Close×

Beverage giant Lion has created a recycled bar at the Melbourne Cup Carnival to launch its Quincy sparkling alcoholic seltzer.

Made of 98 per cent recycled plastic, and featuring furniture created from post-industrial and post-consumer plastic such as car bumpers and plastic bags, the Round II bar is an Australian first and will be used at many of the company’s key sponsorship events, says Libby Davidson, head of sustainability at Lion.

“The impact of single-use plastics on the environment is a key concern at Lion so we are always looking for new, innovative ways to repurpose this resource and promote the circular economy.

“The concept was developed by a group of our own people from different teams across the business during a lunchtime sustainability hackathon. Not only does this reinforce the power of diversity, it’s also a great example of what a company can achieve if you empower your people to share ideas and really make a difference beyond the bottom line,” she said.

The initiative is part of a celebration of Lion’s partnership with soft plastic recycling organisation REDcycle and its manufacturer Replas, announced in September. REDcycle collects and reuses soft plastics that cannot be collected at kerbside, and Replas turns it into a range of recycled plastic products such as street signage and park furniture.

Food & Drink Business

Casella Family Brands (CFB) will manufacture and distribute Four Loko in Australia and take on packaged distribution of non-alc beer brand Heaps Normal, in two partnerships from 3 August.

The family company behind soy milk label, Bonsoy, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity as it approaches 50 years in business.

A sweet future

As the confectionery industry navigates rapid change – from shifting consumer expectations to sustainability pressures and evolving regulation – its enduring appeal of creating moments of joy, indulgence and connection remains unchanged. Australian Industry Group’s Wendy Larter reports from the 30th anniversary of the Australian confectionery industry’s flagship annual event ConTech2026.