ProPack Pro February 2023

Please pass on our thanks to the team for the quality and service for both prints this week. Arrived on time and in good shape which is a pleasant change from some of the jobs we have received from other places.

Kevin

Thank you for having this order completed so promptly, the print quality is faultless and the blind shipping is very much appreciated

Donna

Great job on the books - client is stoked! Thanks again for suggesting the extra laminate -it really made a huge difference! Appreciate it!

James

I just wanted to say thank you for rushing those 2 banners through for me, I really appreciate how quickly you made that happen, pretty amazing service.

Kelly

The postcards were delivered to them this morning and the client is impressed bordering on disbelief. Not sure exactly how you and the team did it all so fast but thank you.

Tom

Loving the magnetic boxes the velvet cards come in, a great way to present the card to the client.

Sarah

‘CUSTOMER IS KING AT HERO PRINT’ ...AND IT SHOWS

o Queen ^

In the blink of an eye, 2022 has passed and the new year has set in. What an amazing year it has been for ProPack. From building our online presence to making strategic moves to enhance the magazine, the year has only been one of growth for the brand.

2023 will be no different as we continue to establish ourselves as one of the leading business portals for the packaging industry. This will involve having a bird’s eye view of the year that was and assessing the best plans for action to take as we set the foundation for the rest of this year.

This is probably the stage that everyone else in the industry is currently at as they embark on the process of creating plans for their businesses in the new year.

But considering the chaotic social environment that the industry is facing right now – from global freight related issues to labour shortages to local challenges like REDcycle temporarily pausing its soft plastics collection program – there are several roadblocks to get through.

Not forgetting that we’re getting closer and closer to Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, which means that big steps need to be taken by everyone within the packaging supply chain to truly create a circular economy.

As such, we can all agree that the most important innovations to come out of the packaging industry are the ones that have a strong sustainability agenda, with attention to things such as design for zero waste and improved recyclability.

The other focus for the year will be automation. Some of the bottlenecks faced by the industry can be alleviated through the adoption and use of these technologies. The practical benefits of augmented reality and virtual reality are being realised by many, and trailblazers are already incorporating these technologies into their packaging designs.

With many tradeshows such as Interpack scheduled for this year, there’s plenty for the packaging industry to be excited about. We can’t wait to bring you the latest as they unravel. All the best for 2023 and sending good vibes your way.

Hafizah Osman | Editor hosman@intermedia.com.au

Ph: +61 431 466 140

Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2023 — Charted Media Group Pty Ltd

Hafizah Osman

IN THIS ISSUE...

How to create a sustainable strategy in NZ

Five ways to create value from your sustainability initiatives through effective marketing communications

Riding the global digital transformation wave

Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner explains why the digital transformation trend will accelerate

COVER STORY: The real cost of supply chain waste

P6

interpack is back!

P14-16

After six years of absence, interpack returns in May with 18 halls, targeted exhibition areas, new speciality shows, forums and a few exhibitors from the region

Labels & Labeling: Opportunities in Asia-Pacific

P18-20

The Asia-Pacific region tops innumerable market growth projections. It is a robust economy that quickly defeats challenges and seizes opportunities

P8

Fibre-based drives the future of packaging

Taking responsibility for the environmental impact of

products

P28-29

Many electronics companies are making all the right moves to enhance their circularity models

Collaboration is the key for a circular economy

P30-31

Aquapak Polymers CEO Mark Lapping addresses the plastic waste problem and what’s needed in the industry for a circular economy

P22-24

Countless technological developments will see fibre-based packaging disrupt the future of the packaging market

P10-12

Avery Dennison’s latest report shows that making waste reduction part of a company purpose can benefit the planet, people and the bottom line

Aarque pairs Durst and GM for label production solutions

European precision label printing and converting technology arrives in New Zealand through Aarque

THIS ISSUE SUPPORTED BY

P26-27

AIP OP-ED: In search of the ever-elusive qualified packaging technologist

P32-33

Packaging Design and Technology is a science that requires the appropriate higher education and training in the discipline , says AIP’s Nerida Kelton

Pack diary

A guide to the upcoming events globally

P34

P14-16

P32-33

How to create a sustainable strategy

Business sustainability consultant Jo Pearson offers five ways to create value from your sustainability initiatives through effective marketing communications

communications objectives to support this. Under each objective define the supporting evidence or messages.

4. Think about your packaging

Packaging is a very effective communication tool, especially where you don’t have a big above-the-line marketing communications budget.

You can use well-designed packaging to attract and acquire sustainability conscious consumers at point of sale. Take a look at other product categories and you’ll note there are some very strong calls to action with regard to sustainability.

Many New Zealand alcohol brands are proactively implementing sustainability practices within their businesses. They’re committed to being environmentally-conscious and socially-just, yet they’re not effectively showcasing what they do. Is this an opportunity missed?

Consumers today are looking for sustainable brands, and customers are extending their ranging with a focus on sustainable brands or looking to underpin their own brand by offering drinks lists aligned with green or socially-conscious credentials.

Traditionally, many liquor brands have created a premium through their production processes. Things such as French oak barrels, interesting flavour additions, co-fermentation, botanicals, or perhaps it’s even the personality behind the brew that were the focus of marketing and brand strategies.

As we look to creating brands fit for today and into tomorrow, sustainability needs to have a much greater focus. How can you effectively communicate your sustainability initiatives to grow your brand?

1. Embed sustainability into your business strategy

By embedding sustainability into your business strategy, it will define how you do business. It will also outline what you are going to do and what your long-term aspirations are regarding sustainability.

This provides rich story telling content which easily lends itself to being a key pillar of your marketing communications.

What’s more, reviewed annually you can track your progress, or even better, publish a sustainability report to house on your website and share through your digital marketing channels either as a whole, or broken down into bite-sized chunks.

2. Provide sustainability context in your communications

Frame up the impacts you are making within a wider sustainability context. This will communicate to people how what you are doing contributes to greater community and global goals.

You might link your goals to government targets, for example net zero emissions by 2050, or underpin them with relevant Sustainable Development Goals, such as climate action or gender equality.

When doing this, take care not to make environmental or social claims that mislead or exaggerate and be sure that you have the evidence to back up your claims, if ever anyone were to ask.

3. Repeat, repeat, repeat

If you want to strengthen your sustainable brand positioning, then repeat your sustainability messaging often and across all your marketing communications channels in a consistent and straight forward way.

Use different examples of what you are doing, to ladder back up and underpin your sustainability goals. You can do this by developing a communications plan that outlines your sustainability communications goal and three core

Consider incorporating iconography or infographics on your label, QR codes or investigate the latest in AR technologies to communicate your sustainability stories, claims or certifications right on your label or carton.

Many people don’t know what alcohol brand they are going to buy until they are in the shop – so give them a reason right at the point of purchase.

5. Be authentic and be you

Be honest and authentic about things that you know aren’t perfect, things you know need to change or areas that you could do better. Very few businesses are 100 per cent sustainable. Let people know it’s in the plan to address these items and what small steps you might be taking to head in that direction.

By being open and honest, you build trust with both your consumers and your customers, and you stay in control of your own authentic sustainability story.

Globally, sustainability awareness and demand are growing – so head into 2023 by effectively communicating your initiatives. Develop a strong sustainable brand platform and set yourself up for future growth well beyond.

Jo Pearson is the owner/ director of The Collective Impact Limited, working with companies to develop business and sustainability strategies that strengthen brand value and contribute to the financial sustainability of the organisation. For more information, visit www.thecollectiveimpact.co.nz.

Riding the global digital transformation wave

Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner explains why the digital transformation trend will accelerate in the next few months

Q: In your opinion, what are the most important arguments to start as regards the digital transformation?

ML: The advantages associated with the digital world have not changed in the last years, but the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting supply chain crisis and the associated inflation are accelerating the label business towards a more digital production.

In particular, the ease of use and less men-power needed, the quick setup and production resulting in a quick delivery time, combined with a lower amount of waste and therefor lower environmental impact are key arguments to convince customers to invest in the digital transformation.

Q: The Tau RSC series has been developed as the most productive and reliable inkjet solution. What can you tell us about Durst’s strategy and innovations to fit the current and future market needs?

Customers produce tubes, car plates, shrink sleeves, sachets, booklet labels and many other applications. Often, customers try to push the boundaries of what we expected to be possible and it is extremely interesting and rewarding to follow these developments.

Q: Is there any special application in which the customer’s technical expertise played a decisive role?

ML: There are a few but what really astonishes me are some projects in the security field. Variable codes and variable micro text, combined with variable colours on special materials to create special holographic effects which are counterproof, is just one example.

Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner

To mark the start of the new year, Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner shared his views on the global digital transformation.

Q: Could you explain what transformation stage – from conventional to digital – the European label market is in, and at the worldwide level?

Martin Leitner (ML): In my opinion, the European label market is already in a very advanced transformation stage, but still transforming very quickly. This development does not only apply to Europe, but can also be seen on a worldwide basis.

The main reason is that today’s digital production systems are at an extremely high level in terms of quality and offer a very competitive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). That is precisely why in today’s context, more and more customers are shifting jobs from conventional to digital, and substitute flexo presses with our TAU printing presses. I expect this trend to continue and even to accelerate in the next months and years.

ML: Our vision is to accelerate the change towards a digital and resource-saving label industry, while respecting the economic goals of our customers, providing highquality printing systems.

Our RSC platform stands for the highest quality (native 1200x1200 dpi, high opacity and ink resistance, up to nine colours and 95 per cent Pantone coverage), best productivity (up to 510 mm, up to 100 m/ min, operator-friendly E2E process) and future-proof TCO (ink and energy reduction, minimum production waste, optimised 360-degree software support). The combination of these three core aspects makes Durst the number one provider in inkjet label printing solutions.

Q: The digital world offers a high level of versatility. What kind of special applications have been produced by customers around the world?

ML: Our customers never cease to amaze me. I travelled a great deal after the COVID19 pandemic and it is satisfying to see that they use our technology in a lot of different ways. Starting from self-adhesive labels for all kind of applications, to special security projects, which our customers can only produce due to the quality and productivity of the RSC platform.

Moreover, if such projects are not just for a few thousands, but repeatedly for millions of labels, then I know the client really found themselves a unique spot with our technology. In this case, the customer in fact created a new category, something which does not exist with other printing technologies and the goal to success is their deep understanding of the perfect combination of prepress, colour management and Durst’s RSC printing technology.

Q: Durst is working to increase the application possibilities of Durst Tau RSC. Are there any news about the IML or sleeves applications that could be announced to the market?

ML: Over the past few months, we have continued our work with selected customers and soon, we will be able to announce another milestone. For applications such as shrink sleeves and in mould labelling, printing is only one small element in the production of the final product.

