ProPack.Pro February 2026

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Packaging Leaders Forum 2026 Thought leadership from local executives in labels and packaging

A sustainable packaging guide Bringing it all together and winning in sustainable packaging

Being innovative with corrugated How converters can offer brands value-add in corrugated packaging ALSO INSIDE...

The latest news in labels and packaging

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CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE...

P18

Pro-Pac Packaging sells A/NZ businesses to Knoxcorp P05

HP sees accelerated adoption of Indigo and PageWide presses P10

Administrator McGrathNicol said the deal represents a positive outcome for PPG’s customers, suppliers, and employees

Eighteen months on from drupa 2024, HP is seeing strong global momentum across its HP Indigo and HP PageWide install base

Miraclon names Raja Ramalingam as APAC service manager P06

The annual ProPack.pro Packaging Leaders Forum P11-32

Ramalingam will lead the company’s regional service organisation, driving excellence in customer service and technical support, field performance, and operational execution across the region

Thought leadership from: 12 CS Graphics 14 Currie Group 16 DieLine Solutions 18 Durst Oceania 20 Graffica 22 Hybrid Software 24 BrightCast Advisory 25 C4C Packaging 26 Detpak 27 Impact International 28 Impact Labels 29 Kuhn Corp Print & Packaging 30 Opal 31 Platypus Print Packaging 32 Tweak Design

Xeikon launches Ecolyne under subscription-based model P06 Allows label converters to access production capacity rather than make a traditional equipment purchase

IVE puts sustainability and smart packaging in focus in 2026 P08 P8

IVE has tipped sustainability proof points and smart, connected packaging as two of the biggest forces shaping how FMCG and retail brands will market in 2026

Foodcare streamlines expertise with UPAC acquisition P08 Foodcare’s market strengths and UPAC’s packaging capabilities will offer a single point of manufacturing supplies for customers

East Coast and Meadow Kapsul deliver new canning P10

P10

Strategic partnership results in the creation of an advanced, resealable, and sustainable aluminium can technology

Winning in sustainable packaging: Bringing it all together P34-37 McKinsey & Company provides a strategic framework on where to play and how to overcome barriers and seize opportunities

Innovative corrugated packaging – more than just a box P38 The value-added, digitally enabled corrugated packaging that converters can offer brands

Pack diary

P39

A guide to the upcoming packaging events that will be happening locally and internationally

THIS ISSUE SUPPORTED BY

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NEWS Editor’s Note

Welcome to the first issue of ProPack.pro for 2026, and hope the new year has been kind to everyone so far. This time of the year is always one of reflection and planning, with many businesses evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and calculated risks they plan to take.

The general sentiment for 2025, for the packaging industry, is one that businesses expected and could navigate around.

Opportunities for 2026 are also aplenty, with some of the main trends impacting this space including sustainability, AI, and value-added packaging.

This issue is dedicated to the Packaging Leaders Forum, where industry thought leaders assess the year that was and look into their crystal globes to weigh in on key factors that guide 2026.

We hope you enjoy the read.

Pro-Pac Packaging sells Australia and New Zealand businesses to Knoxcorp ASX-listed Pro-Pac Packaging Limited (ASX:PPG) has announced the successful sale of its Australian and New Zealand businesses to Knoxcorp, a privately-owned Australian investment company founded and led by Jim Knox.

Knoxcorp is a Brisbane-headquartered business that holds and manages a diverse portfolio of enterprises and property developments.

Knox previously owned and operated Cospak, a successful packaging company serving both Australia and New Zealand, prior to its sale to San Miguel Yamamura Packaging in 2009.

McGrathNicol Restructuring, who were appointed administrators following PPG going into voluntary administration in October 2025, entered into a Business Sale Agreement for the sale of PPG’s Australian business and assets, excluding the Perfection Packaging business, to Consolidated Packaging Australia, a subsidiary of Knoxcorp.

The Perfection Packaging business in Dandenong, Victoria, is separately being wound down and will close by the end of February, with the sale of PPG’s Australian business expected to be complete by March.

Separately, a Business Sale Agreement has also been executed for PPG’s New Zealand business and assets with Consolidated Packaging Limited, a New Zealand subsidiary of Knoxcorp. This sale was completed on 30 January.

“Both acquisitions are on a going concern basis and provide for the transfer of employment for all

current employees, except for those within Perfection Packaging,” a statement from PPG on the ASX said.

McGrathNicol partner and administrator Rob Smith said, “We are pleased to announce the sale of both PPG’s Australian and New Zealand continuing businesses, which represents a positive outcome for PPG’s customers, suppliers, and employees”.

“We are delighted with the acquisition of PPG. We look forward to further developing the business and continuing to serve its loyal customers. Local manufacturing remains essential to its customers’ supply chains and we will make significant investments in machinery to deliver on our core value proposition,” Knox added.

Not long after the announcement of PPG’s bankruptcy, its CEO Ian Shannon was officially made redundant in November 2025.

PPG’s warehouse

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Managing Director & Publisher: James Wells Editor: Hafizah Osman Co-editor: Pamela Connellan Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper

Pre-Press Manager: Tony Willson Design: Sarah Vella Printed by: Hero Print, Alexandria, NSW 2015 Mailed by: D&D Mailing Services

ProPack.pro is published by Printer Media Group, registered in Australia ABN 47 628 473 334. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, it is a condition of distribution that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication.

