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New European rules on generic environmental claims have prompted the Australasian Bioplastics Association to warn that packaging carrying poorly substantiated claims could be marketed in Australia. Read more
Australia's environment ministers have declared packaging reform urgent and named soft plastics as an initial priority, but offered no firm timetable or regulatory commitments. SPSA has welcomed the soft plastics focus, while Boomerang Alliance and WMRR have raised concerns about the lack of concrete action.
Economic analysis commissioned by SPSA estimates national recycling reforms could deliver up to $278m in net productivity gains and stimulate up to $2.6b in capital investment each year.
A cross-sector open letter is urging national leaders to agree on a pathway for regulated producer responsibility schemes at the September Environment Ministers Meeting.
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Aus Beverage Council adds voice to reform call
15 Sep 2026The Australian Beverages Council has joined calls for the Federal Government to reconsider its decision not to progress national packaging regulation during the current parliamentary term.
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Futamura, Bio4life partner on compostable labels
22 Sep 2026UK film manufacturer Futamura and Dutch labelstock producer Bio4life have developed a certified home- and industrial compostable pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) label for fresh fruit and vegetables.
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Opal explores biogas at Maryvale Mill
24 Sep 2026A new feasibility study has highlighted an opportunity to produce renewable bio-energy at Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill in Gippsland, marking a step toward more sustainable manufacturing.
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Boxer wins 4 x Gold at Sydney Design Awards
8 Sep 2026Boxer Brands has walked off with four Gold awards at the 2026 Sydney Design Awards for projects spanning brand creation, identity, and illustration across food, dairy and personal care categories.
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Amcor launches inverted pet food cup in China
24 Sep 2026Amcor and Chinese pet food brand Ge Wu An have launched the Li Kou pet food cup, which uses a bottom seal to allow the meal to be released from the packaging in one piece.
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Flexibility drives machinery investment
16 Sep 2026PMMI’s 2026 State of the Industry Report identifies flexibility, automation, workforce constraints and emerging AI applications as major influences on machinery investment. The operational pressures the US market- based report describes have clear relevance for Australian manufacturers.
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PLAY PKN: Video Bulletin 25 September
25 Sep 2026In the news: Packaging Reform, SPSA, AMCS, WMRR, BioPak, Labelmakers, Currie Group, Opal, AIP
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PKN Podcast Ep 124: 2025 Year in Review
1 Dec 2025In this special Year in Review episode, PKN publisher Lindy Hughson and co-host Grant McHerron look back at the big packaging stories of 2025.
Tasmanian whisky distillery Sullivans Cove is increasing its presence in selected international markets as stocks produced following its landmark 2014 World Whiskies Awards win reach maturity.
The Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) has appointed Ian McKendrick as its new executive director.
More than seven million Australian adults could be using GLP-1 medicines by 2036, and the packaged categories most exposed are already recording double-digit declines among current users, according to new research from EY.
