PKN’s latest issue for 2023 is hitting desks and, as ever, is packed full of the latest news and in-depth features, which in this edition includes our review of Interpack 2023, and all the latest developments in pack and label printing, smart packaging, snack and convenience packaging, and smart factories.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News July-August 2023 issue is on its way to you in the mail, and available online for your convenience.
In our Cover Story on page 24, Wayne Robinson takes a look under the hood of a disruptive new technology – the V12 high volume digital label press, which HP Indigo and ANZ distribution partner Currie Group will be showcasing at Labelexpo Europe. To showcase the technology, this issue's striking cover plus 6-page gatefold outer cover was collaboratively developed: the outer cover concept was designed by Birdstone Collective, printed on Ecofoil Digital supplied by Spicers, and both printed and finished by Carbon8, with technology supplied by HP Indigo and Currie Group.
In our 10-page review of Interpack 2023, starting on page 31, PKN delivers an in-depth report on the recent trade show, including the top trends and technology that caught our eye.
Features:
We start with Sustainability, where Mitolo Family Farms, Detpak and Coles have developed a recyclable paper bag for fresh premium potatoes (page 17); Absolut is trialling a single-mould paper bottle for vodka, but the concept has sparked controversy (page 18); Frugalpac’s paper Frugal Bottle has landed in Australia and New Zealand, with a growth strategy underway (page 20); and Better Packaging Co. makes a bold statement about plastic waste on Bondi Beach (page 22).
In Pack & Label Printing, we look at Labelexpo, set for September in Brussels, and put a spotlight on the range of new conventional, digital and hybrid presses for labels and packaging printing on show (page 26); we also highlight some essential stops for those attending the trade show (page 28); and report on Konica Minolta's introduction of the AccurioLabel 400 press to Australia (page 30).
For Smart Packaging on page 44, we cover the latest news from Result Group, who have named Antares Vision Group as its new traceability partner, and unpack the new partnership’s delivery of the advanced digital features of the Hungry Jack’s Uno 3 campaign.
Then to Snack & Convenience Packaging, where Mingle has launched a new brand and packaging design to better reflect its product mantra (page 46); Pitango is launching its new resealable zipper pouch, a first for the chilled soup category (page 47); we review Naturally Good 2023, where pouches were seen to be the dominant form of packaging on show, with paper-based and glass containers also popular (page 48); and Copar has launched Eco Mesh certified organic cotton mesh produce bags (page 49).
We then highlight the latest in Smart Factories, where Recopak Machinery has opened its new manufacturing facility in Cobram, Victoria (page 50); we look at cobots as a driver for achieving greater efficiency and sustainability (page 52); Universal Robots unpacks the merits of its small and light UR3e cobot (page 53); and Motion Control has invested in a Bonfiglioli assembly machine, sourced from the company HQ in Italy (page 54).
And finally, Design, where XXXX brand owner Lion discovers the benefits of special edition packaging for niche markets in regards to consumer engagement to drive brand loyalty (page 56); and Sydney studio Squad Ink has executed the brand and packaging design for Papa Salt craft gin, developed for actress Margot Robbie and friends (page 57).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…
Rounding out the issue are our regular sections: Industry Insight, where we report on the government's intervention with rules that packaging will soon be subject to, aimed at cutting waste and boosting recycling; Tech Speak, where we look at the CSIRO’s Reshaping Australian Food Systems roadmap, the result of a collaboration between government and industry, including the AIP; People in Packaging, where PKN speaks to packaging technologist Iain Blair and graphic designer Grant Davies, founders of Birdstone Collective; and What’s On, where we report that AMPC will partner with APPEX to host a series of meat industry presentations and events during 2024 trade show.
In the News, Visy completes a $48 million Queensland facility upgrade (page 6); Nestle launches refillable formula packs (page 6); Mars Petcare invests in a single-serve pouch facility (page 7); PakTech enters Australia and partners with Visy (page 8); APCO and GS1 unite on sustainability reporting (page 8); Sadleirs Packaging brings recyclable PP bulk bags to Australia (page 9); and Thankyou reimagines consumerism for global product rollout (page 10).
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: PMMI, A&D Australasia, HMPS, Detpak, Case Packing Solutions, Heat & Control, Intralox, Opal, Matthews Australasia, GS1, Result Group, Rhima, Tomra, TMHA, Label Plus, Screen, Jet Technologies, SMC Corporation, Argon & Co, Fuzzy LogX, Ishida, Pilz Automation, Markem-Imaje, Fibre King, IDL and Kuka Robotics Australia.
