INCHEON SOUTH KOREA- 10 August 2026 — As the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) takes effect this Wednesday, August 12 — reshaping the rules for compostable and bio-based packaging entering the EU market — bioplastics associations from across the globe have agreed to strengthen their collaboration, sharing knowledge and working together to win greater recognition for the sector’s role in the circular economy.

The commitment followed a meeting of global bioplastics peak-body leaders in Incheon, South Korea on Friday, 7 August, where Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) CEO Martine Poulain represented Australia and New Zealand. The meeting, convened by Dr In-Joo Chin, President of the Korean Bioplastics Association, followed the 2026 Global Conference on Sustainable Plastics at Songdo Convensia. ABA has been a founding member of the alliance since 2016, alongside associations from Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand. Members agreed to retain the alliance’s current governance structure under a single president, and will now meet twice a year, with the next online meeting set for 10 March 2027. The next Global Conference on Sustainable Plastics has already been confirmed for Incheon in September 2027.

The timing is pointed for Australia, where inconsistent rules and public confusion over what “compostable” actually means have long held the sector back. South Australia introduced mandatory labelling requirements for certified compostable items earlier this year, giving consumers and processors a clearer way to identify genuine, certified products — the kind of consistency industry leaders say is needed more broadly, both within Australia and internationally.

With regulatory frameworks diverging by market both internationally and within Australia, industry leaders agreed that no single association can solve this alone, and committed to working more closely together. Leaders committed to:

• A joint advocacy framework, sharing resources and aligning messaging so each member association is better equipped to make the case for certified bioplastics in its own market.
• A shared communications initiative, equipping member associations to correct misinformation and reinforce, consistently, where bioplastics fit within circularity.
• An infrastructure knowledge-sharing network, exchanging successful international models for composting, organics collection and biogasification.

“The EU’s new packaging rules landing this same week are a reminder of how fast the regulatory landscape is moving, market by market — and we see the same fragmentation here at home, state by state. Certified bioplastics only deliver on their promise as part of a genuine circular system. What changed on Friday is that we’re no longer working this out on our own here in Australia. We now have every major bioplastics association across the region and beyond sharing what’s working and backing each other up.”
— Martine Poulain, CEO, ABA
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For an industry that has too often worked out its answers alone, country by country, that collaboration is the real story. As regulation accelerates in Europe and infrastructure expands here at home, ABA and its international counterparts are no longer solving these problems in isolation — they’re sharing what works and solving them together.
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www.bioplastics.org.au

Labelling waste is one of those hidden costs that quietly builds over time, often without drawing much attention until it starts impacting efficiency.
Extra materials, bins filling up with liner, constant roll changes, and the small but frequent interruptions on the line – all contribute to a process that is more resource-heavy than it first appears. While each element seems minor in isolation, together they can affect both operational flow and overall cost.
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In many cases, these inefficiencies aren’t immediately visible in reporting, but they show up in day-to-day operations through slower throughput, increased handling, and the need for additional labour to maintain output. It’s not something that usually gets attention until it starts affecting how the line actually performs.
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Across different operations, the same pattern continues to emerge: manual handling, frequent changeovers, and waste that is simply accepted as part of the process. As businesses look more closely at where time, labour, and materials are being absorbed, linerless labelling is starting to come into the conversation more often.
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Plus, it doesn’t mean walking away from traditional labelling – it’s about having the flexibility to support both, depending on what your operation needs.
For many, it starts with a simple question: how much time, material, and labour is actually being absorbed by this part of the process?
Solutions like the cab HERMES linerless print and apply system are designed for integration into production lines, enabling automatic printing and application of labels, reducing downtime through fewer roll changes, and supporting a wide range of materials and applications.
Its compatibility with existing applicators and setups also allows businesses to transition without major disruption, making it easier to adopt linerless alongside current processes.
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The result is a more efficient, consistent, and flexible labelling approach, with less waste, fewer interruptions, improved use of labour, and measurable cost savings over time. It also supports broader sustainability goals by reducing material waste and minimising what ends up in the waste stream.
That’s the shift, and for many, it starts with taking a closer look at what’s already happening on the line.
For businesses looking to better understand how linerless labelling could fit within their operation, further information is available here….

