

Arnott’s, Paco & UNSW launch recycling research program

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/arnott-s-paco-and-unsw-launch-recycling-research-program

$3.4 million in funding to new recycling projects

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/3-4-million-in-funding-to-new-recycling-projects

Qenos closure rumour sparks industry concern

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/qenos-closure-rumour-sparks-industry-concern 

Qenos quo vadis? A long-term customer speaks out

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/qenos-quo-vadis-a-long-term-customer-speaks-out

Battle for Pact heats up as share sales blocked

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and Vice President for Sustainability and Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), about educating companies in the design, production, and implementation of sustainable packaging.

We get an insight into what her role as the VP for the WPO entails, and the creation of the Global Packaging for Recycling Guide which is designed to be accessible, free and ensure the recycling of the entire container. Nerida gives us an update on the Save Food Packaging Guidelines which is pending release globally, which has resulted in collaboration with more WPO countries. We also get an overview of the results of PIDA with exciting results for ANZ at the WorldStar awards, with top 3 placement for the region overall, and with students bringing home golds and silvers for best of show awards.

The discussion also explores how the AIP has worked to make the Australian Recycling Label more accessible to SME’s, and how to properly conduct Life Cycle Assessments. We also get an insight into the broad reach of the institute with members in New Zealand and the Philippines.

We wrap up by discussing the AIP’s ongoing support of the PKN Women in Packaging forums, with increased growth in representation throughout the industry, and the importance of the new PKN Women in Packaging Awards programme to ensure that women in the industry are being recognised, supported, and celebrated.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] 

Women in Packaging Awards:

pknwomeninpack.com.au

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pkn-announces-women-in-packaging-awards-program

WPO president appoints new executive team:

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/wpo-president-appoints-new-executive-team

WPO launches Japanese version of recycling guide:

www.packagingnews.com.au/associations/wpo-launches-japanese-version-of-recycling-guide

ANZ PIDA winners in top 3 spot at WorldStars and students nab 4 WorldStar awards:

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/anz-pida-winners-in-top-3-spot-at-worldstars

www.packagingnews.com.au/associations/pida-student-winners-nab-4-worldstar-awards

New ARL education campaign targets small business:

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-arl-education-campaign-targets-small-business

AIP partners with Empauer for SME LCA package:

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Wayne Robinson, PKN Associate Editor and Editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in February.

We unpack the context behind AMCOR’s 60% profit crunch and loss of 2000 jobs following post COVID destocking and decreased volumes of flexible and rigid packaging, as well as Orora’s record breaking boost in revenue for its canning operation and itsrecent purchase of Saverglass. The discussion also gives us an update to Close the Loop’s strong half year, and we review the current status and trial of soft plastics collection in supermarkets. We get an insight into Pro-Pac’s decreased sales in flexible and specialty packaging due to challenges with reduced consumer spending, post COVID destocking, and decreased agricultural volumes. As well as Pact’s decrease in revenue caused by reduced demand in Australian, New Zealand, and Chinese markets, and get an update on the recent take over bid by Raphael Geminder.

We also review IVE’s investment into a $150m-a-year folding carton operation, and the opening of Visy’s $50m upgrade to its glass recycling facility and launch of its heavyweight retail paper bag. The discussion also explores Spicer's acquisition of Signet, the partnership between Jet and Actega to provide improved sustainable packaging solutions to ANZ, and gives a sneak peak into the IPPO forum at APPEX.

We wrap up by discussing Mondelez and Amcor’s deal to increase the recycled content of Cadbury’s chocolate wrappers to 50%, Frugalpac’s paper bottle production coming to Australia, and mourn the loss of Robert Becher who was the Managing Director of Inox and a director on the APPMA Board.