If we consider, for example, in-mould labels, it is important to understand the material behaviour during printing and converting, the influence of the diecutting and, last but not least, the moulding process, which has a big influence on the final result. We are confident that in 2023 we are opening up to a few more applications which will provide our customers even more possibilities and which will make them extremely competitive.

The real cost of supply chain waste

Avery Dennison’s latest report shows that making waste reduction part of a company purpose can benefit the planet, people and the bottom line

Going green is a big selling point for consumers and businesses alike, with many moving away from companies that don’t share their sustainability values. As people demand demonstrable climate action, there’s an urgent need for brands to respond with more transparent and eco-friendly supply chains that effectively reduce waste.

As such, Avery Dennison conducted a study to better understand the global supply chain waste challenges that companies face and explore the innovative ways these issues are being tackled. It assessed the state of global supply chains, focusing on several core segments – food,

beauty, apparel, automotive, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

The scale of what it uncovered is worth paying attention to. Global organisations are overproducing and exacerbating the supply chain crisis – estimating that on average, eight per cent of their stock perishes or is discarded annually, which is approximately US$163 billion worth of inventory.

The data found that while companies are acutely aware of the problem, they are not yet investing the budget required to fix it.

Of those surveyed, an average of 29 per cent say that their organisation’s overall

sustainability impact comes from supply chain operations. However, three quarters of businesses are investing five per cent or less of their technology budget to supply chain sustainability improvement.

With cost and quality being the highest priorities for consumers globally when it comes to buying products, the data has also revealed that sustainability still has a long way to go to make it into customers’ immediate priority lists, with just 16 per cent of consumers putting sustainability in their top three considerations for buying products.

Global organisations are overproducing and exacerbating the supply chain crisis, according to a study by Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison A/NZ labels and packaging materials commercial director Cath

Sustainable products produced with the circular economy in mind are built to last

Cornaggia said this is because of a reluctance to change due to brand loyalty, consumers being unable to make informed decisions due to a lack of detailed information on the sustainability of a product, and consumers still thinking that being sustainable will cost more.

“Unfortunately, consumers are mostly still in the mindset that shopping for sustainable products is more costly. While that is true in some cases, and consumers are likely to remain responsible in the current economic climate, eco-friendly options are becoming more competitive in price,” she said.

“Some consumers are also reluctant to make the switch because of brand loyalty. If you have been using a brand for years, and it works well for what you need it for –of course it makes sense that you would stick by that brand. However, as we know, sustainable products produced with the circular economy in mind are built to last, and will save you money in the long run as they will not need replacing as often.

“There is also some confusion for consumers around accurate information. Greenwashing is rife and something we are seeing in the news cycle more and more. The combination of this, and lack of transparency from some businesses, creates a perfect storm where consumers are unable to make informed decisions about a product – for example the carbon footprint, the recyclability and traceability.”

However, the research points to a shift in the desire for durable products, with durability ranked by almost half of global consumers (48 per cent) as a top five concern – suggesting there is an opportunity for businesses to shape the future of sustainability by putting a greater focus on product durability.

Cornaggia said suppliers and manufacturers need to consider durability, recyclability and circularity in the design stage.

“Not only is it necessary to think about recycling and reuse after the product’s end-of-life, but the entire life cycle has to be built into the design from the beginning,” she mentioned.

“Product durability is a key facet of a successful circular economy, and suppliers and manufacturers must consider this at the design stage. This means considering the entire life cycle of a product right from the start and thinking about what will happen to the materials, and how they can be reused or repurposed, after the product’s end of life.

“Here at Avery Dennison, this is exactly what we envision when we consider the future as a ‘regenerative economy’. We look at new products, new technology and alternative supply chains and business models that actively replenish rather than remove from our planet.

“For businesses to drive this change, those further in their journeys must empower others to do so. For this reason, we have created AD Stretch, the first programme in the labels industry aimed at partnering with start-up innovators to solve key challenges and create new opportunities within sustainability, customer experience and value chains.”

Future-proofing the supply chain

According to AD Global Supply Chain Research in 2022, global industries saw supply chain disruptions soar from 3,700 in 2019 to 11,642 in 2021, due to the pandemic and its ongoing impact.

However, with other global challenges such as increasing geopolitical risks, inflationary pressures, labour shortages, spiralling energy and fuel costs, and the impact of climate change on production as well as shipping, manufacturers are bracing themselves for an even more volatile future.

Avery Dennison’s research found that one in five global companies said these global forces are driving supply chain disruption. The increased cost of transportation was said to be the single most disruptive factor impacting supply chain operations.

But consumers still expect businesses to act. The report found that whether it’s for food, fashion or beauty, half of consumers expect sustainable manufacturing and distribution.

New waste-free processes are seen as the top way for businesses to make an impact on addressing climate change, followed closely by the use of sustainable and renewable materials. According to the report, 81 per cent of people believe businesses have a significant role to play

in addressing the climate crisis, and 51 per cent say they aren’t acting fast enough.

Avery Dennison said eliminating supply chain waste is key to addressing both the needs of businesses and consumers as effectively navigating volatile demand increases margins, reduces environmental damage and gives businesses an opportunity to divert the recouped losses back into better materials, increased worker wages and investment into corporate social responsibility.

In the process, it also offers an opportunity to build connections with consumers who are looking for ways to close the valueaction gap.

“While Australia and New Zealand is ahead of much of the developing world in terms of our sustainability journey, there is still much more businesses can do to ensure future prosperity. The first being matching up environmental, social and governance goals (ESG) with supply chain investment –this can help greatly to reduce waste and improve margins,” Cornaggia said.

“Secondly, boosting the visibility of supply and demand can lead to less waste and foster consumer satisfaction. Visibility and transparency are a key foundation for consumer trust.

Five key opportunities to reduce waste now

1. Money talks

Matching up environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals with supply chain investment can help reduce waste and improve margins.

2. Balance the stock

Boosting the visibility of supply and demand can lead to less waste and more contented consumers.

3. Considerate consumption

Offering more durable products to consumers not only reduces waste but also addresses their need for affordability and quality.

4. Trust in data

Transparency in the supply chain can help to reduce waste and profit loss caused by damage and strengthen partner and consumer trust.

5. Human truths

Helping consumers make wastefree purchasing choices through education and transparency.

“Offering more durable products to consumers not only reduces waste, but addresses their need for affordability and quality – this is key in attracting those consumers who are on the fence about whether to switch from a brand they trust, to a more sustainable one.

“Further to this, educating consumers in a productive way, through transparency, to make waste-free purchases is a winwin situation for all.”

Increase profits and benefit the environment

In the midst of the climate crisis, Avery Dennison has identified that many businesses have adopted solutions and initiatives to curb their environmental impact – 67 per cent are using more sustainable materials (such as recycled materials or lower emitting products) and 66 per cent are increasing the efficiency of energy use (for instance, improving the energy efficiency of buildings).

physical work, therefore reduced accidents), and creates less waste.

products either at the pallet, case or item level.

“We believe that RFID tagging these products presents the most effective solution to increasing supply chain visibility,” she said.

“RFID technology enables much faster and more efficient and accurate item level tracking with hundreds of items being able to be read accurately at checkpoints across the supply chain within seconds (without direct line of sight to the product on the pallet or in the carton).

“At Avery Dennison we use atma.io to help track the environmental footprint of an item by creating a digital twin that is trackable online. atma.io is a platform that unlocks the power of connected products by assigning unique digital IDs to everyday items, providing unparalleled end-to-end transparency by tracking, storing and managing all the events associated with each individual product — from source to consumer and beyond to enable circularity,” she mentioned.

Improved inventory visibility is another way that Cornaggia said reduces waste and keeps items in stock for customers as the report identified that an average of 3.4 per cent of inventory, amounting to US$64.5 billion, is wasted per year due to overproduction.

“Avery Dennison and our partners can support the necessary infrastructure (hardware and software) and suitable RFID tags to enable near real time visibility of their products across their supply chain. Typically, we would start with a small pilot to help demonstrate and validate the benefits of RFID before rolling out across their sites.”

Key takeaways to minimise waste

• Item-level visibility of inventory end-to-end negates the need for safety stocks: Overproduction occurs due to a lack of clarity on the amount of stock already being produced, distributed and purchased. Therefore, item-level visibility and accurate forecasting can provide this clarity and prevent problems before they occur.

According to Cornaggia, businesses should be investing in technologies that can improve visibility across their supply chains to clearly identify where products are sourced (transparency) and reduce overproduction by ensuring inventory levels more closely matches consumer demand.

“Investing in technologies that can improve visibility across supply chains is extremely beneficial. Utilising technology to identify where products are sourced fosters transparency, and can also reduce overproduction by ensuring inventory levels reflects consumer demands –ultimately driving less waste reduction while also providing the grounds for increasing consumer loyalty,” she said.

In addition, she said adopting RFID or sustainability minimises unnecessary labour (digital track and trace), ensures safety (minimised labour translates to less

“Improved inventory visibility helps track items that are lost and ensures vendors are only ordering what is necessary at the time and prevents overproduction. For example, with food and beauty products, having visibility to products sitting in inventory that are about to expire ensures these items can be sold rather than disposed of,” she said.

“It is also a win for consumers – knowing which stores have what inventory items ensures that they can access real time, accurate information and can find their products.”

But keeping on top of distribution and inventory tracking end-to-end is no easy task. Better visibility requires enabling supply chain practitioners to improve their forecasting accuracy and pinpoint the optimal amount of stock for their business; enough to prevent consumers from experiencing scarcity of essential items and not so much that it leads to excess waste.

To enable more visible supply chains, Cornaggia said companies should work towards assigning unique IDs to their

• Consumers need reassurance and open communication about the availability of goods: Consumers don’t like feeling the effects of scarcity or low stock levels, they want reassurance that they can get their hands on the essential items they need day-today. Food companies especially should aim to dial up reassurance when communicating with customers due to scarcity fears being strongest in this category.

• With supply chain visibility brands can better implement FIFO policies: The world continues to be intricately interconnected by the global supply chain. While demand volatility is impossible to eliminate, it is possible to manage. With greater stock visibility, brands can better implement “first-in, first-out” (FIFO) policies – meeting consumer desires for reduced waste, while maintaining levels of stock that can cater to unforeseen disruption.

Overproduction can be reduced by ensuring inventory levels reflect consumer demands

atma.io tracks the environmental footprint of an item by creating a digital twin that is trackable online

interpack is back!

After six years of absence, interpack returns in May with 18 halls, targeted exhibition areas, new speciality shows, forums and a few exhibitors from the region

According to feedback from the industry, the pandemic showed that digital alternative events were seen as a plus that provided added value, but meeting in person at a trade fair is irreplaceable in terms of generating new contacts and building trust, which is massively important.