ProPack.pro National Sales Manager Carmen Ciappara +61 410 582 450 carmen@proprint.com.au

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February 2026 ProPack.pro 5

NEWS

Miraclon names Raja Ramalingam as APAC service manager Miraclon has appointed Rajagurulingam (Raja) Ramalingam as its new service manager for the Asia Pacific region.

Based in Singapore, Ramalingam will lead the company’s regional service organisation, driving excellence in customer service and technical support, field performance, and operational execution across the region.

Ramalingam joins Miraclon with more than 20 years of leadership experience in printing inks and packaging production.

Throughout his career, he has combined technical expertise with strategic commercial insight, supporting both regional and global growth initiatives with a consistent focus on collaboration and

Rajagurulingam (Raja) Ramalingam is Miraclon’s new service manager for the Asia Pacific region

continuous improvement that led to longterm customer satisfaction and success.

“Raja brings an exceptional balance of technical depth, customer understanding and leadership experience to Miraclon,” Miraclon Asia pacific regional commercial director Andy Yarrow said.

“His proven ability to drive highperforming teams and deliver valuedriven solutions for customers make him an excellent fit to lead our service organisation in the region. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Miraclon global commercial service business director Robbert Merkus added, “Over the past year, Miraclon has made a considerable investment in its service organisation to guarantee continued world-class service and access to our team’s exceptional expertise to help our customers stay at the leading edge and maximise return on their FLEXCEL Solutions investments.

“Raja’s expertise further strengthens the service team and underscores our commitment to ensure customers’ long-term success.”

Xeikon launches Ecolyne press under subscriptionbased model Xeikon has launched a new digital press for the Asia-Pacific label market named Ecolyne, delivered through a subscriptionbased capacity service.

The company said this approach allows label converters to access production capacity rather than making a traditional equipment purchase.

Making its first public appearance at the Labelexpo Asia Show in Shanghai late last year, the new machine is a fully managed digital label press solution with subscription-based capacity.

Designed for high-quality label production, the machine boasts a 330mm web width, 25 m/min print speed and 1,200dpi resolution with the ability to run substrates from coated or uncoated paper to PP (white or clear), PET and metallised film. Using a food-safe dry toner system, the Ecolyne press is also available in a 4-colour (CMYK) and 5-colour (CMYK+ white) configuration. According to Xeikon, in today’s label printing landscape, many converters face the same barrier: the high upfront investment of buying a press, coupled with rapidly increasing demands for smaller runs, quicker turnarounds and flexible capacity.

The global digital label-printing market is expanding and projected to grow from roughly US$12.3 billion in 2025 to US$20.6

6 ProPack.pro February 2026

Xeikon’s Ecolyne is available through a subscription-based capacity service

billion by 2035; yet smaller printers and e-commerce-driven label converters still hesitate because they often lack the capital or the operational bandwidth to adopt digital production solutions, Xeikon added.

As a result, with the Ecolyne press, by subscribing to label-printing capacity rather than owning the hardware, converters can scale production when needed and sidestep heavy investment.

Xeikon president Walter Benz said with a capacity-first approach, the focus shifts from machine ownership to printing performance, precisely what many

emerging label printers are looking for.

“In many parts of Asia, the label-printing scene is changing fast,” Benz said.

“Small to mid-sized converters also see increasing demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround. They need access to digital label-printing capacity now. That’s why we bring Ecolyne to Asia first; we see a strong need here for simple, reliable digital production without the burden of ownership.

“Beyond the commercial benefits, this service lets you stay current with technology trends and keep your digital label production line equipped with the latest capabilities.”

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XJET / KJET Power your print and elevate your workflow with the hybrid labels printing solutions.

For more information, please visit durst-group.com/labels-hybrid

NEWS

IVE puts sustainability and smart packaging in focus for 2026 IVE has tipped sustainability proof points and smart, connected packaging as two of the biggest forces shaping how FMCG and retail brands will market in 2026, in a new report that positions packaging as a “heavyhitting” channel rather than just a container.

The company’s 12 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 report argues that brands will win not by shouting louder, but by using data, design, and physical experiences, including packaging, to create more relevant, measurable and human connections with shoppers.

One of the most packaging-relevant trends is a clear warning that “in 2026 sustainability shifts from claim to proof”, with consumers now looking for verifiable evidence rather than broad green promises, the report noted.

IVE frames packaging as a critical canvas for that evidence, from materials and sourcing through to transport and end-oflife, and urges brands to replace vague language with simple, checkable facts.

That includes using QR codes, traceability pages, and always-updated proof libraries so shoppers can see exactly what sits behind a product’s sustainability story.

The market is already grappling with regulatory pressure and retailer expectations around recyclability, recycled content and waste reduction. Recent coverage from the Packaging Leaders Forum highlighted how eco-friendly materials, process optimisation, and looming compliance obligations are

IVE Group’s 12 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 report identifies smart packaging as a focus

reshaping packaging decisions for Australian converters and brands.

That shift is echoed at brand owner level, where many are now prioritising recyclable and biodegradable formats to meet both consumer demand and future regulation.

The report’s eighth trend, “Smart packaging”, argues that packaging will “seriously carry its weight in the marketing mix” and act as a heavy-hitting media channel in 2026.

