In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Julia Kay, co-creator and co-CEO of Great Wrap, about the company’s entrepreneurial journey to developing a compostable pallet wrap. The Melbourne start-up was inspired by Julia and her husband Jordy’s former careers in architecture and winemaking, which showed them the sheer impact that plastic pallet wrap has on the environment. The discussion starts with an insight into the shift Great Wrap underwent from manufacturing home compostable cling wrap for household use on a small scale, to moving to a ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and Vice President for Sustainability and Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), about educating companies in the design, production, and implementation of sustainable packaging. We get an insight into what her role as the VP for the WPO entails, and the creation of the Global Packaging for Recycling Guide which is designed to be accessible, free and ensure the recycling of the entire container. Nerida give ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Zaidee Jackson, National Business Development Manager of Sustainable Packaging for Ball & Doggett, about its ecoporium sustainable packaging resource. We get an overview of how the ecoporium platform is educating the industry in best adopting sustainable packaging, and its upcoming live presentations at APPEX consisting of 14 speakers who will be discussing the sustainability aspects of design, printing, converting, and manufacturing. We get a sneak peak into upcoming sessions, which among other ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Joanne Howarth, founder and CEO of Planet Protector Group, about the company’s goals to scale up current manufacturing operations for its sustainable multiple award-winning Woolpack insulated packaging solution, create a vertically integrated operation on shore, and expand to other markets. We start off by discussing how Planet Protector spent 15 months closing a $12m Series A capital raise, with challenges including current market conditions and the market's lack of support for female founders. Joan ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Rebecca Gilling, CEO and Executive Director of Planet Ark, about its new $13m partnership with Uber Eats to drive a shift to sustainable packaging in the food service sector. We discuss why Uber Eats engaged Planet Ark in its quest to give the 50,000+ restaurants on its platform access to sustainable packaging options; the framework developed by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures; and how the $13 million funding from Uber Eats will be used to educate and incentivi ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to two representatives of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific – ANZ, Carissa Bahr, ANZ Safety Environment Manager, and Greg Suzor, Operations Manager. The conversation covers Amcor’s support of the inaugural PKN Women in Packaging Awards for 2024. We discuss Amcor’s reason for sponsoring the awards, how they are fostering diversity in leadership, and the dynamic nature of mentoring. We get an insight into the types of support individuals in their teams require, how they acquire new talent, and what can be done ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek, about what it will take to create a circular economy for plastics in Australia. We assess the shortcomings in our current recycling capabilities, particularly in polypropylene, and how the Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) will be working to bridge those gaps following its funding of $140m. The discussion explores what is required to transform Australia’s recycling eco-system and we review design considerations such as pigments ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Wayne Robinson, PKN Associate Editor and Editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in January. We explore the impact of investor funding will have on Planet Protector Group, the innovator behind wool-based packaging solutions to replace polystyrene; the ANZ region’s placement in the top 3 at the WorldStar Packaging Awards; BioPak’s expansion to Hong Kong; and TricorBraun's ongoing acquisition tra ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Kim Berry, Editor of Food & Drink Business, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in September. The recording takes place while Kim is in Ireland for Combilift’s 25th anniversary, so we start by hearing Kim’s takeouts from this experience, and touch on Lindy’s visit this month to Pack Expo Las Vegas. September was a busy month, and we kick off the main discussion by reviewing Orora’s acquisition of Sav ..read more

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Chris Foley, CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), about advancing Australia’s circular packaging economy. We review APCO’s recent Town Hall meetings with its members, as a consultative process following the National Packaging Targets Review, and Government’s announcements earlier this year that it plans to change the current voluntary environment and intervene with legislation. The discussion explores the balance of regulation, administration, and autonomy to achieve targets ..read more