WML Paperboard is Australasia’s only manufacturer of folding box board, supplying FMCG brand owners, converters and packaging specialists across Australia and New Zealand.  Manufactured in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, WML Paperboard’s Formakote™ range combines high-performance packaging solutions with the responsiveness and reliability that only a regional manufacturer can provide. 
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As supply chains continue to face disruption and sustainability expectations increase, local manufacturing has never been more important. By producing paperboard within Australasia, WML Paperboard helps customers reduce lead times, improve supply security, minimise freight-related risks and access local technical support.  Formakote’s direct contact food grade boards are made from 100% virgin fibre sourced from responsibly managed forests, is FSC certified, fully recyclable, and supported by internationally recognised ISO accreditations. Together, these credentials provide AIP members with a packaging solution that delivers both operational confidence and environmental responsibility.
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For enquiries, contact: sales@wmlpaperboard.com
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WML Paperboard are proud to announce they are a new Gold Corporate Partner of the AIP.

Australia’s Event for Advanced Food Manufacturing, Production Technology and Sustainable Operations.

Tue 17th & Wed 18th August
ICC, Sydney
14 Darling Dr
Sydney NSW 2009
Free to attend.
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FoodTech Sydney 2027 will be held on the 17 & 18 August and will bring together NSW’s food manufacturers, processors, technologists and R&D teams at the point where they are actively optimising lines, integrating new technology and building capacity.
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From the team that brings foodpro to Melbourne, Foodtech Sydney will give visitors the opportunity to source new technology, meet expert suppliers and unlock actionable ideas for their food or beverage manufacturing operation.
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Exhibit
Put your solutions in front of qualified buyers who are actively evaluating their next investment. Enquire about stand availability.

www.foodtechsydney.com.au

interpack China has announced a strategic partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), further strengthening its engagement with the international packaging community ahead of the exhibition’s 2026 edition. As Australia’s peak professional packaging body, AIP represents a broad network of industry professionals across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Mrs. Evian Gu, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., stated: “As a proud member of the interpack global alliance, since its launch in 2015, interpack China – formerly known as Shanghai World of Packaging (swop) – has carried the mission of advancing China’s packaging industry. From its original vision to the established industry platform it is today, every stage of interpack China’s development has been made possible by the continued support and partnership of the industry. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the growth of numerous packaging companies, rapid technological progress across the sector and constantly evolving market demands. Throughout this journey, interpack China has served as a bridge across the packaging value chain—fostering collaboration, creating business opportunities and contributing to the continued development of China’s packaging industry. Looking ahead, we are delighted to strengthen this role through our partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging, a longstanding supporter and active advocate of the global SAVE FOOD Initiative. Together, we aim to advance practical solutions to reduce food loss and waste while promoting sustainable packaging across the Asia-Pacific region.” This partnership marks another step in interpack China’s strategy to strengthen international collaboration and expand its global industry network.

Taking place from 16–18 November 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), interpack China will welcome around 970 exhibitors across 70,000 square metres, attracting more than 47,000 professional visitors. The exhibition will showcase the latest technologies in processing and packaging machinery, automation, intelligent manufacturing, sustainable materials, packaging design and digital solutions. Special feature areas dedicated to smart packaging, sustainable packaging and innovative materials highlight the industry’s transition towards a more intelligent and sustainable future.

The exhibition will also feature leading international companies including INCOE, Langguth, Aasted, SUPER DRY, Earflap, KOCH, KYCZ, Waldner, Hansin, Multivac, Stora Enso, Sykell, and Lawer, alongside many of China’s innovative manufacturers. Through its partnership with AIP, interpack China continues to expand its international visitor network and strengthen its position as a platform for business exchange and industry collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

Sustainability will once again be a key focus of the exhibition.

On the afternoon of 16 November 2026, the interpack SPOTLIGHT Forum will feature a special session dedicated to SAVE FOOD and sustainable packaging. As a long-standing partner of the SAVE FOOD initiative, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has made significant contributions to advancing sustainable packaging through research, education and industry guidance. Its participation will once again bring valuable international expertise to the forum, reflecting the shared commitment of AIP and interpack China to promoting sustainable packaging and strengthening industry collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), welcomed the new partnership: “The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is delighted to welcome interpack China as our newest Corporate Partner. Our long-standing partnership with the SAVE FOOD initiative reflects our shared commitment to reducing food loss and waste through innovation, education and industry collaboration. We are proud to continue advancing this important dialogue at interpack China 2026 and look forward to building a long and successful partnership. We also encourage our members and industry colleagues to participate in the exhibition—whether as exhibitors or visitors—and experience the opportunities interpack China has to offer firsthand.”

International Pavilion – A Dedicated Platform for International Exhibitors

International exhibitors can further enhance their participation through the International Pavilion – an all-inclusive offering by the interpack alliance that combines a premium exhibition presence with enhanced visibility. Exhibitors also benefit from targeted visitor guidance, directing key buyers and decision-makers straight to their stands. This creates an ideal platform for generating qualified business contacts and expanding into new markets.