LINKS:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] 

Women in Packaging Awards

www.pknwomeninpack.com.au 

2000 jobs go at Amcor as profit crunched

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2000-jobs-go-at-amcor-as-profit-crunched

Record can numbers boost Orora earnings

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/record-can-numbers-boost-orora-earnings

Orora's purchase of Saverglass finalised

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-s-purchase-of-saverglass-finalised

Strong HY for Close the Loop Group

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/strong-hy-for-close-the-loop-group

Trial for soft plastics collection underway

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/trial-for-soft-plastics-collection-underway

Flexibles and Specialty sales fall at Pro-Pac

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/flexibles-and-specialty-sales-fall-at-pro-pac

Pact half year revenues slip, EBIT rises

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Zaidee Jackson, National Business Development Manager of Sustainable Packaging for Ball & Doggett, about its ecoporium sustainable packaging resource.

We get an overview of how the ecoporium platform is educating the industry in best adopting sustainable packaging, and its upcoming live presentations at APPEX consisting of 14 speakers who will be discussing the sustainability aspects of design, printing, converting, and manufacturing. We get a sneak peak into upcoming sessions, which among other things will cover the important role that suppliers play in guiding brand owners, printers, and suppliers to achieve their sustainability initiatives, whilst ensuring that the material is still fit for purpose, and that the companies involved are prepared to adopt it.

The discussion wraps up with Zaidee giving us an insight into what they’re looking forward to at APPEX, including displaying their fibre-based stand, presenting their team, seeing the new innovations on display, and joining and contributing to panels.

Links:

Sponsor: Trimatt Engineering & Integrated Systems

www.trimatt.com/ - (03) 8761 6171 - [email protected]  

ecoporium

www.ecoporium.com.au/

APPEX

www.appex.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 [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Joanne Howarth, founder and CEO of Planet Protector Group, about the company’s goals to scale up current manufacturing operations for its sustainable multiple award-winning Woolpack insulated packaging solution, create a vertically integrated operation on shore, and expand to other markets.

We start off by discussing how Planet Protector spent 15 months closing a $12m Series A capital raise, with challenges including current market conditions and the market's lack of support for female founders. Joanne gives us an insight into the investors, the company’s intentions to expand into South East Asia, and the collaboration from the Victorian State Government. We also do a deep dive into how Woolpack is recovering waste wool from going to landfill, what makes wool such an effective insulator, and the timeline for the new manufacturing facility to come on stream in Altona North, Victoria.

The discussion also explores the level of involvement of the investors, the importance of value aligned investors, and Planet Protector’s ambitions to expand to India. Joanne gives us a detailed overview of the company’s intentions in India to establish a pilot facility to, in part, supply a large retailer who faces $5bn in wastage due to not having refrigerated transport. We also review other fibres that Planet Protector is investigating for packaging and insulation solutions and reducing landfill. We wrap up by getting some valuable tips for those interested in starting a business with revolutionary ideas.

Links:

Sponsor: Trimatt Engineering & Integrated Systems

www.trimatt.com/ - (03) 8761 6171 - [email protected] 

Planet Protector raises $12m from impact investors

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/planet-protector-raises-12m-from-impact-investors

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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 [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Rebecca Gilling, CEO and Executive Director of Planet Ark, about its new $13m partnership with Uber Eats to drive a shift to sustainable packaging in the food service sector.

We discuss why Uber Eats engaged Planet Ark in its quest to give the 50,000+ restaurants on its platform access to sustainable packaging options; the framework developed by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures; and how the $13 million funding from Uber Eats will be used to educate and incentivise SMEs in food service to make the switch to sustainable packaging. We review the obstacles businesses may face adopting new packaging, the importance of clear recycling labels for consumers, and the shortcomings of our current compostable solutions.

The discussion also explores Planet Ark’s position on government intervention in sustainable packaging mandates; its role in printer cartridge recycling with Close the Loop that has seen the development TonerPlas technology – made from combining recycled printer cartridges and recycled soft plastic waste – and used as an extender in asphalt roads; and finally we wrap up the conversation by reviewing Planet Ark’s release of its second report on circularity in Australian business.

Links:

Australian Circular Economy Hub: acehub.org.au

Circularity in Australian Business 2023 Report:

acehub.org.au/knowledge-hub/research/circularity-in-australian-business-2023-perceptions-knowledge-and-actions

Uber Eats delivers $13m to fund packaging change

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/uber-eats-delivers-13m-to-fund-packaging-change

Close the Loop opens soft plastics recycling plant

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/close-the-loop-opens-soft-plastics-recycling-plant

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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 [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to two representatives of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific – ANZ, Carissa Bahr, ANZ Safety Environment Manager, and Greg Suzor, Operations Manager. The conversation covers Amcor’s support of the inaugural PKN Women in Packaging Awards for 2024.

