Second quarter trading results for Pro-Pac Group were below its expectations, with the company citing challenges coming from market conditions, and exchange rate movements.

The proposed $143m takeover of zero-waste recycler Close the Loop by private equity group Adamantem Capital has been terminated, with parties unable to reach alignment on commercial terms.

Amcor and Berry Global have hit an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction, with the filing of a definitive joint proxy statement with the US SEC.

Orora has started operations at its newly rebuilt oxygen-fuelled glass furnace in Gawler, South Australia, marking a significant leap in energy efficiency and sustainability for manufacturing glass wine bottles.

Queensland-based start-up TomKat, the innovator behind KoolPak, the world-first reusable packaging solution for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods incorporating track and trace technology, is relocating to Thailand.

Opal’s Maryvale Mill is at the centre of a standoff between management and the CFMEU union as the two sides negotiate a new enterprise agreement; 300 workers are currently locked out of the facility.

In the sale of Close the Loop to PE fund Adamantem, the exclusivity period has passed. Discussions between the two parties are continuing. Close the Loop is open to offers from other potential buyers.

PIDA award winners from the ANZ region received the fourth highest number of wins in the world behind Japan, Germany/Austria and India in the latest round of the WorldStar Packaging Awards.

Amcor has again been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI): Australia Index, recognised for its commitment to environmental, social and governance sustainability performance.

Packamama has secured a $100,000 feasibility grant from the Australian government under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), Renewables and Low Emissions Round.

APCO has released its latest Australian Packaging Consumption and Recovery Data Report, the second report released in 2024, in line with its commitment to improving timeliness and relevance of data. PKN brings you the top-line findings and material highlights.

The AFGC has welcomed government progress towards implementing clear, integrated and consistent changes to packaging across Australia, but says greater clarity is needed on design standards.

It’s been a tumultuous yet progressive year in packaging in Australia, with highs and lows playing out against a backdrop of uncertainty caused in part by the dangling sword of DCCEEW’s proposed Packaging Reform, and in part by the mounting pressure of rising manufacturing costs. Lindy Hughson reviews the top stories for 2024.

Orora has successfully completed the sale of its North American packaging solutions operation OPS for A$1.7bn, with the deal going through today. Orora will now focus exclusively on glass and cans.

Pro-Pac has entered into a short-term facility with its major shareholder Bennamon and related entities, for a loan agreement of up to $13m, while the company seeks longer term funding.

Australia’s Environment Ministers convened on 10 December to outline their vision for a circular economy and a "nature-positive" future.