In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News is joined by Wayne Robinson, PKN Associate Editor and Editor of Print21, to provide insight, analysis and commentary on the top news stories shaping change in Australia’s dynamic packaging industry in January. We explore the impact investor funding will have on Planet Protector Group, the innovator behind wool-based packaging solutions to replace polystyrene; the ANZ region’s placement in the top 3 at the WorldStar Packaging Awards; BioPak’s expansion to Hong Kong; and TricorBraun's ongoing acquisition trail, with its latest purchase of Plas-Pak WA. We also get an insight into Visy's purchase of the collapsed Advanced Circular Polymers’ recycling assets, and also the Packsize business in ANZ. The discussion explores the latest in the unfolding story of Raphael Geminder’s bid to take over Pact Group, the opening of Victoria’s largest PET bottle recycling plant, as well as the launch of Close the Loop’s upgraded soft plastic recycling plant now on stream. A new partnership has been announced between Uber Eats and Planet Ark, and we discuss the terms of the agreement. We wrap up by commending packaging sustainability changes made to reduce packaging material usage by Chobani on its Gippsland Dairy yoghurt pack, Nestle on its Allen’s confectionery packaging, and Fonterra on its bulk mozzarella products. We also look at the new partnership between APCO’s ARL programme with paper cup recycler Simply Cups, introducing the ‘Drop Off Only’ logo. We close with a quick preview of the upcoming APPEX trade show. Links: Planet Protector raises $12m from impact investors www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/planet-protector-raises-12m-from-impact-investors ANZ PIDA winners in top 3 spot at WorldStars www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/anz-pida-winners-in-top-3-spot-at-worldstars BioPak expands to Hong Kong https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/biopak-expands-to-hong-kong TricorBraun acquires Plas-Pak WA www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/tricorbraun-acquires-plas-pak-wa Visy buys collapsed ACP's plastic recycling assets www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-buys-collapsed-acp-s-plastic-recycling-assets Visy acquires Packsize business in Australia and NZ www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/visy-acquires-packsize-business-in-australia-and-nz Geminder on track to win Pact https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/geminder-on-track-to-win-pact Victoria’s biggest PET bottle recycling plant opens www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/victoria-s-biggest-pet-bottle-recycling-plant-opens Close the Loop opens soft plastic recycling plant a...