PKN Packaging News: The Podcast Yaffa Media

In this regular monthly podcast, industry insiders Lindy Hughson and Wayne Robinson provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry.
We discuss our progress for the 2025 National Packaging Targets, updates in the soft plastics saga, and the launch of a Container Deposit Scheme in Victoria. We also review the exciting developments in paper-based flexible packaging from Mars Wrigley, along with its investment in plant upgrades, and Amcor’s launch of its circular polymer material for flexibles in the ANZ market.
LINKS:
2025 Targets data ‘disappointing’, APCO calls for reset
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2025-targets-data-disappointing-apco-calls-for-reset
Circularity for plastics packaging: we can’t travel blind
www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/circularity-for-plastics-packaging-we-can-t-travel-blind
CDS Vic sets start date, appoints operators
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/cds-vic-sets-start-date-appoints-operators
Mars Wrigley injects $28.8m in Ballarat plant upgrade
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/mars-wrigley-injects-28-8m-in-ballarat-plant-upgrade
Amcor first to ANZ market with circular polymers for flexibles
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-first-to-anz-market-with-circular-polymers-for-flexibles
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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
Producer: Steve Visscher
PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Chris Foley, CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), about the Review of the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
In the face of the disappointing reality delivered by the headline data that the targets are not on track to be met by December 2025, Foley calls for a stronger co-regulatory model which strikes a balance between industry-led action and effective government regulation.
Foley dissects some of the data in depth. The biggest challenge lies with the target of recycling or composting 70 per cent of plastic packaging. The discussion gives us a comprehensive evaluation of current packaging solutions for flexible and rigid plastic packaging and whether we can meet our capacity to recycle them.
We discuss the APCO Review’s key findings and suggestions, with a focus on what can be achieved by the 2025 deadline, and also looking beyond 2025. Foley talks on resetting the co-regulatory and collaborative frameworks between government and industry, and interventions to regulate packaging materials to promote circularity.
LINKS:
2025 Targets data "disappointing," APCO calls for reset: www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2025-targets-data-disappointing-apco-calls-for-reset
APCO Report: documents.packagingcovenant.org.au/public-documents/Review%20of%20the%202025%20National%20Packaging%20Targets
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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
Producer: Steve Visscher
Editor: Chris Visscher
PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this regular monthly podcast, industry insiders Lindy Hughson and Wayne Robinson provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry.
We review developments in the soft plastics recycling saga, projections for Australia’s recycling targets, and the trialling of kerbside collection for soft plastics as feedstock for advanced chemical recycling. We also discuss the implications of the Qenos plant fire on the polyethylene supply chain, the breakthrough biodegradable pallet wrap made from potato processing waste, and the anticipated opening of Opal’s new corrugated cardboard packaging facility.
LINKS:
Plastic recycling: Time for a reality check and a fast reset
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/plastic-recycling-time-for-a-reality-check-and-a-fast-reset 
Soft plastics collection restart not without challenges
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/soft-plastics-collection-restart-not-without-challenges 
Qenos plant shut down impacts PE supply
www.packagingnews.com.au/materials/qenos-plant-shut-down-impacts-pe-supply
Great Wrap launches breakthrough pallet wrap
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/great-wrap-launches-breakthrough-pallet-wrap 
Opal's $140m cardboard plant to open in October
www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/opal-s-140m-cardboard-plant-to-open-in-october 
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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
Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Shane Sullivan, vice president APAC at TIPA, about compostable soft plastics.
We get an overview of TIPA’s compostable soft plastic solutions which can degrade to be used to make nutrient rich soil for crops within 90 days. We review the factors involved when composting at home or industrially, and the challenges that consumers face when trying to recycle responsibly. 
Through this discussion Shane gives us an insight into how TIPA collaborates with their local production partner Amcor to provide a wide variety of compostable soft plastic packaging for food and fashion industries. 
We wrap up by discussing how TIPA is aiming to grow in Australia and move packaging production and recycling infrastructure to compostable solutions.
LINKS:
TIPA: tipa-corp.com/
TIPA's ANZ Success Stories: tipa-corp.com/success-stories-category/australia-new-zealand/
R&R Smith adopts TIPA's home compostable packs: www.packagingnews.com.au/food/randr-smith-adopts-tipa-s-home-compostable-packs
Amcor brings compostable flexibles to ANZ: www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-brings-compostable-flexibles-to-anz
TIPA launches home compostable laminate: www.packagingnews.com.au/materials/tipa-launches-home-compostable-laminate
Opinion: Follow SA's lead on compostable packaging: www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/opinion-follow-sa-s-lead-on-compostable-packaging
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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
Producer: Steve Visscher
Editor: Chris Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with David Luttenberger, global packaging director at Mintel, about its 2023 Global Packaging Trends.
We discuss how Mintel conducts its global research using PESTEL analysis, which gives an important insight into the Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors that influence consumer behaviours.
Through this discussion we explore changes in brand identities, addressing green washing, communicating with consumers, understanding social issues, use cases for smart packaging and the importance of social media influencers for marketing. David gives us an insight into how brands can communicate their sustainability initiatives to their consumers, and educate them on their role in recycling packaging. 
The report covers Food and Drink, Beauty and Personal Care, and Household market sectors. We review what each sector should focus on to maximise their reach, with a focus on communication, social inclusion, and product value. Lastly, we review the importance of ‘show and tell’ graphics to clearly explain the use case for a product in all market sectors
LINKS:
Mintel Website: www.mintel.com/
Mintel's 2023 Global Packaging Trends: www.mintel.com/packaging-market-news/global-packaging-trends/
Macro-environmental forces drive packaging change: www.packagingnews.com.au/news/research-and-analysis/macro-environmental-forces-drive-packaging-change
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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
Producer: Steve Visscher
Editor: Chris Visscher
PKN Packaging News - © 2023

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Jackson Sobb, CEO, and Colin Farrell, Director-Business Development, from COPAR, about developments in fibre and biopolymer packaging solutions.
We discuss how COPAR is developing and testing wheat straw and biopolymer packaging solutions as alternatives to plastic based packaging. Throughout the discussion we review the reduced environmental impact of these packaging materials, and get an insight into COPAR’s collaborative relationships with farmers, universities and food businesses to create, research and distribute their sustainable packaging products.
LINKS:
COPAR Website - https://copar.eco/
COPAR LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/copar-smart-packaging/
------------------------------
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
Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2023