However, despite the absence of the physical show, interpack has been supporting its exhibitors and visitors in different ways.

“On our digital channels, we continuously accompany the industry, share valuable knowledge and initiate discussions,” interpack project director Thomas Dohse said.

“We also provide business and communication platforms in key growth markets and regions.”

According to Dohse, more and more people worldwide are buying more and more packaged products. This demand must be met and is the basis for growth. The industry is, therefore, highly relevant.

“Added to this are changing consumer habits, for example, in e-commerce, which positively impacts economic expectations. But of course, it’s not that simple because the packaging industry is facing a profound transformation,” Dohse said.

“The year 2022 was marked by the effects of the Ukraine war, disruptive supply chains,

the energy crisis and inflation. Added to this is the major issue of sustainability. For example, brand owners and the packaging industry are increasingly focusing on the goal of climate neutrality, sustainable packaging, and resource conservation. This is also about technological advances. Without digital technologies, change cannot be shaped.”

Over the past six years, Messe Düsseldorf had the opportunity to host some interpack alliance trade shows. Most recently, in Egypt in December 2022 with Food Africa and pacprocess MEA – which attracted over 25,000 visitors – took advantage of the excellent investment climate and, together with the exhibitors, took important steps into a significant sales market on the African continent.

Messe Düsseldorf estimates that around 2,700 exhibitors will take part

“Here, too, it became clear in many discussions that despite all the challenges facing companies, the opportunities for growth are great. This applies to developing regions as well as saturated markets. Processing and packaging are significant industries of the future,” Dohse said.

Messe Düsseldorf estimates that around 2,700 exhibitors from around the world will present leading technologies at this year’s edition of interpack and showcase packaging trends from the entire value chain accumulated within the last six years of forced absence during the pandemic.

The entire exhibition was booked out already a year ago, with other interested companies registering for the waiting lists.

“We are delighted that we are once again “fully booked”. This year’s interpack has an extremely high status. There has never been more need to meet. Since the last

interpack in 2017, the market, political and social conditions, and above all, technological progress have changed drastically,” Dohse said.

“We look back on a long tradition and have always been as close as possible to the industry since 1958. This is incredibly important in helping to drive the packaging and processing industry forward.

“interpack is the central place where the industry comes together from all continents. Here, the industry takes advantage of the opportunities offered by a leading trade show to demonstrate the industry’s capabilities, discuss current trends and set the course for the future.

“Here, you can see machines and complete process technologies live in action. If you’re not here, you’ve definitely missed out. I like to compare it with the Olympic

Games, which every athlete marks in the calendar years in advance.”

To live up to its status as the flagship of the global processing and packaging industry trade shows, interpack has introduced a new slogan, “Simply Unique”.

Dohse said, “interpack is the flagship of the global processing and packaging industry. It is unique in terms of its dimension, diversity, innovative strength and internationality.

“Nowhere else do you meet the entire industry in one place, and nowhere else do you have this density of innovations and premieres. “Simply unique” is our selfimage, claim and promise to our exhibitors, visitors and partners.”

Interpack is always rounded up by its special themes that pick up on the trends for the coming years. According to Dohse, in 2023, sustainability and all of its facets will be even more significant than it has been in years past, which means that this year, interpack will be tackling this set of themes in cooperation with its partners.

“The two major megatrends of our time are undoubtedly digitalisation and sustainability, which have a major impact on the processing and packaging industry. Both will determine interpack 2023,” Dohse said.

“Let me briefly touch on the sustainability issue. In addition to the social movement, we are also talking about a central economic factor here. Europe is to become climate-neutral by 2050. This goes hand in hand with a resource-efficient and competitive economy.

“The circular economy is one of the most important building blocks. How can recyclability be improved? How can we produce in a climate-neutral way? How can we increase the amount of content to be recycled? Which materials are suitable for which products? interpack exhibitors have answers.”

In the past, interpack’s special themes have always grabbed the public’s attention, for example, Save Food, which aimed to reduce food waste, or the concept of the innovation parks, which demonstrate smart solutions and approaches for specific issues, which are now a firm favourite at the other international trade fairs held by the interpack alliance.

“We focus on highly relevant trend and future-oriented topics for our target groups, for example, with our spotlight talks and trends lecture forum, which features presentations, case studies and interactive sessions with top experts and industry pioneers,” Dohse added.

interpack 2023 returns after six years of absence

Many major megatrends surface during interpack

“We have the theme of co-packing and packaging innovations with several award ceremonies at the show. And we are looking forward to our first TV studio with live reports and talk shows from interpack. Save Food also continues because it is really close to our hearts. The processing and packaging industries are important players in the fight against global food losses.”

With still a few weeks to go, exhibiting companies started presenting their businesses individually and introducing their contacts and product innovations in the exhibitor and product database, which is now available on the interpack’s website.

“Companies need to present their businesses and products optimally, not only in the trade fair halls but also online.

The new exhibitor profile makes this possible,” Messe Düsseldorf CEO Wolfram N. Diener said.

“We are increasingly focusing on platforms that we can offer our customers in both physical and digital form. On our online portals, our trade fairs run 365 days a year. They are the first points of contact for their respective industries. In order to offer our customers the greatest possible benefit, we stay in regular contact with them and continuously develop our digital services such as the online portals.”

The database gives visitors a better overview of exhibitors offering the option of convenient sorting of products, filtering according to personal interests and making contact before the trade fair. In the run-up to interpack, the platform also offers the feature of saving preferred exhibitors, products and events in the “myOrganizer”. Five Australian companies are already listed in the catalogue.

Dohse said, “When exhibitors from the other side of the world come to us, it is always something very valuable. At interpack 2023, we are looking forward to no less than five exhibitors from Australia: Composite Materials Engineering, Glory Tins Australia, Heat and Control, ICEE Containers and tna solutions. In addition, there were around 500 trade visitors from Australia and New Zealand at the previous interpack trade shows.

“We will see many new things, for example, production worlds with more efficient machines and higher levels of automation, resource-saving processes, optimised supply chains, new digital services, material innovations and countless more. We are excited about all the announced premieres and the next step into the future.”

interpack will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 4 to10 May, 2023. Further up-to-date information on the trade fair is available at www.interpack. com. The exhibitor and product database is now available at: https://www.interpack. com/en/Exhibitors_Products_2023/ Exhibitors_interpack_2023/Search_ for_Exhibitors.

According to the industry feedback, meeting in person at a trade fair is irreplaceable

interpack introduced a “Simply Unique” slogan for this year’s edition of the show

At interpack 2023, there is expected to be no less than five exhibitors from Australia

interpack 2023 was booked out a year ago, with other interested companies registering for the waiting lists

PACKAGING AND DISPLAY EQUIPMENT

KOLBUS AUTOBOX

The original and leading complete custom box machine manufactured in Germany and the UK, since 1979 with 60 plus units installed in ANZ.

14 - 16 March 2023, Munich, Germany

Visit the Graffica team on the Kolbus Stand 2740, see the new latest generation Autobox maker to be launched. We will also be on the Century Die Cutters Stand 2935

THE BOXER

As demonstrated at PacPrint and sold to APC Innovate, AKL, NZ

Box making systems incorporating inline digital printing

MULTI-NOVA

Large format, straight line crash-lock box gluer

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Opportunities in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region tops innumerable market growth projections. It is a robust economy that quickly defeats challenges and seizes opportunities

By Piotr Wnuk

Asia-Pacific is showing strong economic growth again and is listed as one of the fastest-growing mar-kets globally

Asia-Pacific is undoubtedly a rising market with great potential. Although the pandemic has negatively influenced its economy, the region is showing strong economic growth again. It is listed as one of the fastestgrowing markets globally, with indicators way above other more mature markets like North America or Western Europe.

According to the Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence report published in September 2022, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) print labels market was valued at US$15.778 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.34 per cent to reach a market size of US$25.092 billion by 2027.

Compared with the 3.02 per cent and 3.47 per cent growth prognosis for North America and EMEA, it becomes clear why some of the significant label market players globally increased their presence in the region.

However, several countries in the APAC region were significantly affected by the pandemic. The shutdown of various factories affected global supply chains and negatively impacted manufacturing, delivery schedules and raw material sales. Additionally, sealed borders made it difficult to procure raw materials such

as ink, label stock, plates and dyes.

“The global economic outlook during the pandemic saw a decrease in gross domestic product and supply chain challenges,” Singapore-based Arnon Goldman, general manager for HP in Asia-Pacific, said.

“As a result, the print industry was impacted by lower demand and volume slowdown. We immediately set out focused plans to support our customers and partners aimed at business continuity and the needs of customers.

“Since then, we have seen many of our print service providers (PSPs) demonstrate business agility and a quick reaction to ever-changing market demands by shifting more volume to digital print and leveraging the versatility of our presses to offer new types of products and services.”

“I believe that many companies faced the same issues with longer delivery times beyond their control,” agreed Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European marketing manager at press manufacturer Mark Andy.

“This meant we all had to change our logistics and supply chains. The advantage

for Mark Andy was that most elements are produced in-house at our factory in St Louis, USA.”

The pandemic affected the regional labels market as consumption and demand plummeted due to government restrictions and businesses closing.

“The impact of the pandemic on business has been a mixed bag, varying by segment and country. In general, we saw a rise in demand in the tag and label sector and flexible packaging,” Roy Schoettle, vicepresident of the Asia-Pacific region at XSYS said.

“This was largely driven by the high demand for pharmaceutical and sanitary products and by the rise in at-home consumption of packaged goods. However, other areas, such as the beverage industry, dropped. From a regional perspective, China performed strongly, whereas India, for example, experienced a decline.”

“In general, our business has remained resilient despite the impact of government lockdowns,” Jane Tan, managing director of Press Systems Group (PSG), a Thailandbased supplier of UV LED systems, said.

“The restrictions on travel led to a downturn in the leisure and tourism sector, and therefore, we’ve seen a divergence in demand trends across different sectors. The hygiene and pharma sectors have been solid and the retail food and drink sector performed better than expected.”

Thai KK, a label and adhesive tape manufacturer, faced a much lower demand for self-adhesive labels for the food industry. However, it could keep a stable volume by supplying more to converters producing labels for the pharmaceutical, home and personal care, and digital advertisement industries.

“A big number of brand owners were supplying labels to specific verticals such as healthcare, retail, home, personal care and education before the pandemic unfolded,” Chawaeng Uvimolchai, CEO of Thai KK Industries said.

“Now, as businesses have reopened, many brand owners are getting more traction and demand on social distancing labels, smart labels, touchless transactions, etc.

We were also able to capitalise on this opportunity during the pandemic.”

Challenges and opportunities

“Regional companies will embrace the opportunity for growth and will know that it represents both an advantage and a challenge,” Jake Roberts, sales director of Sandon Global, said.

