Orora has successfully raised $1.345 billion from the markets, to enable it to acquire the French-based Saverglass speciality glass bottle manufacturing business for $2.15 billion.

Jamie Weller is the new managing director at industry supplier Kissel + Wolf, with long-term incumbent Greig Wood taking a new part-time role as general manager of metal decoration.

PKN’s latest issue for 2023 is hitting desks, and as ever, is packed full of the latest news and in-depth features, including our review of both foodpro 2023 and the AIP's 60th anniversary celebrations, as well as the latest developments in Labels & Labelling, Printing & Converting, Food & Beverage Packaging, and Contract Packaging.

AIPIA and WPO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further their collaboration in sharing ideas on smart packaging and the science that underpins it.

In a significant corporate development in Australia’s packaging industry, Kin Group, an investment company controlled by the wealthy Geminder family, has unveiled a bold takeover bid for Pact Group.

Two major players in paper-based packaging, Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, have confirmed a transaction to combine and create a "global leader in sustainable packaging with unparalleled scale, quality, product and geographic diversity".

Melbourne contract packing operation, Alepat Taylor, has invested $25m to expand its beverage packaging plant in Preston, with the installation of a new canning line, including a KHS Innofill Compact C filling system. PKN took a tour of the new facility.

Over 100 ANZ team members, customers and supplier partners joined TricorBraun's Bev-Cap team for the grand opening of its new Western Sydney manufacturing facility. PKN was there.

Orora is making a major strategic move, acquiring French-based global bottle manufacturer Saverglass, for an enterprise value of A$2.156 billion. The deal will add $1.2 billion to Orora's $4.3 billion revenue.

The Australian Institute of Packaging hosted a gala dinner to celebrate its 60-year legacy and mark the special milestone in the company of past presidents, AIP Fellows, lifetime members and VIP guests.

Two Melbourne-based flexible packaging businesses have joined forces, with Filton Packaging buying Australian Contour Packaging, adding capability to service customers in the food industry.

Zipform Packaging has opened its new $8m manufacturing facility in Dandenong, Victoria, for linear formed composite packaging. The opening ceremony was attended by customers, suppliers and key industry stakeholders. PKN was there.

Arnott’s has officially commissioned its $65m automated distribution centre in Western Sydney. With almost 4x previous capacity and comprehensive automation, efficiencies have already been unlocked.

End-to-end collection and recycling operation Close the Loop Group achieved soaring revenue in the 2023 financial year, on the back of strong organic growth, and its latest acquisitions.

Visy unveiled a major $42.5 million upgrade to its paper recycling campus in Coolaroo, with Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek in attendance.

Orora’s $110m investment in expanding its aluminium can manufacturing capability at its Dandenong and Ballarat plants was part-funded by a grant from the Victorian Government, whose ministers toured the new multi-size can facility this week.