Bupa Optical & Hearing has launched a recycling initiative in partnership with Opticycle, enabling Australians to recycle old glasses, contact lenses, and contact lens packaging at their stores nationwide.

Simply Cups has collected 50 million paper cups across ANZ, diverting them from landfill through its recycling initiative run by Closed Loop Environmental Solutions.

ANZPAC, in collaboration with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and UNSW, has set out a multi-year plan to combat plastic pollution in the Pacific. Program manager Angela Mayer shares key actions with Lindy Hughson.

How does the Digital Product passport work in practice, and what opportunities does it bring to the industry? In a joint project with the open traceability and DPP platform R-Cycle, and the flexible packaging converter Korozo Group, Henkel demonstrates the benefits.

Unilever is running refill pilot projects to reduce virgin plastic use and tackle plastic sachet waste, using insights from markets like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to shape its strategies.

Circular Communities Australia has launched Australia’s first purpose-built big bag recycling plant, located in Toowoomba, Queensland, and set to open on 26 February.

At All4Pack Emballage Paris, more than 1000 exhibitors and brands presented tangible solutions and new ideas that mirrored the commitment of the entire industry to an eco-friendly future. Trendspotter Dominique Huret of Cape Decision was on the ground for PKN.

In a world-first development, Tetra Pak and Nissha Metallizing Solutions have introduced an aseptic beverage carton featuring a paper-based barrier. Tetra Pak Oceania MD, Boris Munster, weighs in.

Boomerang Alliance is calling for a national shift towards reusable packaging by 2030, launching the Reuse Australia Program and Year of Reuse campaign.

Pharmacycle is marking a 50-million milestone for blister pack recycling. Since it started in 2022, the program has expanded to 870 drop-off points across Australia with plans to add more in 2025.

Victoria’s CDS operator, Visy, has launched a large format CDS Vic Reverse Vending Machine refund point in Melbourne’s CBD, the first of its kind in a CBD across Australia.

Sustainable materials research pioneer, Prof Veena Sahajwalla, director of SMaRT Centre at UNSW, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours.

Big Bag Recovery has joined forces with the Australian Beverages Council under its Environmental Sustainability Roadmap to 2030 (ESR30) initiative. This partnership aims to tackle bulk bag waste in the beverage industry.

AO has made strides in its waste management efforts, with spectators opting for drinks served in packaging that supports the event's sustainability ethos. PKN reporter Navan Kaur was on the ground.

Tennis fans attending the Australian Open 2025 will be served beverages in reusable cups, an initiative by Sustainability Victoria to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.

Conserving Beauty, an Australian-based skincare brand that prides itself on innovative, sustainable solutions, has recently incorporated NatureFlex films into the sachet packaging of its cleansing wipes.