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.

Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS) has deployed CountAIner, an AI-powered recycling machine to enhance recycling efficiency and reduce waste, operating at the CDS Vic Depot in Dandenong South.

On the eve of the state and federal environment ministers meeting (10 December), a new YouGov poll just released shows strong demand from Australians for government to act against the rising tide of packaging waste.

Blooms The Chemist, collaborating with Pharmacycle, has recycled more than 10m blister packs since launching its in-store collection program in 2022, recovering over 15,000kgs of aluminium and plastic.

Sicut Enterprises and Close the Loop have received $5m and $2.4m in government grants respectively, to develop projects that will see 12,000 tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastics recycled into materials for local manufacturing.

Rosanne Jessop, MD of Pilz ANZ, is the new vice-chair of APPMA. With a career spanning 25-plus years in manufacturing, automation, and digitalisation, she brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

In a collaborative effort, Kimberly-Clark Australia and Woolworths have successfully completed a packaging trial aimed at eliminating the use of secondary plastic packaging for Viva paper towels. The initiative, now set to become standard practice, is projected to save 15 tonnes of plastic annually.

John Cerini has stepped down as CEO of Pro-Pac, with Ian Shannon, who was chief operating officer of the company, taking over the role, and becoming managing director.

Sustainable packaging achievements were recognised at the APCO Annual Awards in Sydney last night. The event celebrated organisations, and individuals, driving change towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets and beyond. PKN was there.

Adamantem Capital is bidding to acquire Close the Loop Group. The board has recommended the offer, and is realigning itself, with CEO Joe Foster stepping down from the board, as are the chairman and CFO. Foster will become chief operating officer at the company.

In one of the biggest deals ever undertaken by an ASX-listed business, Amcor is acquiring US-based Berry Group in an all-stock merger, in a move that will create a consumer and healthcare packaging business with 400 operating plants around the world.

The PKN Packaging News November 2024 issue is out now and is packed full of the latest news and in-depth features, including a closer look at the challenges of achieving a circular economy for packaging.