“The advantage will lie in the increased revenue opportunities, but that will, of course, be countered by the challenges. Elsewhere in the world, we’ve already seen increasing demand for shorter-run work, with fast turnaround expectations and a greater variation in print quality demands.

As the market grows, so do these more exacting requirements and increasing quality standards, all of which require technical know-how and agility to uphold consistently.

“The growth provides a good incentive for companies to invest in the region. The APAC region is characterised by its large population, rising living standards and urbanisation trends,” Tan said.

“These are the principal factors driving consumption across all aspects of the packaging market. Overall penetration of supermarkets and convenience stores

FOCUS LABELS AND LABELING

labor in print can be an enduring crisis,” Goldman said.

“Customers that have adopted digital as part of their business strategy are coming on top of those challenges as they react and change faster. We see increased demand for automation in production and a move to more automated workflows.”

Chmielewska-Bontron added that the challenge now, and going forward is finding the right people with the technical know-how and ability to operate a printing press and be responsible for production.

“This is especially an issue for the flexo sector and is, perhaps, one of the reasons for the growth of digital printing – the presses are easier to learn and operate,” Chmielewska-Bontron said.

“The shortage of printing skills is a global issue facing all converters, irrespective of where they are in the world or which sector they work in. For many major markets, the looming crisis in energy costs will become a critical concern. So strange as it may seem, now is a good time to invest in the latest and most efficient technology.”

is relatively low compared with more mature markets.”

XSYS, on the other hand, warns that high growth also presents various challenges for individual companies, including PSPs.

“The main challenge for regional companies would be staff retention, new recruitment, and staff training and development. Like in the rest of the world, the conditions are tough in the Asia-Pacific region now with severe cost pressures, fast-rising energy costs, supply chain issues and lack of highly skilled staff making life difficult for flexo converters,” Schoettle said.

Material prices have been increasing substantially throughout 2022. Additionally, companies are hit with higher power, logistics and staffing costs. Consequently, there is a great deal of cost pressure across the entire value chain.

HP lists rising costs as the biggest challenge in the region. These costs are going up to the highest prices for decades and has led to inflation forecasts on a macro level.

“In addition, a challenge we learned to plan for is shortages of parts, substrates and raw materials. With only a few new offset workers being trained, any shortage in

Driving the cost curve of flexographic printing down compared to other printing technologies, such as gravure or digital printing, is one of the most significant opportunities for the industry, according to Schoettle.

“This can be achieved by increased machine automation resulting in higher productivity and waste reduction while enhancing quality through a more consistent plate production process, Schoettle said.

Goldman mentioned digital is growing in the region, with ample opportunity appearing in areas such as smart packaging.

“The post-pandemic trends show the world embracing more digital tools. In print and packaging, we are seeing this integration of the best of the physical and digital world for a fuller experience,” Goldman said.

Balancing digital, flexo and hybrid

As print continues to grow and evolve, customer expectations and demands are changing. Successful PSPs are now increasing their focus on growth drivers and progressing their digital acceleration.

“The digital sector is proving popular for smaller runs and niche applications, offering cost benefits and flexibility over flexo. However, we don’t expect digital printing to make big inroads into the core flexo print sector at this time as flexo is still proven to have its cost advantage for mid- to long-run jobs,” Tan said.

Domino’s facility has been established to support regional sales, sampling and training

Domino opened a Digital Centre of Excellence in Bangkok, Thailand, to support regional growth

FOCUS LABELS AND LABELING

Talking about ratios, Thai KK believes digital printing products will have higher percentage growth in the long run. Although, the company estimates the current balance is only at 10 per cent digital, compared to traditional offset labeling, which is around 90 per cent. The company predicts that digital printing will grow faster in the next five years.

HP is also expecting all technologies to coexist in the market, noting that there is a shift in focus and investment to digital.

“All the trends we discussed here motivate PSPs to redefine their strategy and longterm plans. We are seeing more interest in new business models and offerings largely enabled by digital and HP technologies, services and solutions,” Goldman said.

“We can supply 50 per cent of our energy requirement through photovoltaic solar panels when weather conditions are favorable.”

What does the future hold?

One of the dominant trends in mature packaging markets is M&A activity. The APAC region is no different.

“We are seeing M&A activity changing the customer landscape in the APAC and contributing further to global industry consolidation. There are now fewer small and medium-sized printers active in the market than were present 10 years ago, and this trend is expected to continue,” Tan said.

“It’s higher quality in terms of the overall durability of the ink, which supports a longer shelf-life, and is another advantage. Furthermore, flexo can be used for addon processes such as lamination or cold foiling, which are not supported by a digital press on its own.”

Domino Digital Printing Solutions, which has been present in the APAC market for over three decades, opened a Digital Centre of Excellence in Bangkok, Thailand, with its long-standing partner Harn Engineering Solutions, in June 2021. The facility has been established to support regional sales, sampling and training.

“Digital inkjet printing is gaining momentum in the Asia-Pacific for label printing and for the increased use of variable data printing witnessed since the pandemic struck,” Paul Myatt, Domino Digital Printing Solutions APAC regional service and support manager said.

Schoettle mentioned that the install base of digital presses is growing, but these technologies are still complementary to flexography.

“Digital does play a role, however, particularly in the tag and label market where we are seeing many printing companies investing in multiple technologies, but in other markets, such as flexible packaging where high-speed printing and long job runs are required, it is still not economically viable,” he said.

Chmielewska-Bontron said flexo is and will be for some time the major technology in narrow web, and it is important that converters see the two as complementary, not as direct competitors.

“Each has advantages and limitations, so we carefully evaluate each customer’s requirements before recommending which technology they should invest in,” Chmielewska-Bontron said.

Beyond eco-friendly materials

Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda, and while before, it was mainly just a topic for debate in the APAC region, legislation is now being introduced to reduce the impact of packaging on the environment. The region is proving its maturity when it comes to eco-friendly approaches.

“People and companies who still see the Asia-Pacific region as a dumping ground for inferior products will have difficulties finding clients, as the converters in the region are supplying high-end quality packaging and continuously improving conditions and the quality of their output,” Schoettle said.

“Sustainability has become a key requirement for the packaging industry across the board, with everyone from global brand owners to local startups making pledges to lower their impact on the planet.”

Roberts thinks that sustainability may have been less of a priority during the early stages of the pandemic as hygiene and safety rose in consumer concern. But now companies are operating again at full strength, everyone is far more conscious of sustainability when purchasing products, both in their professional and personal lives.

“Print and packaging businesses can become an integral part of the solution and offer a digital-first mindset in manufacturing with reduced waste, a lower carbon footprint, circularity commitments and new sustainable materials,” Goldman added.

Broader environmental, social and governance subjects have also become a significant priority for customers and businesses in the APAC region in recent years.

“As a responsible business ourselves, the new Sandon Global facility is only fractionally away from being carbon neutral,” Roberts said.

“For us, it presents both challenges and opportunities. Challenges are associated with the need to meet global best practices of customers and additional requirements on product consistency across different regions. Ultimately for PSG, this has led to longer testing and trailing periods for some products and additional cost and supply chain pressures.”

As Domino see it, the future lies in inkjet as it offers local businesses to operate more flexibly, efficiently, cost-effectively, sustainably, and with shorter lead times, ultimately driving up their return on investment and digital product development and growth.

“We strongly believe that the APAC region will adopt hybrid technology in a big way, which means that we will have to stay very close to our customers and partners to help them choose the right solution for their specific needs,” ChmielewskaBontron said.

Schoettle, on the other hand, thinks that introducing higher levels of automation into the production process can help alleviate some of these issues, which will no doubt continue to trouble the region, and the world, over the next few years. He thinks that minimising waste, removing manual intervention, and reducing the total cost of ownership is now conditional to successfully operating in the packaging industry and future -proofing businesses.

Perhaps the best future trends conclusion comes from Goldman, who thinks that there are several categories at tipping points for our industry, like digital adoption, sustainability, automation, personalisation, e-commerce and growth in packaging.

“Print is positioned at the intersection between many interesting segments of big logistics and operations and the rush for more creative solutions where our PSPs can plan key roles with new business models,” he said.

XSYS sees a rise in demand in the tag and label sector and flexible packaging in the region

03—05 May 2023

Durst HQ, Brixen, Italy

DURST BEYOND OPEN HOUSE LABEL

Following the success of the past few years, we are once again organising our Open House in 2023, the biggest to date. An exclusive event where customers and partners from around the world will meet at our headquarters in Brixen, South Tyrol, and get the chance to take a look BEYOND the surface and into the future of the label printing world.

For more information, please visit www.durst-group.com/en/ digital-printing-technologies/durst-beyond

Fibre-based drives the future of packaging

From diversifying materials use to improving recycling properties, countless technological developments will see fibre-based packaging disrupt the future of the packaging market

By Piotr Wnuk

In 2018, Australian environment ministers established the 2025 National Packaging Targets to increase the use of recycled content in packaging. The ministers worked, and are continuing to work, with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) to achieve four ambitious goals in the next two years – for 100 per cent of packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable; for 70 per cent of plastic packaging to be recycled or composted; for 50 per cent of average recycled content to be included in the packaging and lastly, to phase out problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging.

As such, replacing the problem plastics in packaging with completely renewable fibre-based materials is the sustainable alternative that consumers are both demanding and actively seeking. Those materials can be easily recycled into new products and are naturally biodegradable. Therefore, the market is witnessing a boom in fibre-based packaging, which, according to the latest Smithers report, was valued at US$425.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$503.4 billion by 2027.

Wood is more sustainable than many others when adequately managed through growing and responsible harvesting

“Wood fibres are the best renewable raw material,” said Mandi Alaterä, senior vice-president of communications and marketing of packaging materials at Stora Enso, a Finish manufacturer of pulp, paper and other forest products.

“Paperboard is a best-of-both-worlds solution: it is a circular and decidedly reliable material that does not sacrifice product protection and appearance for sustainability. It allows brand owners to offer a low-carbon and recyclable package that supports the most demanding and sensitive applications.”

Huhtamaki A/NZ sustainability and public relations manager Jano Crema added, “The production of fibre-based packaging encourages the growth of renewable resources that capture carbon rather than the extraction of materials.

“Fibre-based packaging is also typically recyclable, with a very high resource recovery rate in Australia. Fibre materials are also more easily composted and biodegraded.”

Indeed, fibres can be recycled up to 25 times and are an important raw

material for new packaging. Because they partially lose their strength in the process, they need to be refilled with fresh fibres to maintain their quality. This often leads to misconceptions about the use of trees. However, this raw material is more sustainable than many others when adequately managed through responsible harvesting.