For more information about interpack China 2026 or the International Pavilion, please contact: Ms. Ivania Portillo, Senior Project Manager, Tel.: +49 211 4560 7781

Email: PortilloI@messe-duesseldorf.de

Visitor Pre-Registration Now Open

Visitor pre-registration for interpack China 2026 is now officially open. By registering in advance, visitors will receive the latest exhibition updates, enjoy priority access to target exhibitors, and benefit from a faster, more efficient on-site experience.

Companies planning to attend with colleagues or business partners are invited to register as a professional visitor group. Groups of five or more participants will receive a range of exclusive benefits. Claim your tickets!

With its growing international network, strong focus on innovation and sustainability, and the support of partners such as the Australasian Institute of Packaging, interpack China 2026 continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading platforms for the processing and packaging industry.

About interpack China

As a member of the interpack alliance, interpack China showcases the latest developments in key industry fields, including artificial intelligence, intelligent, automated and digital packaging, sustainable, personalised and lightweight packaging, processing and packaging machinery, innovative materials and products, components, printed labels, and packaging design.

Covering more than 70,000 square metres, interpack China 2026 will bring together around 970 leading exhibitors from around the world, presenting the latest products, technologies and solutions on one integrated platform. The exhibition is expected to welcome more than 47,000 professional visitors from China and abroad, fostering business exchange and driving the packaging industry towards a more efficient, sustainable and intelligent future.

Soft Fruit Lidding Film: Starbarrier GPE CL AF 18PET by Camvac Rockwell
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Starbarrier GPE CL AF 18PET has been introduced as a next generation mono material lidding film designed to help food producers cut plastic, streamline operations and improve consumer experience. The film launches at a time when retailers and brand owners are demanding both reduced environmental impact and more reliable pack performance.
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Engineered as a lightweight 18µ PET solution, Starbarrier GPE CL AF delivers clean, consistent peelability – addressing long standing issues with traditional multi layer laminates that often tear or leave residue on trays.  Early adopters report that the film peels off in one piece, maintains strong yet controlled seal integrity and improves burst strength across fresh and frozen applications.
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A key advantage is its universal sealing capability.  Starbarrier GPE CL AF can be sealed to aluminium, polypropylene and emerging paperboard tray formats, allowing producers to consolidate SKUs and prepare for future shifts toward fibre based packaging. This versatility also supports smoother line performance, with improved dwell times and more stable sealing.
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As brands continue to push for lower impact packaging, Starbarrier GPE CL AF 18PET positions itself as a practical, scalable step toward mono material systems – offering measurable reductions in plastic use while enhancing the overall functionality of lidding films.
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FOR BEAUTIFUL FOOD
Smoothwall Trays by Cuki

Cuki’s black smoothwall trays are fast becoming a quiet hero in premium food presentation. Their glossy black surface creates instant contrast, making colours appear richer, textures more defined and meals more appetising.
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Unlike standard aluminium trays, the smoothwall finish gives food a clean, modern backdrop. Beyond aesthetics, the trays offer the functional performance producers rely on – oven ready, freezer ready, robust through distribution and compatible with a wide range of lidding films.
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But it’s the visual impact that sets them apart. They help brands elevate ready meals, premium convenience dishes and chef crafted ranges without changing a single recipe.
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For producers looking to differentiate on shelf, Cuki’s black smoothwall trays deliver an immediate upgrade: a simple packaging choice that makes food look fresher, more premium and undeniably more beautiful.  Matching RPET clip on lids also pair seamlessly with the smoothwall tray structure, maintaining a clean, modern look while ensuring the product remains visible and protected.
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Contact National Resources to find out more about these products.

The SAVE FOOD Initiative is further expanding its international cooperation and deepening its partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The cooperation aims to continue strengthening the role of packaging, processing and industrial innovation in the global fight against food loss and waste. At interpack 2026, the SAVE FOOD Initiative will be deploying a variety of formats to show how it is advancing its goals worldwide.

Since its foundation in 2011, the SAVE FOOD Initiative has been working with international organisations, industry partners and institutions to reduce food loss and waste right along the value chain. Now that the cooperation with UNIDO and WPO is officially in place, the initiative has acquired additional technical depth, global reach and political relevance.