IVE describes packs that work across three “moments of truth”: discovery before purchase, the on-shelf decision, and the post-purchase unboxing experience. Simple on-pack triggers such as QR, NFC or dynamic codes link shoppers to reviews, how-to content, loyalty shortcuts and easy re-order – turning each pack into an always-on, datarich touchpoint rather than a static label.

While much of the conversation around smart packaging is digital, IVE’s report

Foodcare streamlines packaging expertise with UPAC acquisition Foodcare has announced an upgrade of its packaging capacity with the acquisition of UPAC – a specialist manufacturer and distributor of food packaging including printed bags and associated flexibles.

The company said the acquisition represents a strategic step as the combination of Foodcare’s market strengths and UPAC’s packaging capabilities will offer a single point of manufacturing supplies for customers – making it a more streamlined process.

Foodcare is known for its customer service and ‘In-Stock’ assurance. UPAC brings food

8 ProPack.pro February 2026

Foodcare CEO Garry Pagden with UPAC managing director Gavin Wilson

packaging experience and technical expertise, specifically in printed food packaging. This allows the combined entity of Foodcare and UPAC to assist customers if they’re navigating complex packaging requirements and compliance standards.

Commenting on the acquisition, Foodcare CEO Garry Pagden said, “We are delighted

also calls out an “offline comeback”, where physical channels such as print, catalogues and in-store touchpoints cut through digital noise.

For packaging, that means structural design, materials and print quality still earn the first grab on shelf, even as connected features sit quietly in the background. The report encourages brands to treat offline pieces – including cartons, sleeves and POS – as premium experiences that are beautiful enough to keep and distinctive enough to share, with digital layers used to extend rather than replace the physical moment.

The trends land as IVE continues to scale its own ambitions in packaging, following its acquisition of Melbourne-based JacPak and a strategy to build a $150 million packaging business across Sydney and Melbourne, supported by its national 3PL network.

Its packaging division has also secured ISO 22000 certification, underpinning work with FMCG clients in categories where food safety, traceability and consistent quality are non-negotiable.

For Australian brands, the practical takeaway from IVE’s report is that sustainability and smart packaging can no longer sit in separate conversations.

Packs must simultaneously prove environmental performance, enable circular systems such as reuse or recycling, and deliver the personalised, connected experiences shoppers now expect – all while remaining commercially viable.

As local converters and brand owners continue to experiment with recycled materials, connected codes and data-driven packaging design, the report suggests that those who treat the pack as both a sustainability statement and a strategic media asset will be best placed to stand out in 2026 and beyond.

to welcome UPAC to the Foodcare family.

This acquisition is a fantastic fit, immediately enhancing our ability to offer deeper expertise in the technical packaging space.

“By combining UPAC’s deep product knowledge and long experience with Foodcare’s legendary ‘In-Stock’ promise and customer service, we are creating a powerful single-source solution. This move is squarely focused on delivering more value and better more reliable solutions to our customers.”

UPAC co-founder and managing director Gavin Wilson added, “Joining Foodcare is an exciting next chapter for UPAC. “Our team’s passion for food packaging and technical understanding will now be backed by Foodcare’s robust logistics and service network. This means our existing customers will benefit from the same highlevel product consultation, now coupled with Foodcare’s renowned reliability and inventory assurance.”

The acquisition took effect on 2 February 2026, subject to customary conditions.

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NEWS

MCC financial restructuring to eliminate US$3.9B in net debt Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), a global leader in prime label solutions, has commenced its prepackaged Chapter 11 filing in the US Bankruptcy Court to implement a financial restructuring support agreement (RSA) that aims to eliminate about US$3.9 billion in net debt.

“The transactions contemplated by the RSA will significantly deleverage MCC’s balance sheet, reducing its net debt load from approximately US$5.9 billion to approximately US$2.0 billion,” the company said, in a statement.

In addition, the RSA is expected to reduce MCC’s annualised cash interest from approximately US$475 million to US$140 million in 2026 – lowering it by more than $330 million – with long-term debt maturities extending to 2033 following consummation of the restructuring transactions.

Additionally, the RSA provides for an US$889 million equity investment that aims to support MCC’s long-term growth and

This additional financing is expected to allow MCC to continue its operations in the ordinary course

investment. Upon emergence, MCC said it will have more than US$500 million of liquidity.

The RSA also provides for US$250 million of new money debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to capitalise the business throughout the prepackaged Chapter 11 process.

Subject to the court’s approval, this additional financing is expected to allow MCC to continue operating in the ordinary course during the restructuring without impacting trade creditors, customers, employees, vendors, or suppliers, and will allow the company to honour its commitments to strategic partners.

MCC has also filed a series of customary “first day motions” that, subject to court approval, will allow it to continue to operate in the ordinary course of business while it works to deleverage its capital structure.

In addition to seeking approvals related to the DIP financing, MCC intends to seek authority to allow the company to maintain wages and benefits without interruption, satisfy employee-related claims, pay trade vendors and suppliers in full in the ordinary course, and perform other critical functions and processes necessary to continue with uninterrupted operations.

CD&R is MCC’s equity sponsor.

Ball & Doggett introduces application-led Cartonboard Swatch Kits Australian distributor of printable materials and packaging substrates Ball & Doggett has launched its new Cartonboard Swatch Kits, created to give printers, designers, and brand owners a clearer, more tactile way to assess packaging board options.

