• PKN Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson and Food & Drink Business Editor Kim Berry
    PKN Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson and Food & Drink Business Editor Kim Berry
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In this regular monthly podcast, industry insiders Lindy Hughson and Kim Berry provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry.


Covering news from June, we discuss the landmark move by Australia’s Environment Ministers to implement packaging waste legislation aimed to improve the circularity of packaging; the controversy around Absolut’s paper bottle; the entry of the Frugalpac paper bottle into the ANZ market; and the increased implementation of other paper-based packaging solutions, including Detpak’s new paper bag for Mitolo Family Farms potatoes. The discussion also explores US company PakTech’s entry into our market to manufacture, in partnership with Visy, the recyclable carry handles for multipacks made from rHDPE.

We look at Mars Petcare’s investment in two single-serve pouch manufacturing lines, and discuss social enterprise Thankyou’s ambitious global launch of its new ‘Consumerism Reimagined’ product range developed through its new global supply partner network. We wrap up by exploring Better Packaging Co’s bold statement in the form of a confronting plastic waste sculpture parked on Bondi Beach for World Environment Day.

LINKS:
Packaging waste legislation: Environment Ministers step in
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/packaging-waste-legislation-environment-ministers-step-in

Absolut's paper bottle trial sparks controversy
www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/absolut-s-paper-bottle-trial-sparks-controversy

Frugalpac paper bottle makes ANZ debut
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/frugalpac-paper-bottle-makes-anz-debut

Mitolo spuds hit Coles stores in Detpak paper bag
www.packagingnews.com.au/food/mitolo-spuds-hit-coles-stores-in-detpak-paper-bag

PakTech enters Australia, partners with Visy
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/paktech-enters-australia-partners-with-visy

Mars Petcare invests $112.6m in pouch facility
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/mars-petcare-invests-112-6m-in-pouch-facility 

Thankyou 'reimagines consumerism' for global rollout
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/thankyou-reimagines-consumerism-for-global-rollout

Pile of plastic 'poop' parked on Bondi Beach
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pile-of-plastic-poop-parked-on-bondi-beach 

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To find out more about sponsoring The PKN Podcast, contact Sharon Amos.

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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.

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.
If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to editor@packagingnews.com.au.

MC: Grant McHerron
Host: Lindy Hughson
Editor: Chris Visscher
Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

Packaging News

As 2025 draws to a close, it is clear the packaging sector has undergone one of its most consequential years in over a decade. Consolidation at the top, restructuring in the middle, and bold innovation at the edges have reshaped the industry’s horizons. At the same time, regulators, brand owners and recyclers have inched closer to a new circular operating model, even as policy clarity remains elusive.

Pact has reported a decline in revenue and earnings for the first five months of FY26, citing subdued market demand, as chair Raphael Geminder pursues settlement of the long-running TIC earn-out dispute.

PKN brings you the top 20 clicks on our website this year, a healthy mix of surprise and no-surprise. Pro-Pac Packaging led the list, Women in Packaging came in at #4, and Zipform's paper bottle at #15.