“Food loss and waste is a global problem that only international cooperation can effectively address,” explains Thomas Dohse, Director interpack and SAVE FOOD Initiative. “With UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, we are uniting industry know-how, development policy expertise and practical solutions. This partnership strengthens SAVE FOOD as a global platform and highlights the contribution that packaging and processing is able to make to realising UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

“Strengthening the agrifood midstream is vital for advancing agro‑industrial development, expanding value addition, and building resilient, nutrition‑focused food systems. The “hidden middle” remains where losses concentrate and transformation potential is greatest. Guided by the World Without Hunger Initiative and UNIDO’s Food Loss and Waste Action Plan, we continue to prioritize midstream infrastructure, climate‑smart processing, and SME capacity to reduce post‑harvest loss, enhance food safety, and drive inclusive, climate‑resilient growth,” explains UNIDO Managing Director Mr. Gunther Beger. “SAVE FOOD combines global industry expertise with specific on-the-ground projects. This kind of bridge-building is crucial to establishing sustainable value chains and improving long-term food security.”

“The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) is proud to become a strategic alliance partner of the Save Food Initiative alongside FAO, UNIDO and Messe Düsseldorf. This collective group brings extensive knowledge to global and local discussions on how food loss and waste can be minimised and environmental impacts reduced wherever possible. Through the Save Food Initiative, the WPO can help elevate awareness and education about the true role that packaging plays in minimising Food Loss & Waste. The WPO truly believes that together we can support and foster sustainable food systems around the globe that interlink agriculture, farming, packing, processing, packaging, waste management and end of life recovery of all waste. This should be a collective effort, so we welcome everyone to be a part of the change we need,” says Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which has been a longstanding partner of SAVE FOOD since the initiative’s founding, continues to be closely involved in the work of the SAVE FOOD Initiative. In particular, FAO brings its expertise in the areas of food security, sustainable agricultural and food systems and the development of enabling policy environments. Raimund Jehle, FAO Deputy Regional Representative in Europe and Central Asia, explains: “Food loss and waste is a global challenge that requires joint action. The FAO’s partnership with Messe Düsseldorf as part of the SAVE FOOD Initiative supports innovation-driven solutions – including packaging technologies that contribute to food safety, reduce waste and promote food systems that are more sustainable.

The partnership builds on many years of collaboration, including at the SAVE FOOD Design Awards, on specialist forums and during project initiatives. In future, the partners intend to collaborate even more closely on practical solutions – from design-for-recycling and transport and protective packaging to education and training programmes.

SAVE FOOD at interpack: A programme with a global outlook
One central meeting point for this collaboration will be interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May. Together with UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, SAVE FOOD will be presenting a multi-day programme that brings together different outlooks and formats. The programme includes SAVE FOOD Expert Talks with international experts and industry representatives, a SAVE FOOD Highlight Route, where member companies will present specific solutions for reducing food loss, and the presentation of the SAVE FOOD Awards. In addition, the SAVE FOOD project competition will also be held at interpack: several projects will be honoured and financially supported for the first time. The aim is to raise the profile of successful approaches, reinforce knowledge transfer and provide specific impetus for sustainable food systems worldwide.

About the SAVE FOOD Initiative
The SAVE FOOD Initiative was founded in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf and interpack, the world’s largest trade fair for the packaging sector and the related processing industry, and has since cooperated with, for example, FAO and the UN Environment programme. As a global alliance, it follows UN SDG 12.3, fighting for a reduction of food loss and waste. A special focus is placed on innovations from the packaging industry.
www.save-food.de

If your company or organisation is interested in becoming a member of SAVE FOOD, please contact Ivania Portillo-Elzer: Phone: +49 211 4560 7781, E-mail: PortilloI@messe-duesseldorf.de

