In this episode, Lindy Hughson, managing editor and publisher of PKN Packaging News, is joined by Wayne Robinson, associate editor of PKN and editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in February.
We begin our discussion with an overview of the temporary lock out conducted by the Opal Maryvale Mill during negotiations with the CFMEU, then assess Orora’s increased investment in reducing emissions and growing beverage packaging following its commissioning an oxygen-fuelled glass furnace for wine bottles at its Gawler site. We comment on the cancellation of the proposed $143m sale of Close the Loop Group to Adamantem Capital, and the major merger between Amcor and Berry, which is forecast to go ahead making Amcor a major global player in rigid packaging. We review the challenges faced by Pro-Pac Packaging due to market conditions, and the continued growth for IVE which is on course to expand its folding carton capabilities.
Our discussion also explores sustainable packaging updates, like Viva Energy’s collaboration with Cleanaway and Intersnack to transform used cooking oil into a biopolymer to be used in food grade packaging, Tip Top’s introduction of 30 per cent recycled content bread bags, Visy’s launch of a recyclable cardboard box for prawns, Five:am’s launch of the first 90 per cent paper-based yoghurt carton, and the positive results in the NSW Return and Earn scheme which is conversely not working as effectively in Qld’s Container Deposit Scheme.
We wrap up by reviewing Circular Communities Australia’s opening of Australia’s first purpose-built industrial bag recycling plant in Qld, and Closed Loop Environmental Solutions program Simply Cups, which has seen the collection and diversion of 50m paper cups from landfill in Australia and New Zealand.
Links:
Sponsor - Trimatt
www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - info@trimatt.com
Opal's Maryvale Mill lockout ends as dispute resolved
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/opal-s-maryvale-mill-lockout-ends-as-dispute-resolved
Orora's oxyfuel glass furnace fires up
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-s-oxyfuel-glass-furnace-fires-up
Orora transforms in challenging market
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-transforms-in-challenging-market
Close the Loop P/E takeover deal topples
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/close-the-loop-p/e-takeover-deal-topples
Amcor and Berry head towards merger
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-and-berry-head-towards-merger
Sales rise at ProPac in tough market
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/sales-rise-at-propac-in-tough-market
IVE packaging grows as profits rise
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/ive-packaging-grows-as-profits-rise
Transforming used cooking oil into new chip packets
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/transforming-used-cooking-oil-into-new-chip-packets
Tassal cuts EPS with Visy's cardboard prawn pack
www.packagingnews.com.au/food/tassal-cuts-eps-with-visy-s-cardboard-prawn-pack
Five:am launches first paper yoghurt tub in Australia
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/five-am-launches-first-paper-yoghurt-tub-in-australia
NSW Return and Earn cracks 12bn milestone
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/nsw-return-and-earn-cracks-12bn-milestone
Queensland probes container refund scheme
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/queensland-probes-container-refund-scheme
Aus-first ‘big bag’ recycling plant to open in Qld
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/aus-first-big-bag-recycling-plant-to-open-in-qld
Boomerang Alliance pushes for a year of reuse
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/boomerang-alliance-pushes-for-a-year-of-reuse
Simply Cups diverts 50m paper cups from landfill
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/simply-cups-diverts-50m-paper-cups-from-landfill
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The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.
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MC: Grant McHerron
Host: Lindy Hughson
Producer: Steve Visscher
PKN Packaging News - © 2025