“Sustainable forest management is the integral first step of the paperboard production process; at Stora Enso, for example, its virgin raw material is sourced from 100 per cent sustainably managed forests as is covered by internationally recognised certification schemes, like PEFC and FSC,” Alaterä said.

“We use every part of the tree smartly and avoid waste, use recovered fibres where possible and seek to expand their use, build circularity into our materials to ensure they can be recycled.”

“Growing trees sequesters carbon from the atmosphere – in fact, production trees continue to be the best, most efficient and only commercially-viable approach to do this at the scale we need to achieve

a circular economy,” Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) acting CEO Victor Violante said.

“Our opportunity is to use the fibre resource in as many ways as possible to add value and solve complex challenges such as plastic pollution in the environment. Fibre-based products are already replacing single-use and problematic plastics in our supply chains, supermarkets, homes, cafes and more. Paper and cardboard already have the highest rates of recovery and recycling of any material.”

the material’s recyclability as it needs to be separated from the paperboard during the recycling process. For this reason, most food packaging is now predominantly plastic, and its recycling rates are relatively low. While fibre-based packaging is currently widely recycled for non-food uses, the recent Smithers’ study indicates that by 2040 it will approach full circularity as technical developments broaden its suitability for food packaging.

“The packaging industry will focus research and development efforts to meet increasing consumer and regulatory demand for more recyclable and compostable packaging,” UPM Specialty Papers vice-president of strategy Maria Saloranta said.

“As a result, we expect the share of fibrebased food packaging to grow, accelerated by breakthroughs in barrier properties and use of smart technologies that help relay information to consumers quickly and easily.”

Amcor agrees that the most significant challenge is developing products with the necessary barrier properties and food contact properties to fulfil productsecurity needs at the high level that other materials, like plastic, can achieve.

Jumping over the barrier’s barrier

One of the disadvantages of fibre-based packaging is the main obstacle to eliminating plastic in packaging. The challenge is the need for barriers that protect the inside of the package to maintain the freshness of the food and preserve its nutrients while providing essential functionalities.

“In the realm of flexible packaging for retail food, there are many challenges with using paper and bio-based plastics, the highest of which is performance,” O F Packaging marketing manager Jessica Ansell said.

“Paper as a film substrate for packaging does not seal to itself without the use of lamination to plastic layers, or when combined with a specialty coating. Paper fibre has a naturally poor moisture barrier and poor physical barrier. It is typically used in a multi-laminate structure with fossil-fuel-based plastics, which can be difficult to separate at the end of life, or with bio-based plastics, which can alter the biodegradability properties of the materials compared to their use individually. These products also contaminate the paper stream at recycling facilities.”

For example, a paper coffee cup needs a thin barrier layer on each side of the fibre to hold liquid and is produced by heat sealing. Using plastic in barriers challenges

‘It is this innovation that Amcor is focused on working toward, innovating for the creation of packaging from alternative materials like paper without sacrificing on the properties necessary to keep the products inside safe and secure,” Amcor vice-president of corporate venturing and open innovation Frank Lehmann said.

“This biggest challenge is also the market’s greatest opportunity. Packaging manufacturers can replace existing applications and move more significantly toward paper packaging. Paper and fibre packaging present an opportunity for a wide range of applications in the packaging industry, including the ability to develop packaging barriers to suit specific needs depending on the product.”

Rapid innovation

The market is now focused on intensive research and development in fibre-based materials and wide-ranging design options, which will help brand owners and converters replace plastic packaging in many more end-uses.

Tetra Pak is testing a fibre-based barrier, claimed to be the first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions, in close collaboration with some of its customers. A first pilot batch of single-serve packs featuring this industryfirst material is currently on the shelf for a commercial consumer test.

Tetra Pak vice-president of climate and biodiversity Gilles Tisserand said, “Early results suggest that the package with a fibre-based barrier will offer substantial CO2 reduction when compared to traditional aseptic cartons, together with comparable shelf life and food protection properties.

“Therefore, we believe this development will be a breakthrough in reducing climate impact. In addition, cartons with higher paper content are also more attractive for paper mills; thus, this concept presents clear potential for realising a low carbon circular economy for packaging.”

Huhtamaki is partnering with a major customer to develop paper-based coffee capsules made from wood fibre, responsibly sourced from European forests. They have been independently certified by TÜV – as home compostable and compostable in food waste collection schemes.

“The home compostable fibre-based coffee capsules will initially be piloted with consumers in selected European markets before being more widely introduced,” Crema said.

Huhtamaki sees this technology as a paradigm shift in how it can use renewable wood fibre in complex food packaging. Its high-precision technology can capture the sustainability benefits of renewable wood fibre in an expanding array of packaging solutions that offer superior functionality, keep food safe, and maintain quality.

Back in October 2022, Koehler, a German provider of papers with a “disruptive barrier function for packaging solutions”, launched NexPure Wrap, a paper designed for burger packaging with extremely low grammage.

Now, the company is expanding its portfolio with NexPure OGR, an oil- and grease-resistant, sustainable paper suitable for packaging foods such as fries, sandwiches, wraps and burritos.

APCO published a report outlining the progress towards the 2025 National Packaging targets as of 2019-2020

Tetra Pak is testing a fibre-based barrier, claimed to be the first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions

The first AmFiber product is an innovative solution tailored to provide snacks and confectionery customers in a recyclable package that delivers a high barrier from oxygen and moisture

At Amcor, we analyse and consider the sustainability features of every packaging product depending on its intended use, working to find the most applicable, practical and sustainable option,” Lehmann said.

Opal Fibre Packaging is also focused on delivering high quality and unique fibre solutions with the attributes of plastic, but which are a sustainable alternative to plastic and non-recyclable polystyrene. In an Australian first for the salmon industry, Petuna’s Gold Award-winning Ocean Trout and Atlantic Salmon is being transported in new sustainable packaging that will divert more than 150,000 polyboxes from landfill every year.

“Our packaging solution replaces nonrecyclable expanded polystyrene packaging for Petuna’s high-quality salmon and trout products. Using Opal’s patented Photo Surefresh process and functionally coated liners, the packaging also features stunning photographic quality branding,” Opal Fibre Packaging group general manager Brad Hinds said.

“Implementing government regulations and incentives, educating consumers, and developing the needed infrastructure are some strategies which can help overcome the above challenges,” he said.

Alaterä added, “There are some challenges concerning the materials shift, such as material availability and suitability. Given the high demand and specific product requirements, brand owners wanting to switch to fibre-based materials may encounter issues securing the material they need. Depending upon the brand owner’s end-use, plastic can be difficult to replace entirely, and there may not immediately be a suitable fibre-based substitution. To limit obstacles in switching, brand owners should work closely with an expert partner to identify fit-for-purpose materials that will work with the end-use.”

Holmen Iggesund, a premium paperboard company from Sweden, and Yangi, the pioneer of dry forming technology, have entered into a long-term agreement to explore opportunities with a new type of sustainable packaging material. The collaboration focuses on replacing rigid plastics with alternative renewable materials for beauty and cosmetics packaging, such as refills, inserts, testers, and other types of applications within the segment.

“There’s a real sense of urgency to make packaging ever more sustainable and purposeful, and at Holmen Iggesund, we see the benefits of working with others to solve challenges faster,” Holmen Iggesund director of future packaging Hein van den Reek said.

“The collaboration is aimed at helping beauty, and cosmetics brands deliver what their customers are demanding –sustainable packaging. Holmen Iggesund is always interested in the latest ideas and potential new opportunities for purposeful packaging solutions.”

Amcor launched a new platform of paperbased packaging products, AmFiber, in January 2022, aiming to redefine the capabilities of traditional paper packaging, providing snacks and confectionery customers in Europe with a recyclable package that delivers a high barrier from oxygen and moisture.

“A large confectionery brand is currently using our AmFiber. We were able to help this brand use fibre packaging smartly to replace an existing solution without compromising packaging security.

“Another example is Opal’s award-winning 100 per cent recyclable cardboard corrugated dunnage that we developed in collaboration with JBS Australia to replace expanded polystyrene dunnage.”

Will fibre replace plastic?

The industry anticipates the global share of polymer-based packaging will fall by half over the next two decades in sustainable food packaging applications, while fibre-based materials are projected to contribute to over 40 per cent of all materials in use. The Smithers study, which was also conducted in partnership with a material specialist, UPM Raflatac, asked more than 200 global packaging professionals from across the value chain to contribute to the first-ever collective assessment of projected key trends driving sustainability in packaging.

“The survey shows the industry is anticipating a US$20 billion shift from polymer-based to fibre-based packaging by 2040,” Smithers global vice-president of business development Ciaran Little noted.

“The use of polymer packaging will not be eliminated but will focus on robust applications in which high strength barrier requirements and reusability are critical.”

Also, according to Jamie Weller of Kissel + Wolf, in many packaging cases, plastic is still preferable, if not essential, to some food packaging. There is a need to extend perishable food storage, and plastic is perfect for this. Another challenge is the cost and the lack of alternative packaging recycling capabilities.

Huhtamaki sees several significant obstacles to successful and science-based plastic reduction policy in Australia. This includes misinformation about environmental credentials from several manufacturers and suppliers, confusion among consumers on the actual environmental benefits of packaging options, the lack of acknowledgement of the role that packaging plays in minimising food waste and inconsistent policy measures from state to state.

“While each of these issues can be addressed, further investment in processing and consultation with the packaging industry is needed at a federal level,” Crema said.

Alaterä agreed that fibre-based packaging could significantly reduce the amount of plastic that brand owners currently consume, but in some end-uses, a small amount of plastic will be required to achieve the necessary barrier properties. He believes that this will create immense innovation opportunities.

Ansell added, “Fibre and bio-based packaging is only part of the answer. Plastic will continue to play a key role in protecting food and allowing the global market to function for some time”.

“However, reducing plastics in the singleuse or non-food packaging space will require fibre and bio-based products. Removing low performance, excessive plastic packaging from the market used for non-food or short shelf-life applications is key for reducing our reliance on non-renewable materials and reducing waste to landfill.”

Replacing plastics will not happen overnight; however, each step forward opens a myriad of opportunities to create value for consumers while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.

Swedish premium paperboard specialist Holmen Iggesund focuses on replacing rigid plastics with alternative renewable materials for beauty and cosmetics packaging

SERIES DIE CUTTER

PRESENTS

SERIES DIE CUTTER

SERIES DIE CUTTER

Maxi Box machines for the corrugated market

A TRUE GUIDE & GRIP REGI SYSTEM ENSURE SHEET-TO-SHEET ACCURACY. SIDE PULL GUIDE CAPABLE OF PULLING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT TO MATCH REGISTER EDGES.

