PKN’s latest issue for 2024 is hitting desks, with its striking cover showcasing advanced print finishing techniques, includes comprehensive coverage of the inaugural PKN Women in Packaging Awards, as well as the latest developments in Pack & Label Printing, Smart Packaging, and Industry 4.0.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News July-August 2024 issue is on its way to you in the mail and available online for your convenience.
A highlight in this issue is the coverage of the PKN Women in Packaging Awards (page 18), which was an auspicious occasion for sharing ideas, networking with industry changemakers, and honouring outstanding leadership and contributions to the Australian packaging industry. The event celebrated a group of talented women and we put a spotlight on the awards winners (page 22), which were chosen from a group of high-calibre finalists whose collective success marks positive steps forward for the packaging industry. And finally, we shine a light on the event’s sponsors (page 25), who all stepped up to give a gratifying level of support to the inaugural event.
FEATURES
In our Cover Story, we speak to Kurz Australia’s CEO Stephen Pratt about a raft of embellishment and finishing options to create an impactful shelf presence for brands and drive consumer engagement (page 15).
In Sustainability, Great Wrap teams up with Opal Packaging Plus to distribute its new Certified Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap (page 26); Birds Eye commits to sourcing PCR material for its plastic steam bags (page 27); Orora partners with CleanCo to secure long-term renewable energy supply for its cans manufacturing facility (page 28); and exhibitors at Naturally Good take steps forward on eco-packaging (page 30).
Then, in Pack & Label Printing, we took to the floor of mega printing trade expo drupa, which showcased an impressive array of innovations pertinent to packaging (page 31); we visited Schur Star Systems Australi, which has installed and commissioned a new W&H Miraflex 10-colour flexographic press (page 38); and we report on the continued expansion of the labels market (page 42).
Over to Smart Packaging, where recent R&D from Monash University and UNSW is advancing the development of smart labels to minimise food waste (page 44); Result Group develops new technology to integrate product authentication without printing process or packaging material changes (page 46); Australian Table Grape Association receives funding dedicated to fostering robust traceability practices in Australian agriculture (page 47); and Laava’s Gavin Ger shares his experience at the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition Annual Conference 2024 (page 48).
And finally, in Industry 4.0, Foodmach’s Phillip Biggs outlines the tangible benefits to be gained for production line managers in FMCG from Industry 4.0 (page 52); Packserv embraces the opportunity to add an electronically-driven machine to its range (page 54); and Beckhoff Automation explains the importance of AI-powered tools in developing manufacturing solutions (page 55).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…
As always, rounding out the issue are our regular sections: Tech Speak sees Nerida Kelton report on AIP‘s participation in a roundtable on food waste coordinated by UNIDO, the Asian Packaging Federation, and WPO (page 50); in Supplier Spotlight we highlight the work done by See Differently, which has a thriving packaging division and provides services and support to visually impaired individuals (page 56); and we highlight the upcoming industry events to mark on your calendar in What’s On (page 58).
In the News: Pact shareholders resist Geminder bid (page 8); AFGC welcomes ministers’ soft plastics commitment (page 8); Plasdene Glass-Pak buys Vinkem Packaging (page 9); framework for CE set for year’s end (page 9); Coles adopts VektroPack’s paper-based film (page 10); ANZ celebrates third place at WorldStar Awards 2024 (page 10); PIDA 2024 draws near (page 12); APCO wins accolade for Australasian Recycling Label (page 12); Amcor’s AmPrima tops sustainability list (page 12); and Close the Loop unveils new brand identity (page 14).
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: Heat and Control, Fibre King, Propak Industries, JBT, Proseal, Food Processing Equipment, Syspal, Detpak, Filton Packaging, Result Group, Mettler-Toledo, TNA Solutions, Tomra Food, KHS, Krones, BW Packaging, Jet Technologies, Sidel, Beckhoff Automation and Packserv.
