PKN’s November/December 2021 issue is once again packed with latest stories from the world of packaging, shining a light on the latest news, trends and developments in sustainability, e-commerce packaging, packaging innovation, and pack printing and decoration.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News November-December 2021 issue is on its way to you in the mail, and available online here for your convenience.
Turning through the pages of this colourful edition, it's clear to see the packaging industry is energised and driven to solve today's challenges of sustainability, automation, consumer engagement and more. The innovation and investment documented by PKN speaks for itself.
Starting with the Cover Story on page 10, PKN takes a look at the recently announced merger of O F Packaging and Close the Loop, who are joining forces to form, and ASX-list, a new entity called Close the Loop Group, headed by CEO Joe Foster.
In our Sustainability feature, we unpack the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation’s (APCO) Recycled Content Label program, which supports the increased use of recycled or repurposed materials in packaging (page 16); Pact Group’s partnership with Goodman Fielder to launch Meadowfresh milk in the first recycled-HDPE bottle in NZ (page 17); Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co’s adoption of Ravenwood’s linerless technology for its MAP and VSP packaging (page 18); we hear from Biogone co-founder Dr Ross Headifen about the company’s new organic additive technology for plastic biodegradability in landfill (page 20); and we look at Henkel’s expansion of its food safe adhesives portfolio for food and beverage packaging (page 21).
Moving on to the industry’s progress towards a more circular economy, we dig deeper into the packaging industry’s work towards aligning to the circular model and take a closer look at how Planet Ark is helping the transition (page 22); and we hear from Unilever’s R&D head David Jones on plastics circularity, the positive steps the brand owner has taken so far, and his plans for the future (page 24).
Then it's over to e-commerce packaging, where Ranpak ANZ’s Peter Forsyth considers key trends and makes the case for paper-based packaging (page 26); then on to design where Australian winery Cowpunk Wines has launched a new wine range with an inventive brand strategy and sustainable pack design by Denomination (page 28).
We highlight the latest packaging innovation, showcasing Luxe Pack, which took place in Monaco after a long hiatus, and Dominique Huret reports on what caught her attention (page 32); while John Henry shares his takeaways from this year’s Pack Expo, which took place in Las Vegas (page 34). Navi Co Global tells us more about its new packaging concept for fresh apples being trialled in Coles premium stores in Victoria (page 38); and we look at a case study from Cama Group for European manufacturer Cooros, who has adapted to change with the help of machinery suppliers (page 40).
We also cover pack printing and decoration, with global digital flexible packaging print specialist ePac Flexible Packaging building a plant in Melbourne, set to be operational by the end of the year (page 42); PKN speaks to Kurz’s Stephen Pratt about balancing sustainability and profitability in the arena of packaging embellishment (page 44); and we find iout whow commercial printer CBS Printing has pivoted into ready-meal packaging and set up a one-stop shop for food brand owners (page 46).
And to finish the features with a flourish, we spotlight the year that was with the return of our popular Headline Makers section, where we take a look at a selection of the companies, people, investments and innovations that made their mark in the packaging space in 2021.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE…
Rounding out the issue are our regular sections: Comment, in which PKN publisher & managing editor Lindy Hughson writes on the problem of wishcycling and the call for clear on-pack recycling labels to prevent consumer confusion; Industry Insight, where we look at the 2021 Tetra Pak Index, which revealed consumer priorities shifting towards taking action to keep ourselves, our food, our communities, and our planet secure; Tech Speak, where AIP’s Nerida Kelton looks at the increase in reusable and refillable packaging programs across the globe; People in Packaging, where PKN speaks to industry contributor and Result Group’s GM Michael Dossor about his career and convictions; The Bottom Line, where Paul Allen advises on the complexity of business silos and their cost to the bottom line; and Supplier Spotlight, where a new type of light curtain from Pilz Automation raises the safety bar.
AND THE CHERRY ON TOP…
Our regular Machinery Matters supplement, brought to you in partnership with Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), keeps you updated on the latest trends, technology and company news from the packaging and processing machinery sector. Companies include tna Solutions, Krones, Foodmach, Opal Group, Result Group, Herma, GS1 and Schneider Electric.
Enjoy the read.