The individual kits aim to offer an intuitive, hands-on view of how each board performs in production, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on fit for purpose, fibre-based packaging solutions.

The first release showcases four core cartonboard grades: Barry Bleach Board, Sumo Super Hi-Bulk GC1, Sumo Celsius GC2 and Sumo Greyback.

Unlike traditional swatches, Ball & Doggett said these kits are built around practical print outcomes rather than standalone material samples, adding that they are designed as a working reference tool, helping packaging teams gain greater confidence in decisions around print quality, structural rigidity and overall performance.

Ball & Doggett marketing executive Josh

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Ball & Doggett’s new Cartonboard Swatch Kits

Gleeson said, “We wanted to create a tool that genuinely supports the way printers and designers work. These swatches bridge the gap between specification sheets and what actually happens on press and through finishing, making material selection simpler and more informed”.

Each kit features a wrap-around wallet containing a tuck-end box that houses DL sample cards. Together, they demonstrate board performance across scoring and folding, die-cutting, gluing and finishing.

The print shows both topside and underside performance (topside only for Greyback), allowing users to evaluate how each board

behaves in realistic end-use application.

The DL samples also showcase print, coatings, and embellishment comparisons alongside key technical information, while inside the wallets contains details on reel sizes, application suitability and mill accreditations.

Ball & Doggett fibre based packaging national manager Tammy Arhontissas said, “These kits are designed to make board selection faster, clearer and more confident.

By showing real production outcomes, we’re helping customers choose materials based not just on specification, but on proven performance”.

February 2026 ProPack.pro 9

NEWS

East Coast and Meadow Kapsul deliver resealable, sustainable canning New South Wales-based East Coast Canning + Printing has announced a strategic partnership with Sweden-based packaging technology company Meadow Kapsul delivering its resealable aluminium can technology.

The advanced technology offers a sustainable and versatile packaging solution across a diverse range of consumerpackaged goods, particularly for the beverage category across the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Chris ‘CK’ Kelly co-founder of East Coast said the company will work closely with craft beer producers to unlock the potential of the new technology.

“Our role is to actively prompt that creativity within beverage first, and then more broadly across FMCG. Innovation doesn’t come from forcing products into new categories; it comes from enabling new ways of thinking about format, function and use.

“We’ll work closely with our brewing partners and drinks manufacturers across Australia to help identify, test and realise these opportunities. Importantly, Meadow also opens the door for Australian drinks producers to leverage existing equipment, capabilities and expertise to step beyond

East Coast and Meadow Kaspul recognise the potential of aluminium cans for multi-use, refillable, and extendedconsumption products

traditional beverages and unlock new revenue streams without abandoning what they already do well,” he said.

“Meadow isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building a platform where innovation in drinks packaging can genuinely evolve.”

Excited to deliver Meadow Kapsul’s advanced technology to the Australian supply chain, Kelly said the only limitation to its success is a lack of imagination.

“We’ve been closely following Meadow Kapsul’s journey for nearly three years, recognising the immense potential of this transformative technology. This unlocks entirely new possibilities for brands across many sectors, including food and beverage, beauty, home, and personal care,” he said.

“Our deep understanding of the canning supply chain, from printing to filling and consultation, makes East Coast Canning uniquely positioned to accelerate the adoption of this game-changing solution in Australia and New Zealand. This partnership goes beyond beer, spanning into health, beauty and personal care.”

Aluminium is known for its recycling

HP reports accelerated adoption of Indigo and PageWide presses worldwide Eighteen months on from drupa 2024, HP is seeing strong global momentum across its HP Indigo and HP PageWide install base.

As demand grows for shorter runs, faster turnarounds and smarter production, providers across commercial, labels and packaging are scaling digital faster than ever, reflecting a shift towards non-stop digital print.

This momentum is being driven by increased adoption of HP Indigo LEP/LEPx and high-performance PageWide inkjet platforms, combined with AI-enabled PrintOS workflows that improve quality and deliver tighter, data-led operational control. Together, these technologies are enabling more automated and scalable production environments.

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Cimpress added 16 HP Indigo presses to its global fleet since drupa 2024

Recent customer adoption items include: Cimpress – Added 16 HP Indigo presses since drupa, including 10 Indigo 120Ks, with more than three million impressions, achieving OEE levels above 60 per cent across European sites, with Pixartprinting USA reaching LS Mark Champion status at 180 per cent.

• RRD – Accelerating its multi-segment digital strategy with new HP PageWide and HP Indigo installations, including the HP PageWide T4250 HDR, to drive •

ease and is also widely available, with one of the fastest recyclable loops in the world, making it one of the most sustainable packaging materials.

However, East Coast and Meadow Kaspul have recognised that the potential of aluminium cans for multi-use, refillable, and extended-consumption products has long been constrained by complex engineering challenges.

Introducing an innovative resealable design that supports refill and reuse models opens new possibilities for industries seeking to reduce plastic waste and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging in Australia.

Meadow CEO and co-founder Victor Ljungberg said, “Partnering with East Coast Canning marks a major step in making aluminium-based packaging accessible on a global scale. Their deep integrated expertise and commitment to innovation make them an ideal partner to introduce Meadow Kapsul to Australia and New Zealand.

