In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Kim Berry, Editor of Food & Drink Business, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in August. We start with an in-depth discussion on soft plastics recycling, looking at Amcor and Mondelez’s investment into Licella’s advanced recycling facility, and reviewing progress of the AFGC’s National Plastics Recycling Scheme, a kerbside solution that, once rolled out, will provide feedstock to the Licella facility. We also review insights from AFGC’s State of Industry report and discuss how challenges faced by the food manufacturing sector are reflected in the packaging sector’s recent round of FY23 results. We go on to discuss Pact’s sale of half its Crate Pooling business, and Orora’s $195m expansion of its canning operations. In beverage related news we review the $3 billion merger of Beam and Frucor Suntory, to bring together 40 beverage brands under the new Suntory Oceania banner, and the packaging demand projected growth could create; and we assess the controversy surrounding Ashai/ CUB’s Hard Solo packaging. We wrap up by discussing APCO’s packaging forums inviting industry feedback on the proposed packaging reset (including Government mandates and regulations designed to cut waste and boost recycling) and end with the positive news that there’s ongoing investment in recycling infrastructure, like Visy’s upgrade to its advanced paper recycling facility. Links: Amcor, Mondelez invest in Licella’s advanced recycling facility www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/amcor-mondelez-invest-in-licella-s-advanced-recycling-facility  AFGC report: Food and grocery value chain pain www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/afgc-report-food-and-grocery-value-chain-pain Consumer bulk buying hits Amcor profits www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/consumer-bulk-buying-hits-amcor-profits Pact to sell half of crate pooling business for $160m www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/pact-to-sell-half-of-crate-pooling-business-for-160m Orora cans expansion supported by Vic Govt www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/orora-cans-expansion-supported-by-vic-govt Beam & Frucor Suntory create $3bn beverage giant www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/beam-and-frucor-suntory-create-3bn-beverage-giant Is Hard Solo’s livery designed to lure? www.packagingnews.com.au/beverage/is-hard-solo-s-livery-designed-to-lure  APCO invites input on packaging reset www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-invites-input-on-packaging-reset Visy opens Australia's most advanced paper recycling facility a...