In 2021, Foundation FSSC became a member of the UN Global Compact to see how they could align their global vision ‘Creating a Better World’ with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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As the owner of the global Certification Scheme FSSC 22000 for Food Safety, together with their Certified Organisations across the globe, they soon realised that the impact was going to be at grass-roots level within food organisations.
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According to Kelly Mulholland, Technical Manager Safety & Quality at FSSC, “The first step was to create impactful solutions for food businesses via the tools available through FSSC.”
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“To this end, we decided to add a specific requirement on Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in Version 6 of our Certification Scheme. As a result, more than 30,000 organisations were required to implement policies and strategies addressing FLW. This contributed to progress on SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, and specifically Target 12.3,” she said.
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The additional requirement on FLW was included in V6 in the Certification Scheme (Part 2, Section 2.5.16) and applies to all food chain categories except Category I (food packaging manufacturing).
The team at FSSC understood that packaging plays a vital role in reducing Food Loss and Waste, particularly in relation to the design of packaging materials.
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After joining the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), FSSC soon discovered that the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) had already established a research-driven set of Save Food Packaging guidelines, in partnership with RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia. These guidelines have been designed to be implemented by macros, SMEs, and multinational food and beverage companies in any corner of the globe.
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Kelly added that “To address this, we recently announced Version 7 of the FSSC 22000 Certification Scheme now incorporates a new requirement under product design and development, which applies to all organisations that design primary packaging and packaging material.”
Nerida Kelton, Vice President of Sustainability & Save Food for the WPO, and who is also the Executive Director of AIP, reminds everyone that “First and foremost, the true role of packaging is its functionality. Packaging needs to be designed to ensure that a product is protected, preserved, contained, and transported all the way through the value chain from production until it is used in the household.”
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“Save Food Packaging is designed to minimise or prevent food waste from paddock to plate using innovative and intuitive design features that can contain & protect, preserve, extend shelf life, easily open and reseal, provide consumer convenience and portion control; all the while meeting global sustainable packaging targets”, she said.
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Nerida strongly believes that “The inclusion of aspects of the Save Food Packaging design guidelines in Version 7 will have a significant impact for tens of thousands of food and feed companies involved in the processing, handling, or distribution of food products across the world.”
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Kelly added that “Foundation FSSC now has over 40,000 Certified Organisations that are required to consider these packaging design principles, resulting in further support for the reduction of Food Loss and Waste.”
The packaging design requirements included within FSSC 22000 V7 (Part 2, 2.5.13) were developed with the support of the WPO, of which FSSC is an affiliate member, and the AIP, which is a Member of the WPO. The design requirements that in Version 7, are based on aspects of the AIP’s Save Food Packaging Design Principles, which have been globalised by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
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FSSC looks forward to further collaboration with WPO and AIP on this important topic and creating even more impact within food companies across the world.
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For more information on FSSC and the FSSC 22000 Certification Scheme, visit www.fssc.com

Polaris, Robatech‘s new spray head for dispersion adhesives, enables economical gluing in paper wrapping, lightweight cartons, and robot-assisted applications. Precise cold glue application and a consistent application width ensure process reliability and cleanliness in production. Thanks to the dry-out protection inside the application nozzle, cleaning time during operation is reduced. Although the use of dispersion adhesives for product gluing is economically advantageous, it can be cleaning-intensive and demanding.
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With Polaris, Robatech launches a user-friendly spray head for solvent-free dispersion adhesives up to 4000 mPas. The electric cold glue spray head delivers precise swirl application with a consistent application width.
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The high-quality application ensures clean gluing of the products and keeps the production line free of adhesive contamination — a feature that is particularly important in robot-assisted cold glue application or paper pallet wrapping.
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Thanks to dry-out protection through nozzle closure technology, manual nozzle cleaning is not required during short production interruptions. Without dynamic seals and featuring an electric drive, Polaris joins Robatech’s range of durable, low-maintenance cold glue application heads. The 24 VDC electric head is controlled via PLC or Robatech’s Sirius control unit. The swirl application can be flexibly adjusted through spray air and adhesive pressure, viscosity, and the distance to the substrate.
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Read more….
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Further information about Robatech’s technologies and services is available at www.robatech.com.au, via email at infodesk@robatech.com.au, or by phone at +61 (0) 2 9748 4559.

Barrier Papers: The Fibre-Based Shift Accelerating Packaging Sustainability.
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Barrier papers are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of next generation sustainable packaging.
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They combine renewable fibre substrates with engineered barrier coatings to protect products from oxygen, moisture, grease, light and contamination – functions traditionally delivered by plastics or aluminium. This makes them a powerful lever for brands seeking to reduce carbon footprint, improve recyclability and meet tightening regulatory expectations and growing consumer demand.
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We are proud to be partnering with Mondi as they firmly into the spotlight as demand for sustainable packaging surges, unveiling a strengthened portfolio of recyclable barrier papers designed to replace plastics across a wide range of applications.
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Why Barrier Papers Matter?
Barrier papers offer high-performance protection while enabling a move away from multi material laminates that are difficult to recycle. Many solutions now run on existing form fill seal or thermoforming lines, making the transition operationally feasible for manufacturers. Fibre-based formats also support strong print quality, helping brands maintain shelf presence while improving sustainability credentials.
Mondi’s latest barrier paper technologies demonstrate how fibre based packaging can now deliver the performance once reserved for plastics and aluminium laminates.
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Read more….

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Contact National Resources to find out more about these products.