“Together, we are empowering brands to unlock the full potential of aluminium cans across multiple categories, delivering improved usability and more sustainable product experiences.”

East Coast Canning will primarily focus on supplying the complete Meadow Kapsul packaging inputs, including printed cans and proprietary dispensers, enabling existing contract producers and brands to integrate the technology into their own operations.

The Australian company’s integrated operations – spanning supply chain, printing, filling, and packaging consultation – enables brands and businesses of all sizes to adopt aluminium packaging quickly and efficiently.

productivity across direct mail, labels, packaging, and commercial print.

• Friedmann Print – Built a fully automated production floor using HP Indigo presses and HP Site Flow, enabling up to 10,000 unique orders per day, 25-30 per cent paper savings and personalised applications at scale.

HP industrial print senior vice-president and division president Haim Levit said, “drupa 2024 reset expectations for what digital can deliver. The surge in customer investment since then reflects a clear belief in a high-productivity, AI-enabled, end-toend digital future and the production gains we’re seeing today confirm that belief is paying off.

“Since the flagship tradeshow, customers have rapidly expanded their adoption of HP Indigo LEP/LEPx HP PageWide and highperformance inkjet platforms, supported

by AI-driven workflow tools that improve productivity, quality stability and operational reliability.

“Together, these technologies are advancing HP’s vision for a fully digital production ecosystem and shaping the Future of Work in industrial print.”

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2026 S P E C I A L

R E

P O R T

PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Affordability and automation to define next chapter in 2026

Rhyguan are responding directly to the operator skills shortage. Its inspection slitter rewinders feature advanced automation and simplified operation so that operators without extensive experience can achieve consistent results.

Rhyguan machines are easily attainable with lower entry prices for high quality equipment supported locally.

Another trend impacting the industry is FMCG brands responding to consumer demand for variety by shrinking SKU sizes and increasing product ranges – same total volume, but completely different production requirements. This creates the dual-track investment pattern we’re seeing everywhere: •

Chris Bodger

Sales Director CS Graphics

A

fter three decades in the narrow web printing industry, I’ve witnessed countless shifts in what drives purchasing decisions. But the change we’re seeing right now in the A/NZ market is different – it’s not about incremental improvements or the latest finishing technique; it’s about survival.

Sustainability, short run efficiency, waste reduction, and reduced set up times are the topics we have all been discussing now for more than decade. When I sit down to talk with printing companies across A/NZ, these questions have now changed. They’re asking: What does it cost, have you got any more affordable options, and who can operate it.

The answer isn’t simple, but it is clear.

Two forces are reshaping our industry: affordability and automation. Let me be direct about something: ‘affordable’ doesn’t always mean cheap. The A/NZ market has moved beyond the false economy of buying low-cost equipment that breaks down, requires constant maintenance, or becomes obsolete within three years.

Whilst equipment manufactured in China often has a tempting sticker price, it’s hard to find the trinity of quality, price and service, unless you know who to talk to and only select the very best that China has to offer. Converters are now demanding cutting-edge technology at competitive prices with predictable total cost of ownership. They’re scrutinising every aspect of the investment.

12 ProPack.pro February 2026

• At CS Graphics, we’ve focused our portfolio on brands that offer genuine value engineering – equipment designed from the ground up to minimise operating costs without compromising capability and offer maximum profit to investment ratio.

Why does simplicity sell, you may ask.

The uncomfortable truth is, A/NZ has one of the most severe skilled-operator shortages in the global print industry.

You can’t fix it by paying more – there simply aren’t enough people with the expertise that our industry requires.

This reality is fundamentally changing what ‘good equipment’ means. A press that requires an expert flexo operator to achieve acceptable register is no longer sustainable. Maintenance programs that assume you have a qualified technician on staff are no longer realistic. Training programs that take six months to get someone productive are no longer viable.

The equipment that’s moving in today’s market needs: • Automated plate mounting that eliminates the expertise barrier • Remote diagnostic capability so manufacturers can support operators directly • Automated registration, ink and impression setting.

It’s about intelligent design that makes expertise optional rather than mandatory.

The smart manufacturers build ‘operator assistance’ into their equipment.

Equipment from manufacturers like

Established converters with volume contracts continue investing in highspeed flexo for efficiency, substrate versatility, and cost-per-impression.

These presses are getting more sophisticated – automated plate mounting, smart register systems, quick-change print units – but the fundamental value proposition remains volume production.

Meanwhile, emerging and mid-market converters are accelerating digital adoption for short runs, rapid changeovers, variable printing, and waste reduction.

As such, we’re increasingly building hybrid workflows – flexo/digital hybrid presses are becoming common, and offer the best of both worlds. UV LED inks are also gaining serious traction in A/NZ, and it’s not primarily about sustainability.

It’s about uptime and reduction in maintenance/consumable costs and consistent curing performance. Using at least 50 per cent less electricity and not requiring replacement lamps every 1,000 hours; not guessing about curing results that rely heavily on reflector condition, these benefits translate directly to revenue.

The GEW systems we represent exemplify this trend. The ArcLED hybrid technology lets converters operate with both mercury arc and LED lamp technology on the same press. It’s flexibility that directly addresses the affordability imperative – you can adopt LED where it makes economic sense, while maintaining conventional capability where it doesn′t.

As such, the future of label and packaging printing in A/NZ won’t be determined by who has the most advanced technology.