We discuss Amcor’s reason for sponsoring the awards, how they are fostering diversity in leadership, and the dynamic nature of mentoring. We get an insight into the types of support individuals in their teams require, how they acquire new talent, and what can be done to encourage more women to join the packaging industry. We also celebrate success stories within their ranks.

We wrap up by reviewing the benefits that the awards provide the industry and its members, and get an insight into the planned schedule for the event, with the programme opening for entries on 18 March.

Links

Women in Packaging Awards powered by PKN Packaging News

https://pknwomeninpack.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 [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek, about what it will take to create a circular economy for plastics in Australia.

We assess the shortcomings in our current recycling capabilities, particularly in polypropylene, and how the Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) will be working to bridge those gaps following its funding of $140m. The discussion explores what is required to transform Australia’s recycling eco-system and we review design considerations such as pigments in plastic that impact the recyclability of packaging for food grade applications.

We discuss the importance of academic research being industry-driven so that the industry’s biggest pain points lead the way, leading to the development of technology that is single-mindedly focused on real-world challenges. Kosior suggests looking at the success stories around the world and introducing the best of these into Australia.

We wrap up by discussing how the CRC can maximise the rate of recovery from the waste stream and review Prof Kosior’s proposed establishment of an advanced recycling sorting centre located in an industrial setting where business and academia can run trials in an industrial environment.

Links:

Plastic waste research centre gets $140 million

www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/plastic-waste-research-centre-gets-140-million

Victoria’s biggest PET bottle recycling plant opens

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/victoria-s-biggest-pet-bottle-recycling-plant-opens

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

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 [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2024

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Wayne Robinson, PKN Associate Editor and Editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in January.

We explore the impact investor funding will have on Planet Protector Group, the innovator behind wool-based packaging solutions to replace polystyrene; the ANZ region’s placement in the top 3 at the WorldStar Packaging Awards; BioPak’s expansion to Hong Kong; and TricorBraun's ongoing acquisition trail, with its latest purchase of Plas-Pak WA. We also get an insight into Visy's purchase of the collapsed Advanced Circular Polymers’ recycling assets, and also the Packsize business in ANZ. The discussion explores the latest in the unfolding story of Raphael Geminder’s bid to take over Pact Group, the opening of Victoria’s largest PET bottle recycling plant, as well as the launch of Close the Loop’s upgraded soft plastic recycling plant now on stream.

A new partnership has been announced between Uber Eats and Planet Ark, and we discuss the terms of the agreement. We wrap up by commending packaging sustainability changes made to reduce packaging material usage by Chobani on its Gippsland Dairy yoghurt pack, Nestle on its Allen’s confectionery packaging, and Fonterra on its bulk mozzarella products. We also look at the new partnership between APCO’s ARL programme with paper cup recycler Simply Cups, introducing the ‘Drop Off Only’ logo. We close with a quick preview of the upcoming APPEX trade show.

Links:

Planet Protector raises $12m from impact investors

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/planet-protector-raises-12m-from-impact-investors

ANZ PIDA winners in top 3 spot at WorldStars

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/anz-pida-winners-in-top-3-spot-at-worldstars

BioPak expands to Hong Kong

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/biopak-expands-to-hong-kong

TricorBraun acquires Plas-Pak WA

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tricorbraun-acquires-plas-pak-wa

Visy buys collapsed ACP's plastic recycling assets

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-buys-collapsed-acp-s-plastic-recycling-assets

Visy acquires Packsize business in Australia and NZ

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-acquires-packsize-business-in-australia-and-nz

Geminder on track to win Pact

https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/geminder-on-track-to-win-pact

Victoria’s biggest PET bottle recycling plant opens

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/victoria-s-biggest-pet-bottle-recycling-plant-opens

Close the Loop opens soft plastic recycling plant