A TRUE GUIDE & GRIP REGISTER SYSTEM ENSURE-SHEET TO-SHEET ACCURACY. SIDE PULL GUIDE CAPABLE OF PULLING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT TO MATCH PRESS REGISTER EDGES.

A TRUE GUIDE & GRIP REGI SYSTEM ENSURE SHEET-TO-SHEET ACCURACY. SIDE PULL GUIDE CAPABLE OF PULLING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT TO MATCH REGISTER EDGES.

A TRUE GUIDE & GRIP REGI SYSTEM ENSURE SHEET-TO-SHEET ACCURACY. SIDE PULL GUIDE CAPABLE OF PULLING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT TO MATCH REGISTER EDGES.

Maxi Box can be offered as a semi automatic or fully automatic machine for applying glue and double-sided adhesive on corrugated also optioned with folding ploughs and various gluing arrangements for a wide range of applications.

Born for eCommerce these machines are built in Europe but aimed at a competitive price tag.

INSIGNIAS

W/ WASTE STRIPPING UNIT

INSIGNIAS W/ WASTE STRIPPING UNIT

TRIPPING UNIT

Features

• Feeder is extendable

• Possibility of double production

• Versatile solution for a wide range

• Media – Cardboard, Corrugated and Forex

• Models 1600 and 2000 wide and by request to 3500 wide

Options

Folding gluing machine with hand feeder and delivery table

• Mobile Pocket

• Double Sided Tape Applicators (RAP 25)

INSIGNIA TACKER

• Silicone Applicators (SIL RAP)

• Tear Strip Applicators (STRIP RAP)

• Magnet Applicators (MAG RAP)

Same machine as Box 1 but is upgradable to add the automatic continuous feeder PLUS an automatic delivery table

A TOP SUCTION AIR FEEDER IS POWERED VIA A BUIL T IN BLOWER PUMP IN THE MACHINE. AN OPERATOR CAN INDEPENDENTLY ADJUST VOLUMES OF BOTH BLOW SUCTION TO ADJUST FOR WIDEST RANGE OF MATERIALS POSSIBLE. INDEPENDENT SUCKER HEADS CAN BE ADJUSTED TO SHEET SIZE.

A TOP SUCTION AIR FEEDER IS POWERED VIA A BUILT IN BLOWER PUMP IN THE MACHINE. AN OPERATOR CAN INDEPENDENTLY ADJUST VOLUMES OF BOTH BLOW & SUCTION TO ADJUST FOR THE WIDEST RANGE OF MATERIALS POSSIBLE. INDEPENDENT SUCKER HEADS CAN BE ADJUSTED TO SHEET SIZE.

A TOP SUCTION AIR FEEDER IS POWERED VIA A BUILT IN BLOWER PUMP IN THE MACHINE. AN OPERATOR CAN INDEPENDENTLY ADJUST VOLUMES OF BOTH BLOW SUCTION TO ADJUST FOR WIDEST RANGE OF MATERIALS POSSIBLE. INDEPENDENT SUCKER HEADS CAN BE ADJUSTED TO SHEET SIZE.

A TOP SUCTION AIR FEEDER IS POWERED VIA A BUIL T IN BLOWER PUMP IN THE MACHINE. AN OPERATOR CAN INDEPENDENTLY ADJUST VOLUMES OF BOTH BLOW SUCTION TO ADJUST FOR WIDEST RANGE OF MATERIALS POSSIBLE. INDEPENDENT SUCKER HEADS CAN BE ADJUSTED TO SHEET SIZE.

A RECESSED SCRIBE LINE ON SINGLE MAGNETIC MACHINES ALLOW FOR FAST, CONSISTENT DIE MOUNTING & ENSURES TOOLS ARE HUNG PARALLEL CENTERED.

A RECESSED SCRIBE LINE ON SINGLE MAGNETIC MACHINES ALLOW FOR FAST, CONSISTENT DIE MOUNTING & ENSURES DIE OOLS ARE HUNG PARALLEL CENTERED.

A RECESSED SCRIBE LINE ON SINGLE MAGNETIC MACHINES ALLOW FOR FAST, CONSISTENT DIE MOUNTING & ENSURES TOOLS ARE HUNG PARALLEL CENTERED.

PIN MOUNT SYSTEM ON GNETIC MACHINES ENSURE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE P OOLS. CYLINDERS VE BUILT-IN MICR ADJUSTMENT CAPABILITIES ENSURE MATING.

YSTEM ON DU ACHINES ENSURE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PAIRED OOLS. CYLINDERS ALSO HAVE BUILT-IN MICROADJUSTMENT CAPABILITIES T ENSURE MATING.

MOUNT S TEM ON DUAL GNETIC MACHINES ENSURE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE P SET OF DIE T OOLS. CYLINDERS ALSO HAVE BUILT-IN MICR ADJUSTMENT CAPABILITIES ENSURE MATING.

A RECESSED SCRIBE LINE ON SINGLE MAGNETIC MACHINES ALLOW FOR FAST, CONSISTENT DIE MOUNTING & ENSURES TOOLS ARE HUNG PARALLEL PIN MOUNT SYSTEM ON GNETIC MACHINES ENSURE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE P SET OF DIE T OOLS. CYLINDERS ALSO HAVE BUILT-IN MICR ADJUSTMENT CAPABILITIES ENSURE MATING.

Same machine as Box 1 but is also upgradable by added second folding unit to fold and glue crash lock bottom and machine

These machines have been designed with a manual feeder for various formats of punched and creased materials.

All the materials are positioned by the operator, and at the same time, the machine is set up to add a continuous PLUS FEEDER.

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ASSEMBLIES ARE ADJUSTED VIA THE BL ACK WHEEL. INFINITE ADJUSTABLE UP TO 3,000 PSI CUTTING PRESSURE IS AVAI GAUGES ENABLE OPERATOR DETERMINE MINIMUM PRESSURES TO EXTEND DIE LIFE.

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ASSEMBLIES ARE ADJUSTED EASI VIA THE BL ACK WHEEL. INFINITE ADJUSTABLE UP TO 3,000 PSI CUTTING PRESSURE IS AVAIL ABLE. GAUGES ENABLE OPERATOR DETERMINE MINIMUM PRESSURES TO EXTEND DIE LIFE.

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ASSEMBLIES ARE ADJUSTED VIA THE BL ACK WHEEL. INFINITE ADJUSTABLE UP TO 3,000 PSI CUTTING PRESSURE IS AVAI GAUGES ENABLE OPERATOR DETERMINE MINIMUM PRESSURES TO EXTEND DIE LIFE.

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ASSEMBLIES ARE ADJUSTED VIA THE BL ACK WHEEL. INFINITE ADJUSTABLE UP TO 3,000 PSI CUTTING PRESSURE IS AVAI GAUGES ENABLE OPERATOR DETERMINE MINIMUM PRESSURES TO EXTEND DIE LIFE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR HEAD OFFICE Unit 1G, 1-3 Endeavour Road, Caringbah NSW 2229, email: info@graph-pak.com.au Toll Free: 1300 885 550 www.gra ph-pak.com.au

Enquiries: info@graph-pak.com.au

The Insignia is a sheet-fed rotar y flexo magnetic die cutte for production-driven operatio an a ordable price point.

The Insignia is a sheet-fed flexo magnetic die cutte for production-driven operatio an a ordable price point.

The Insignia is a sheet-fed flexo magnetic die cutte for production-driven operation at an a ordable price point.

The Insignia is a sheet-fed, rotar y, flexo magnetic die cutter designed for production-driven operation at an a ordable price point.

Watch the Maxi Box Gluer and Tape machine in operation

Aarque pairs Durst and GM for label production solutions

European precision label printing and converting technology arrives in New Zealand

Supplied through Aarque Group, innovative Durst and GM technology enable high quality label production across a comprehensive range of applications.

Durst Tau label printing

Recently, Graham Blackall, national equipment sales consultant at Aarque Group, visited the Durst factory in Brixen, Italy. He said, “For industrial digital UV inkjet label printing, the Durst Tau RSC platform delivers best in class quality and productivity, combined with high uptime, from the entry level RSC E to the RSC and the latest RSCi models, which provide flexo comparable productivity at 100 lineal metres per minute, options to add online flexo stations and they can be configured up to 510cm wide web width.”

Features of the Tau RSC platform include:

• Automatic print head cleaning, reducing daily maintenance with higher up time.

• Precise temperature control with

a closed and protected print engine for maximum printing stability as well as heating and cooling of Tau RSC inks to maintain colour consistency.

• Proprietary electronics to ensure highest productivity and allowing you to print variable data at full speed with all colours.

• Solid machine construction is designed for 24.7 operation with in house manufacturing of key components.

• Dimatix printhead delivers 1200dpi by 1200dpi resolution, using two picolitre minimum drop size for smooth gradients and sharpness and automated nozzle compensation for increased press uptime and reduced service costs.

• Tau RSC inks are BS5609 and UL compliant, allowing excellent light fastness and heat resistance for outdoor applications.

• Tau RSC Low Migration UV inks enable food and pharmaceutical applications.

• Colour quality is paramount with the RSC Tau platform covering 95 per cent of Pantone colours.

Blackall said, “The entry level RSC E is fully upgradeable so, as your business grows, you can move from printing at 52 metres per minute to the RSC 80 metres per minute eight colour solution.

“The high opacity white ink provides one of our strongest advantages in the platform, giving you the ability to replicate embellishments with white over foil applications.

“Durst’s highly durable ink doesn’t need laminate. This capabillity provides you with a massive advantage over toner based competitors and delivers excellent chemical resistance.

“In addition, a unique press rewind function allows you to print a press proof then rewind the media and print the job directly after the proof for minimal media waste.

“In terms of print quality, 1200 dpi allows for razor sharp text down to 0.2pt, which is excellent for security printing applications.”

The Durst Tau RSC Platform offers numerous advantages for label printing

GM label converting

Aarque offers end to end solutions for labels. For example, pairing the Durst Tau RSC E label printer with the GM DC350Flex label finisher provides you with a highly competitive package for label production.

Danish company Grafisk Maskinfabrik, commonly known as GM, is a familyowned company steeped in the traditional values of Danish design and solid craftsmanship.

As a 40-year global player in the labelling market, GM provides solutions that cover self-adhesive label converting, finishing and flexible packaging. Its goal is ‘Making Converting Easy’, which it achieves through a mix of innovation and robust machine construction.

The GM DC350Flex finishing solutions offer industry leading features such as an operator interface that gives a graphical representation of the machine as installed; ‘never break’ technology that prevents matrix rewind break;

LABELS & PACKAGING AARQUE

GM DC350Flex options include:

SmartFlexo Station, flower style with an optional semi-rotation in flexo unit for format free print, with only one cliche cylinder, and registration system (spot varnish and cold foil print).