It’ll be determined by who has the right technology, properly integrated, economically sustainable, and operational with the workforce you can realistically hire and retain. That’s not a technology challenge; it’s a business strategy challenge. And it’s one we need to get right.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Shaping the future of labels and packaging

Building on the success of previous years, we also expect strong attendance at the Dscoop Global events taking place early this year in both the US and Europe.

Dscoop continues to offer a valuable forum for customers to connect with global peers, explore emerging trends, and bring new ideas and value propositions back to their own businesses.

2026 will be a pivotal one for the industry, as smart technologies, software, and AI-driven solutions improve on predictability and deliver smarter outcomes. The vision for a fully connected, AI-driven industrial print ecosystem where brands and print converters collaborate seamlessly, with production running autonomously and presses operating with minimal intervention, is fast becoming the reality.

Mark Daws

Director – Labels and Packaging A/NZ Currie Group

O

nce again, 2025 demonstrated the resilience of the labels and packaging industry. Despite ongoing challenges, including skilled labour shortages and rising operational costs, the sector continues to adapt and move forward.

Digital printing remains central to industry conversations, with HP Indigo maintaining its position as the digital press of choice for many A/NZ converters. The question is no longer whether digital print is the answer – but which manufacturers will shape the next phase of intelligent automation.

This is the new race we are in, with leading manufacturers such as HP continuing to push the boundaries.

Currie Group has seen accelerated growth in digital print volumes for flexible packaging, supported by recent HP Indigo 200K installations in Australia at Ultra Labels & FlexPack and QLM. Conversations with label converters, in general, indicate that flexible packaging is firmly on their radar. From a digital print perspective, flexible packaging is the fastest growing segment across all verticals.

A major highlight for Currie Group in 2025 was the sale of the HP Indigo V12 press to Ultra Labels & FlexPack at Labelexpo Barcelona in September. This was a first for A/NZ, and notably the first installation in the Asia-Pacific region. This milestone signals a growing readiness to embrace a non-stop,

14 ProPack.pro February 2026

digital-first manufacturing mindset.

As we look ahead to 2026, Currie Group is well-positioned to support the evolving needs of our customers. The addition of global brands such as Uteco, Bimec, and our FlexCA partners further strengthens our flexible packaging machinery portfolio and reinforces our role as a fully integrated solutions provider.

Equally exciting is the next chapter in our journey, with Currie Group entering a new phase of growth. This evolution builds on the long-standing relationships and values that underpin our business and will enable further expansion of our end-to-end technology and service capabilities.

The alignment also brings clear plans for continued investment in our people, systems, and capabilities to support long-term growth.

Sustainability will remain front and centre in 2026, with growing expectations around transparency from converters to brands and consumers alike. Currie Group will continue to build on the foundations of the Close the Loop program, including planned customer tours of the local facility and new initiatives designed to encourage broader adoption.

To date, through our partnership with Close the Loop, we are proud to report more than 185 tonnes of landfill savings achieved by our HP Indigo customers, with even greater progress anticipated in the year ahead.

Printing itself is not the issue – the question is, what can converters do to integrate different workflows, eliminate labour intensive tasks, respond quickly to changes and simplify their production complexities.

The near future will see the use of AI play a role in all aspects of print production, from automation, marketing, predictive maintenance, prepress efficiency and of course operation analytics.

Digital embellishment is a clear example of an analogue-driven technology moving to digital means, which ultimately delivers faster turnaround times, lower costs, reduced tooling requirements and less reliance on specialised operators.

With multiple AB Graphic DigiJet installations already across the South Pacific region, and the recent arrival of JetFx digital embellishment print bars enabling both high-build effects and foiling in a single pass, we expect strong local uptake – both on new press platforms and through retrofitting existing equipment. It’s a practical, cost-effective way to add meaningful value for both converters and brands.

That said, traditional print technologies such as flexo continue to play an important role in the industry.

Ongoing technological advancements and automation from established manufacturers like OMET Srl demonstrate continued commitment to this space.

The recent announcement of the new K6 platform highlights how innovative manufacturers such as OMET are delivering bespoke, multi-combination solutions that provide customers with the flexibility they need, at the right price.

As always, our focus remains on standing alongside our customers, and the broader industry as we navigate these changes together and help shape the future of labels and packaging.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Delivering on long-term efficiency and reliability

As the past five years have delivered a rapid succession of disruptions and opportunities, 2026 will introduce its own set of pressures; but it also offers the industry a moment to pause, reassess, and recalibrate priorities.

A key trend emerging for 2026 is a stronger emphasis on extracting more productivity from existing assets rather than investing solely in increased capacity. Labour shortages are expected to persist, and carton-volume expansion will remain limited.

Yet this environment presents a real opportunity: businesses will have the space to focus on internal processes, efficiency improvements, and targeted automation.

As labour rates in Australia continue to rise, customers are increasingly prioritising automation as a means to improve productivity and protect margins.

Maxime Jacques

Sales Team Leader Impack

A

ustralia’s packaging industry underwent a significant period of transformation over the past year, driven by rapid shifts in consumer behaviour, regulatory pressures, and evolving market expectations.

Sustainability became a defining force across the sector, with demand growing for recyclable, compostable, and responsibly sourced packaging.

