The news you need to know: January 2026

PLAY Food & Drink Business returns, now in a monthly format. Editor Kim Berry brings you the top stories from January: Endeavour Group, Fonterra, Lark Distilling, RTDs strength, PLUS don't miss our Top 100 Food & Drink Companies report and the launch of this year's HIVE AWARDS - get your entries in now! 

Packaging News

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.