SmartStrip ensures trouble free operation even while converting delicate substrates and complex label shapes at high speed.

SmartSlit automatically positions up to 16 knives in two minutes, saving valuable time on short run jobs.

SmartCrush is an ultra-quick set knives system, allowing fast and precise setting of each crush knife, also while running.

SmartLam for multi-layer labels, which are often used for pharmaceutical and medical label applications, especially when government regulations require product information to remain intact with the product.

Semi-Automatic Turret delivers quick

In 2020, GM launched the entry level DC350Miniflex, designed with semirotation in varnish, die cutting, slitting and dual rewind as standard. The Miniflex has the same high-end components as the other DC350 Flex machines.

As with the Durst RSC E, you can upgrade the Miniflex with value options like spot varnish, cold foil, lamination, SmartSlit or SmartCrush slitting, SmartStrip, web clean, back-scoring and inline buffering. With its 350mm web width, the Miniflex works inline with the Durst Tau RSC E. Together, they provide a comprehensive and versatile solution for high volume digital label production.

Graham adds, “Together, the Durst Tau RSC E and the GM DC350Miniflex enable you to easily transition to label production with a low total cost of ownership. It’s an exciting time to be in printing with solutions like these.

Through innovation and automation, Durst and GM are making label production

GM has a goal of ‘Making Converting Easy’

Taking responsibility for the environmental impact of products

Many electronics companies are making all the right moves to enhance their circularity models

Product stewardship means everyone who imports, designs, produces, sells, uses and disposes of products has a shared responsibility to reduce the environmental and human health and safety impacts of those products, as defined by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Product stewardship schemes support the environmentally sound management of products and materials over their life, including at the end of their useful life, which may be voluntary, mandatory or shared with industry.

Product stewardship is a strong focus for Electrolux and one of the pillars in its sustainability mission.

“In the past, efforts have been put into manufacturing and facilities because they are easier boxes to tick, but we need to

focus on how we make products out of recycled materials, how those materials become recyclable, how we make products last longer and how we ensure we have spare parts and how we keep our products out of landfill,” Electrolux director of growth and operations Derek Haley said.

“We have recycling programs in place at Electrolux and of the products that are sent back to us, we can repair and reuse about 60 per cent, but 40 per cent ends up in a scrap metal arrangement. We know it’s recycled but we can’t be confident we know where the components are, how much ends up in landfill and how much is truly recycled.

“We are now working on refining measurement techniques to trace components and find out what components are recycled. Integral to this is building industry partnerships with competitors, retail partners, government and councils.”

Electrolux recently began a global activation, Break the Pattern, focusing on the devastating effects of fast fashion and clothes waste.

“With 90 per cent of clothing being discarded by consumers way before they should be with significant negative environmental effects, it’s incumbent upon us to not only help in breaking this pattern of clothes wastage but ensure our products are contributing to making clothes last longer,” Electrolux Australia and New Zealand managing director Kurt Hegvold said.

“We want to get closer to our consumers not only by providing great products and service, but by also taking a leading position in educating them on how we can work together towards a more sustainable future. Our mission is to make clothes last twice as long with half the environmental impact by 2030.”

Product stewardship is a strong focus for many electronics companies

With 23 brands in its portfolio, every conversation Arisit has with suppliers involves sustainability.

“Our goal is to eventually have no plastics or polystyrene in any packaging. As an example, in 2023, Sirius rangehoods won’t use any plastics in packaging. Whirlpool factories operate sustainability where no materials end up in landfill,” Arisit managing director Simon Taylor said.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioners Australia senior sales advisor Graham Hamilton said there is no current mandate for product stewardship in the air conditioning industry, although there are discussions around co-regulatory and voluntary programs.

“When an air conditioner breaks down, it’s replaced but it’s up to the contractor who removes the old unit to decide what to do at end-of-life with regards to waste. Australia is good at recycling metals but given the rising cost of copper and other materials, I would expect a greater appetite to recycle but there is no regulation and little responsibility, other than to reclaim and return refrigerant to participating wholesalers placed on contractors,” he said.

Miele offers removal and recycling of old appliances, whether it’s a Miele or competitor brand, working with a thirdparty company that separates the parts that can be recycled.

“At Miele, we continue to enhance our circularity model and use more recyclable components. This is a process that is constantly improving and aligns with our philosophy,” Miele marketing director Michele Laghezza said.

“We want to prolong the lifetime of our products as much as we can. For most of our product categories, we keep spare parts for approximately 15 years after the product is first launched to help reduce our carbon footprint with end-of-life products.”

Globally, Panasonic is focusing on the development of products using recycled resources and integrating technologies to support this. For example, Panasonic reuses sorted-out plastics in some of its new products and has integrated technologies to develop a complex resin where cellulose fibres derived from plants are added to raw materials during the manufacturing process.

For Nespresso, a key area of investment is in waste recovery and ensuring secondlife for its infinitely recyclable aluminium coffee capsules. Customers can recycle capsules via Nespresso’s dedicated recycling program and facility through participation in the company’s bulk recycling scheme, direct to boutiques, using dedicated recycling point businesses or returning used capsules via special Australia Post satchels.

“For more than a decade, we have refined and extended our dedicated recycling scheme, testing a complex mix of technical, logistical, financial and communications variables to improve the scheme’s outcomes,” Nespresso Oceania general manager Jean-Marc Dragoli said.

According to Magimix managing director Wivina Chaneliere, there is an expectation from both retailers and consumers within the small appliance category that at least 25 per cent of the product range is new each year.

Low awareness of the ‘circular economy’

in Australia

Only 13 per cent of Australian consumers are aware of the term ‘circular economy’, according to a study by app comparison website GetApp, highlighting the need for companies to educate consumers, specifically through their marketing efforts, with only 34 per cent indicating they were aware of the concept itself.

The study also showed that the level of awareness of the circular economy concept in Australia is low compared to other countries, such as the Netherlands (30 per cent). However, interestingly, awareness in the UK (14 per cent) and Canada (13 per cent) was similar to that of Australia. Most respondents (78 per

cent) think recycling waste is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the circular economy, followed by 69 per cent of respondents who believe that it’s down to companies reusing materials in the production process, as well as reducing waste caused by production methods (65 per cent), producing products with longer lifetimes (63 per cent), implementing a product buy-back or products recycling program (62 per cent) and using renewable energy (61 per cent).

Over one-third (35 per cent) of them felt that one of the main reasons a company invested in the circular economy was due to economic opportunities and

“This means we are constantly changing products and launching new products, but demand for new does not lend well into sustainability as it creates more landfill from obsolete product. Durability and performance is extremely important to Magimix which is why we offer a 30-year motor warranty and build products that last a long time,” she said.

“We make small changes to design and functionality over time but never scrap a whole product and start again.”

Many Olimpia Splendid products come with a replacement warranty, so if they cannot be repaired, customers can return them for a refund.

“If we can repair them, we do so and sell them as seconds, giving them new life rather than scrapping them all together. When goods cannot be repaired, we strip them for parts and reuse components to refurbish other seconds stock,” Olimpia Splendid marketing manager Peter Burnham said.

At Belkin, part of the product end-oflife strategy involves determining the company’s overall footprint for a specific region or country.

“Once we have an accurate picture in-market, we tap into a wide range of e-waste partners and fund them to collect the same amount of electronics we placed on the market in that country or region. Another part of our end-of-life strategy is designing products for disassembly, so they are more easily broken down at end-of-life,” Belkin International senior sustainability manager Ernie Roberts said.

government incentives to encourage businesses to adopt and practice sustainable measures.

However, when asked about a company’s primary motivation for adopting circular economy practices, over half (53 per cent) said they thought it was because the companies want to mitigate environmental issues. The research found that 34 per cent of participants sometimes consider whether a company applies circular economy principles when buying a product. There also appears to be the need for sustainable Australian brands to communicate their efforts with consumers, with 42 per cent of respondents stating that when purchasing a product, they would like to have the option of considering whether a company had applied circular economy principles in their processes.

Collaboration is the key for a circular economy

Aquapak Polymers CEO Mark Lapping addresses the plastic waste problem and what’s needed in the industry for a circular economy

Much has been said about the world’s plastic problem, but let’s not forget that plastic has been an enabler of economic growth, making many different commodities more affordable. Offering lower costs and more choice, its production has contributed to the prosperity of many people.

Indeed, it is such a useful material with many beneficial properties – product protection, lightweight and low cost – that it has meant that we have become addicted to plastic. An addiction which is creating environmental damage because we haven’t managed its end of life effectively.

The United Nations estimates that anywhere between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of the rubbish found littering the shorelines, floating on the surface, and reaching the seabed is plastic, invading food chains and causing us harm. Data from Statista suggests that around 70,000 microplastics are consumed by an average person each year, the equivalent to approximately 100 bits of microplastic in just a single meal.

The good news is that there is now a global movement which recognises that it is time to take action and address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st Century to deal with the plastic waste problem.

At least 57 countries have joined the UN Environment Clean Seas campaign since 2017 and pledged to cut down their plastic footprint sooner rather than later. Some countries have banned single-use plastics, while others have taken the initiative to build more recycling plants.

There will always be a place for forms of plastic in modern consumer society. But there’s a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed if we really want to protect our planet through sustainable behaviours and materials. Most of our global economy is currently designed for linearity – take, make, waste – rather than circularity, but we now can change.

Overcoming the barriers

To create a truly circular economy, the world must overcome several different

barriers. Consumers have become used to convenience, and this means that we now use 20 times more plastic than we did 50 years ago.

The desire for convenience and functionality has also driven the increasing complexity of materials which has made plastic waste even more confusing for consumers to deal with it when it needs to be disposed of, and even harder in practical terms to recycle.

However, we know that there is an appetite for change. Our own research shows that the majority (67 per cent) of people want to buy more products that do not use single-use plastic packaging.

Furthermore, over half (54 per cent) said that they will try and stop buying products which use single-use plastic packaging completely over the next three years. Significantly, more than half (52 per cent) are prepared to pay more for environmentally friendly packaging.

So, if we have the end-user on side, we also need to tackle the business and regulatory

We all need to recognise there is a new way of working and harness the power of collaboration to accelerate the pace of change towards the circular economy

environment which doesn’t always support sustainable behaviour among companies and consumers. This is a common problem in the food and beverage sector.

For example, best before and expiry date labels are often required by law to protect the consumer, but may not account for differences in how food is stored such as pantry versus refrigeration, encouraging confused consumers to throw away perfectly good food and creating even more packaging waste.

The world’s recycling infrastructure also remains woefully inadequate. Nearly onethird of plastics are not collected by a waste management system and end up as litter on land, and in rivers and oceans. This problem is especially severe in developing countries that lack a strong waste management infrastructure.