Companies accelerated their transition to eco-friendly substrates, incorporating flexible packaging formats, fibre-based alternatives, and reduced-plastic solutions as consumers and retailers placed greater emphasis on environmental responsibility.

To remain competitive in this changing environment, print packaging businesses pursued a range of strategic initiatives.

Many invested in new technologies to improve efficiency, enhance production agility, and support the increasing customisation demanded by both brands and consumers.

Others focused on diversifying their product offerings and strengthening their supply-chain resilience to address ongoing disruptions in material availability and transportation. Digital transformation also played a central role as companies integrated smarter systems to improve forecasting, workflow automation, and collaboration across production teams.

Industry consolidation reshaped the market as well. The acquisition of Oji Fibre

16 ProPack.pro February 2026

Ian Gillanders

Managing Director DieLine Solutions

Solutions Australia by Abbe in 2025, for example, marked a notable shift in the industry, signalling a trend toward larger, more vertically integrated players. With the Australian print packaging market shrinking in certain segments, more mergers and acquisitions are expected.

2025 was clearly defined by uncertainties and hesitation around the world. Despite the need for caution, with persistent labour shortages and rising competitive pressure, maintaining the status quo was not enough.

DieLine Solutions and Impack recognised this shift and understood the unique challenges of the region, which is why we partnered in 2023 to bring pragmatic and results-driven automation into Australia and New Zealand.

Impack has always designed solutions that evolve with producers’ needs. It focuses on robust manufacturing and long-term reliability – not planned obsolescence.

For 25 years, it has specialised in automating the end of the folder-gluer line, where the work remains predominantly manual and where fit-for-purpose automation is scarce.

In this environment, Impack’s Ergosa system is more relevant than ever.

Its modular architecture allows producers to automate progressively, increasing throughput while easing labour demands – an approach perfectly aligned with the realities shaping 2026 and beyond.

Furthermore, automation not only reduces reliance on manual labour but also enhances workplace safety, helping companies mitigate injury risks associated with repetitive or physically demanding tasks.

Automation is unavoidable, but our message to packaging producers is that it must be strategic. Automation is a longterm process, not a single quick fix, and the wrong investment can compound challenges rather than resolve them.

Specifically, growth opportunities within automation and streamlined production lie in robotics, automated finishing equipment, MIS/ERP integration, and enhanced web-to-print systems.

They are becoming essential tools for reducing operational costs and addressing persistent labour shortages, which will also result in further consolidation in the sector.

As consolidation continues throughout 2026, businesses that embrace advanced technologies, optimise workflows, and align with sustainability expectations will be best positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving print packaging market.

Digitalisation and AI are gaining momentum as well, and the industry now faces the critical task of identifying which technologies deliver tangible, measurable value.

In addition, branching out into other segments of the industry will prove beneficial for many. Companies such as IVE Group are rapidly expanding their presence in the folding carton sector, positioning themselves as major contenders in the next phase of market consolidation.

These movements suggest a competitive environment where scale, efficiency, and innovation will determine longterm sustainability.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

The Durst advantage

Our message to the corrugated industry is, for many years you have led the way in high volume packaging and delivered outstanding results; however, the world is changing constantly and quickly and as a result customers are demanding shorter runs, customisation, and some niche effects and products. With our solutions running alongside already established and solid production processes, converters can provide a complementary solution that grows their digital offering and future proofs their business.

Additionally, Durst also has UV capable presses from the new Durst P5 SMP all the way through to small standalone box printers from its Vanguard product line.

We have seen a wide range of attractive packaging that we offer to traditional high volume offset and litho printers that want to introduce flexible short- to medium-run on-demand corrugated box solution.

Durst is truly a one-stop shop – not only do we have the hardware, but also the software to manage a fast-paced packaging operation – with Lift ERP and Workflow solutions through to the B2B Smart Shop software.

Matt Ashman

Managing Director Durst Oceania

2

026 is one of the most exciting times to be in the labels and packaging industry. With new technology continuously entering the market, it has proven that digitally printed packaging in the corrugated sector, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with. The reason more global companies are choosing digital presses is clear – this demonstrates and reinforces the market belief that quality and speed from this new technology far exceeds the output from traditional commercially available technology.

At Durst, we see the corrugated sector as the last bastion of the digital revolution.

There have been huge advances in press technology from the analogue side and the methods in which these presses operate; however, a fully end-to-end digital workflow has always been the dream for converters globally.

Like many other industries that have recently experienced their digital revolution, Durst has consistently remained at the forefront of the digitisation of technology with the transition of the photographic industry to digital, the wide format printing industry to digital, ceramic printing to digital, label printing to digital and we are also perfectly placed to deliver the urgently required digital solution for the corrugated packaging industry.

18 ProPack.pro February 2026

The Durst advantage is simply the number of products available to service the needs of our customers including through our partnership with Koenig & Bauer – a joint venture of two powerhouses in printing.

The Koenig & Bauer Durst Delta SPC 130 represents a unique opportunity for corrugated packaging converters looking to embrace the benefits of digital production or upgrade from their current digital system as well as to take advantage of world-first ink technology. The gamechanging digital water-based white ink is ideal for primary food packaging printing as it is food-safe, sustainable and meets all current and future regulatory and environmental standards, delivering a broad range of applications for end customers. The Delta SPC 130 is ideal for converters with annual production volumes between 3 million and 5 million square metres annually, by printing at 60m/min on coated and 90m/min on uncoated boards.

