PKN’s first issue for 2023 is packed full of the latest news and innovations in our dynamic packaging industry, with this edition taking a closer look at the trends that will affect the sector in 2023, and features the latest developments in FMCG packaging, smart packaging, plastics in packaging, pack and label printing, and Industry 4.0 and IIoT.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News January-February 2023 issue is on its way to you in the mail, and available online here for your convenience.
On reading the news, features and analysis in this issue, it's clear that in the face of numerous challenges, the packaging industry is nevertheless advancing apace to instigate change, develop innovation and adopt efficient, sustainable and circular operations.
In our Cover Story on page 14, PKN speaks to Tetra Pak’s marketing director Jaymie Pagdato about how the company is collaborating with customers to drive packaging innovation towards a sustainable future.
As this is the first issue of the year, we also take a look at the year to come, taking a deep dive into major Packaging Trends for 2023 (page 16), dominated by sustainability, design for circularity, food waste prevention, and packaging digitisation.
In our FMCG Packaging feature, fibre-based packaging comes to the fore. In a global first for the KitKat brand, Nestlé is trialling paper packaging wrappers with insights to inform packaging directions for the brand globally (page 18); GlobalData reporting that more FMCG giants are shifting gear in their sustainable packaging efforts, with many pledging to bring ESG elements into their packs (page 19); Mars Wrigley Australia moves to paper-based wrappers for its chocolate bar lines in a world-first for the company (page 20); and Nupac and partner Syntegon take a strong leadership role in supporting the FMCG sector in its sustainability goals (page 21).
Next, to Smart Packaging, where we review the progress and successes of the first QR code-enabled table grape traceability pilot, conducted by Result Group, and in partnership with Agriculture Victoria and Australian Table Grape Association, a year on from its inception (page 23); and we report on the AIPIA Congress, which took place in Amsterdam in November last year, and bring an update on the latest developments in smart packaging (page 24).
Another hot topic is Plastics in Packaging, and here we examine the complex challenge of achieving circularity for plastics packaging as discussed at the recent SPE conference (page 28). We also report that Licella has had its development licence approved, giving it the green light to begin construction of its advanced recycling plant (page 31); and Nextek’s COtooCLEAN gains global recognition and receives the US$3 million Alliance Prize for Circular Solutions in Flexibles (page 32).
Moving to Pack & Label Printing, where MJ Goods has invested in a Trimatt Colourstar AQ to help it expand into new areas (page 34); leading printing operations QLM, Luminar and Read have joined forces to create qlmflexibles (page 34); ePac has connected the production in its global plants with a new cloud-based system, ePacOne, and ordered a suite of 50 new HP Indigo presses (page 36); and WA print business Footprint has produced a quarter of a million labels in the first 10 weeks of its new label operation, produced on its new Epson SurePress L-4533AW (page 38).
And finally, to Industry 4.0 & IIoT, where in a PKN exclusive roundtable discussion with Open IIoT, Australia’s leading cohort of Industry 4.0 and automation experts, we find out where things are at (page 40).
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE…
Rounding out the issue are our regular sections: Industry Insight, where leaders from peak packaging bodies weigh in on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry in 2023; Tech Speak, where we unpack the key takeaways from the recent State of Play in Australia for Food Loss & Waste webinar; People in Packaging, where we speak to the new CEO at the helm of Planet Ark, Rebecca Gilling; and Supplier Spotlight, where we look at Packserv’s planned investment in advanced manufacturing in partnership with UTS.
AND THE CHERRY ON TOP…
Our regular Machinery Matters supplement, brought to you in partnership with the APPMA, keeps you updated on the latest trends, technology and company news from the packaging and processing machinery sector. Companies featured include: BW Packaging, Krones, tna Solutions, Nord, Multivac Marking & Inspection, J L Lennard, TMHA, Herma, KHS, Markem Imaje, and Matthews. New APPMA members welcomed this month are: Beckhoff Automation, Argon and Co, Packaging Solutions and Equipment, Optima Weightech, Process Partners, Tynic Automation, Linear Technik, Schutz Australia.
Enjoy the read.
