The first issue of PKN for 2024 is now out and is jam-packed with news and in-depth features, including our massive preview of the APPMA flagship all-of-industry trade show, APPEX 2024. We also cover all the latest developments in Plastics, Smart Packaging, FMCG Packaging, Sustainability, Design, and Pack & Label Printing.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News January-February 2024 issue is on its way to you in the mail and available online for your convenience.
In this loaded issue, we start by previewing all things APPEX 2024 – where leading manufacturers in processing and packaging from across the Australia and NZ region will converge to showcase the latest in sustainability, efficiency and automation.
There is much on offer to the 12,000+ visitors expected to visit the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre for the four-day event (12-15 March), including the Gala Dinner where the APPMA Awards of Excellence will be presented, and the APPEX Women in Processing & Packaging event. Other events highlighted in this issue include Matthews Australasia’s Retailer Engagement Hub (page 52), the ecoporium by Ball & Doggett live experience (page 54), as well as PKN’s very own media hub (page 54). We also put a spotlight on the companies and innovations on show at the inaugural event (page 56).
FEATURES
To this issue’s features next, and we start with Plastics, where Professor Edward Kosior brings his expertise to the table in an exclusive think-piece on what’s required to transform Australia’s plastic waste ecosystem (page 18).
In Smart Packaging, Andrew Manly reports on the AIPIA congress in Amsterdam, which saw sustainability take centre stage as a strong theme on proceedings (page 22); and Wipotec, a specialist in dynamic weighing technology and product control, gives insights into what’s involved with implementing 2D-codes on packaging (page 26).
Turning to FMCG Packaging, Tetra Pak has unveiled its strategy for transforming food systems following COP28’s first Food, Agriculture and Water Day (page 29); and Bundaberg-based SSS Strawberries has opened a freeze-drying factory for Gina’s Table frozen fruit brand (page 30).
In Sustainability, Circular Plastics Australia’s new $50m facility capable of recycling up to one billion 600ml PET plastic beverage bottles a year has commenced operations in Melbourne, in a joint venture involving Pact Group, Cleanaway, Asahi and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (page 32); we take a closer look at how the Simply Cups initiative educates consumers and gives cups a second life (page 34); Detpak unveils its newest innovations (page 36); Packamama has opened a new bottling facility in NSW with Tamburlaine in light of the uptake in eco-flat rPET wine bottles (page 38); and Uber Eats has launched its $13m fun and multi-year partnership with Planet Ark to help restaurants adopt more sustainable packaging (page 39).
Over to Design, where Becky Mead, MD of PLAY, takes a look at what makes eye-tracking such a revealing and valuable tool in packaging design (page 40).
And finally, in Pack & Label Printing, HP identifies four key drivers for adopting to shifting consumer preferences (page 42); and Espressology turned to Trimatt Systems to boost its ability to deliver quick and high-quality printing of short-run and short-turnaround coffee bags (page 46).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…
Rounding out the issue are our regular sections: People in Packaging, where we speak to Luciana Pellegrino, who has stepped up as the new president of the World Packaging Organisation – the first woman to take on the role, sharing her vision and goals for the global body; Industry Insight, where Smithers unpacks how flexible plastics and paperboard will become the fastest growing packaging materials across the next five years; and Tech Speak, where we take a closer look at the successful performance of the ANZ region in the latest round of the WorldStar Awards.
In the News: Visy buys collapsed ACP’s plastic recycling assets (page 6); TricorBraun acquires Plas-Pak WA (page 6); Raphael Geminder on track to win Pact (page 7); GS1 assists in govt CE initiative (page 8); BioPak expands to Hong Kong (page 8); Martogg launches recycled content solution for PP (page 9); Planet Protector raises $12m from impact investors (page 10); WA gets 100% recycled milk bottles (page 11); and Chobani cuts plastic (page 11).
AND THE CHERRY ON TOP…
Our regular Machinery Matters supplement, brought to you in partnership with APPMA, keeps you updated on the latest trends, technology and company news from the packaging and processing machinery sector.
Companies and organisations featured include: Open IIoT, Proseal, A B Graphic International, Krones, Packsize, Visy, Real Pet Food, Rockwell Automation, Markem-Imaje, Result Group, Herma, HowToRobot, Robotics Australia, Beak & Johnston, BVT, G Mondini, HMPS, JBT Corporation, Schubert, Ulma, Schulz Organic Dairy, Rhima, OFS, Thermasafe Insulation, Signet and Floveyor.