Although recycling technology exists, it needs much, much more investment. Most plastics that are recycled are shredded and reprocessed into lower-value applications, such as polyester carpet fibre; only two per cent are recycled into products of the same or similar quality.

We need more advanced recycling technology that can maintain quality and purity so that product manufacturers are willing to use recycled plastics. When this is deployed at a large scale, we can start recapturing the economic value of plastics, incentivising recovery and recycling.

Finally, we also need to urgently rethink our business models to focus on rental,

reuse, recycle and resale – rather than throw away. Products need to be designed for circularity and better end of life outcomes, allowing for recycling in standardised processes.

Collaboration is key

Not only is solving the plastic problem a huge task, it is complex, involving many different actors, from governments and regulators, to product designers and retailers, industry bodies and waste management companies, through to the end consumer.

Collaboration across the supply chain is the key to unlocking the circular economy. We need to pool our technical expertise and resources to bring together ideas and thinking which will enable us to produce new materials which will genuinely help solve the world’s current – and potentially catastrophic – plastic waste problem if we don’t.

It is new partnerships that will help us find sustainable solutions to replace single-use plastics, reducing landfill and ocean waste and stopping microplastics being made at source. But, this all needs to be achieved without comprising the necessary functionality and protection of food, drink and other products that we purchase. We all have a part to play.

Material manufacturers need to collaborate to understand how their materials can work together to maintain functionality, whilst simplifying constructions and enabling the reuse of materials. Packaging designers and material manufacturers need to work together so that packaging is designed to be separated for easier and more economic recycling, without simply relying on consumer action.

When it comes to improving the recycling infrastructure and recycling rates, recyclers and material manufacturers need to share details on new materials, how they can be recycled, the economics to make it viable and how they can be labelled and identified against traditional, nonrecyclable packaging such as coated paper.

Waste management companies, retailers and trade bodies also need to place much greater focus on developing closed loop systems to make transportation easier and cheaper, in turn making recycling economically viable. Councils and recyclers need to consider if weight-driven targets are appropriate and develop homogenous alternatives that encourage recycling.

Collaboration in action

An example of how effective it is to pool resources and expertise is our own relationship with international packaging

company, DS Smith. We have been working together to find a solution to the issue of non-recyclable paper packaging, the use of which has increased as the industry has moved to replace conventional, hard to recycle and single use plastics.

This has resulted in a wide variety of fibrebased packaging formats combined with alternative functional barriers being introduced into the recovered paper recycling streams. However, the materials currently being used to give paper the packaging functionality required for products such as food, drink and household goods, are not easily recyclable and mean that the paperboard is rejected because paper mills cannot process the paper and plastic combinations. Instead, they are incinerated or go to landfill.

At Aquapak, we have successfully developed and commercialised Hydropol, a high-performance polymer that enables product design to provide its muchneeded functionality whilst increasing recycling and reducing plastic pollution. When extrusion coated or laminated onto paper, Hydropol adds strength and barriers to oxygen, oil and grease. As well as being biodegradable and compostable, it is non-toxic to the environment and marine-safe, so it still has a safe end-of-life if it is not disposed of as intended. It is already being used in products such as reusable, heat sealable paper mailing bags for ecommerce.

DS Smith and Aquapak jointly commissioned a study which showed that innovative, bio-digestible barrier coatings increase paper recycling rates and fibre yield, without compromising functionality, providing a viable new packaging alternative which is ready and available for use.

This independent research, published in PITA, ‘’Considerations for process, product and environmental fate testing of soluble bio-digestible barriers for paper and board packaging’, shows that new barrier technologies such as Hydropol provide an alternative to conventional plastic coatings used in paper packaging by promoting improved paper fibre separation and removing plastic waste from the recycling process, dramatically reducing the negative impact of paper packaging on the environment.

The good news is that investment is being made in new materials that provide the benefits of plastic and help existing materials in the economy by identifying new materials that provide circularity and multiple end of life options. We all need to recognise there is a new way of working and harness the power of collaboration to dramatically accelerate the pace of change to transition to the circular economy.

Aquapak Polymers CEO Mark Lapping

In search of the ever-elusive qualified packaging technologist

Packaging Design and Technology is a science that requires the appropriate higher education and training in the discipline

search for the ever-elusive qualified packaging technologist.

On the other hand, the high volume of applications every year for the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) and Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) Scholarship Program indicates that many people are looking to upskill and to become a qualified packaging technologist.

The applicants are often young and newer to the industry with limited income to be able to invest in a Degree in Packaging. They see the scholarship program as the answer.

The sad reality is that there are not enough scholarships available each year for all of the extremely competent applicants.

So how can the industry work together to fill knowledge gaps and skills shortages? How can we help those already in the industry to become qualified packaging technologists, designers and engineers?

Well, the solutions are available and have been for over 40 years. As the peak professional body for packaging training and education in Australasia, the AIP offers an internationally accredited and globally recognised Diploma in Packaging Technology, a Certificate in Packaging, bite-sized modules wrapped up in the Fundamentals in Packaging Technology (FPT) course and a Master of Food Packaging and Innovation.

It is fair to say that if you were to graduate high school tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand there is no direct career path to become a qualified packaging technologist.

With no undergraduate degrees in packaging technology available through universities in the region many find their way into the industry via an engineering, industrial design or food science degree. Very few people start their working life as a packaging technologist or engineer.

The challenge is that packaging design and technology is in fact a science that requires the appropriate higher education and training in the discipline.

The flow on effect is that even though packaging design is well and truly in the spotlight there is a limited supply of truly qualified packaging technologists and designers in the region.

Most of these talented people are already entrenched in a business and are not looking to leave their current role anytime soon.

There is a juxtaposition happening right now in the industry and it is interesting to watch.

On one hand the recent abundance of job advertisements for skilled packaging technologists, often thinly veiled in sustainable or procurement roles, is a clear sign that the industry is in desperate

The good news is that there are currently many students enrolled in the Diploma and Certificate degrees and many others working on learning modules from the FPT course.

The bad news is that we need to see more enrolments to ensure that the next generation of packaging technologists have the qualifications to one day step into the hard-to-come-by senior packaging roles.

So, this is where you can help. Consider working with the AIP to develop an internal scholarship program for your packaging team or pay for a Diploma in Packaging Technology or Certificate in Packaging degree for someone who shows promise in this field.

The

next generation of packaging technologists need to have the qualifications to step into senior packaging roles

Another way is to offer your support to grow the scholarship program currently available in Australia and New Zealand so that we can collaboratively enhance the skills within the industry.

The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) recognises the benefit of scholarships, as does the AIP, so please join with us to develop qualified packaging technologists, designers and engineers so that we can watch them grow into the packaging managers of tomorrow.

A commitment to packaging

To bring more qualified packaging technologists into the industry, the ABA, in partnership with the AIP, offers an annual scholarship program for Australia and New Zealand.

The scholarship program enables one eligible candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology and a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging.

The Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification that prepares

UPDATE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING

Technology are equipping themselves for progression within the packaging industry to a position where they can assume responsibility for packaging in a company at any point in the supply chain.

Networking opportunities abound, it also provides the opportunity to draw on the experience and knowledge of others.

Last year, the 2022 ABA Scholarship was awarded to Mark Saturnino, packaging specialist at Woolworths, to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology.

Saturnino said undertaking the Diploma in Packaging degree will enable him to truly fill in the knowledge voids and become closer to his professional goals and personal aspirations. Once completing his degree, he would like to be seen as an emerging leader in this industry and engage in discussing problems relating to the elimination of food waste and packaging waste.

As for the Certificate in Packaging program, it is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging.

The Certificate in Packaging is a Level 3 PIABC course that is recognised as giving an excellent foundation in, and introduction to, the packaging industry. The new course, based on the revised specification released in 2022, provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds measurable value to careers and businesses.

This qualification provides the recipient with the detailed overview of packaging materials and processes that broadens their knowledge and equips them for progression within the packaging industry.

It is aimed at students from a variety of backgrounds, but generally have 12 months experience working in the industry.

They may be embarking on a career within the industry and are looking for additional training that will provide them with a solid foundation to build on, or may be an established procurement, sales, marketing or design expert who is wanting to expand their packaging technical knowledge.

The first 2022 ABA Scholarship was awarded to Lea Reynolds, commercialisation manager at Steggall Nutrition, to undertake a Certificate in Packaging.

For Reynolds, being awarded this invaluable opportunity would mean that she could continue to learn and grow as the industry changes and be confident in the information that she has learned to tackle challenges and to make informed decisions.

The ABA and AIP also offer a President’s Scholarship, which helps one additional person undertake either a Certificate in Packaging or a Diploma in Packaging Technology each year.

It is awarded to one of the finalists from the ABA scholarship with the only additional criteria being that candidates must be an AIP member.

students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study.

The course has been designed to take into account the experiences of training through the pandemic and the results of research undertaken on the ideal learner journey. The course is comprised of short, bite-sized modules that a person can study at a time and pace to suit them on a variety of devices.

Completion of the Diploma in Packaging Technology demonstrates a commitment to a career in packaging and to the industry. Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Packaging

The winner of the 2022 AIP President’s Award was Azadeh Yousefi, packaging designer at Production Packaging Innovations, with the decision to offer Yousefi a Diploma in Packaging Technology scholarship.

Yousefi has started to thrive in her professional career since receiving this scholarship, and represents the future of this industry.

Nerida Kelton is the executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and vicepresident, sustainability and save food of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

Mark Saturnino packaging specialist at Woolworths

Azadeh Yousefi, packaging designer at Production Packaging Innovations

Lea Reynolds, commercialisation manager at Steggall Nutrition

UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS

FPLMA 2023 Technical Conference

March 2-3

Melbourne, Australia fplma.org.au

FPLMA 2023 Awards Dinner and Dance

March 3

Melbourne, Australia fplma.org.au

AIP Australasian Packaging Conference

March 28-29

Melbourne, Australia aipack.com.au

Labelexpo Mexico 2023

April 26-28

Mexico City, Mexico labelexpo-mexico.com

Label & Packaging Expo

May 3-5

Sydney, Australia visualimpact.org.au

Durst Beyond, Label Open House

May 3-5 | Brixen, Italy durst-group.com/en/digital-printingtechnologies

interpack 2023

May 4-10 Düsseldorf, Germany interpack.com

ProPak Asia 2023

June 14-17

Bangkok, Thailand propakasia.com

Food Pro 2023

July 23-26

Melbourne, Australia foodproexh.com

Pack Expo Las Vegas

September 11-13

Las Vegas, US packexpolasvegas.com

Labelexpo Europe 2023

September 11-14

Brussels, Belgium labelexpo-europe.com

Foodtech Packtech

September 19-21

Auckland, New Zealand foodtech.packtech.co.nz