At the top end of the corrugated printing portfolio is the Koenig & Bauer Durst VariJET 106. Offering speeds of 6,000 B1 sheets per hour, this is a solution that integrates the best of both worlds – the Durst digital inkjet technology with the reliability of the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 offset sheetfed press.

In the labels category, Durst launched its long-awaited third generation label printers – the Tau G3 Core and Tau G3 Peak at Labelexpo in Barcelona last year. The new Tau G3 platform delivers 1,200dpi by 1,200dpi native resolution for razor-sharp print quality. In terms of speed, the Tau G3 Core reaches 61m/min, while the Tau G3 Peak achieves 80m/min and can optionally be expanded to 100m/min, depending on configuration. Print widths range from 244mm to 510mm, offering scalability for different production needs.

Supporting the entire labels & flexible packaging portfolio is the Durst Tau ink system. The UV 3 inks deliver superior adhesion and durability across diverse substrates, while the LED inks enable energy-efficient curing, reduced environmental impact, compatibility with heat-sensitive materials, and the most competitive TCO. Together, they provide converters with maximum flexibility and sustainability in their labels business.

Durst HAWK AI, Durst’s intelligent monitoring and assistance system, can be included to automate the colour-to-colour register and to provide closed loop nozzle correction during printing. Alongside the Tau G3, Durst continues to offer the Tau 340 RSC E as an entry-level solution, its proven Tau RSCi high-end model, and the hybrid OMET systems KJET and XJET for advanced production requirements. With more than 550 high-end Tau systems in the field and over 4,200 active inkjet installations worldwide, Durst is the leading force in digital label production.

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TAU G3 Empower your business.

For more information, please visit durst-group.com/g3

PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Delivering on today’s market needs

in Melbourne, marking a significant step forward for local finishing capabilities.

Additionally, our first two Fengchi largeformat 1700 laminating machines were installed at converter sites in Melbourne, helping customers significantly improve both throughput and efficiency.

Across the Tasman, Graffica continued to strengthen its footprint in New Zealand with the installation of a fully automated, highspeed corrugated box slotting machine.

This investment further underscores the growing demand for automation and productivity improvements within the corrugated packaging segment.

Neil Southerington

Momentum has carried into 2026, which begins with another Fengchi machine installation in New Zealand, paired with a Flip Flop auto stacker. These solutions reflect a clear market trend towards fully integrated, automated production lines that reduce manual handling, improve consistency, and increase overall output.

Director Graffica

T

he packaging industry has undergone a significant period of transformation over the past few years and continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Driven by changing consumer expectations, economic pressures, sustainability requirements, and technological advancements, the sector looks markedly different to how it did even a decade ago.

One of the most visible and ongoing shifts has been industry consolidation.

For many years now, the number of packaging printers has been steadily reducing as larger, well-capitalised players acquire smaller operations or as businesses exit the market altogether.

This trend shows no signs of slowing and is expected to continue in the near future, as competitive pressures intensify and customers demand higher levels of efficiency, consistency, and service.

Alongside consolidation, another trend gaining momentum is the reliance on ageing finishing equipment across the sector. Many print finishing companies – including specialist finishers and printers that provide finishing services to other printers – are still operating machinery that was installed years ago. While these machines may still function, they are often no longer suited to current market demands.

As packaging specifications become more complex and turnaround times shorten, the limitations of older equipment become increasingly apparent. This is

20 ProPack.pro February 2026

driving a growing need for machinery upgrades, particularly solutions that can deliver faster set-up times, improved automation, and greater consistency, all while reducing labour reliance.

A more recent but equally important change has been seen in print volumes within the packaging space. Overall volumes have grown, reflecting increased demand for packaged goods across a wide range of industries.

However, despite this growth, buying behaviour has shifted. End users are increasingly unwilling to tie up capital and warehouse space by holding large inventories. As a result, shorter run lengths are becoming the norm, even as total annual volumes increase. This shift places significant emphasis on machine efficiency, particularly when it comes to make-ready times.

The ability to set up quickly, change jobs efficiently, and minimise downtime is now just as important as raw production speed. This is an area where Graffica places strong focus, ensuring the equipment we represent is well aligned with these evolving needs.

In 2025, Graffica experienced a strong year of installations across Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the market’s appetite for modern, automated solutions. In Australia, we installed the country’s first Century 1670 Auto Die Cutter in Adelaide, alongside a Century 106 in Victoria. We also installed the first carton fold machine

Looking ahead, Graffica plans to further build on the growth of its CorrFold and CartonFold box gluer ranges, as well as its Fengchi laminating machines, throughout 2026. Notably, all Fengchi sales to date have been to customers replacing older, inefficient equipment. Our focus is not on start-up operations, but rather on established businesses seeking to modernise their production environments.

The objective is to deliver substantial improvements in both running speed and set-up efficiency, enabling customers to remain competitive in a demanding market.

In addition, Graffica is looking to enhance its custom box-making portfolio through the expansion of Wonderjet corrugated box printing capabilities, including the introduction of white ink. This will complement existing inline box forming, slotting, and die-cutting solutions, further broadening the options available to customers producing short-run, high-quality corrugated packaging.

The corrugated box printing sector, in particular, continues on a strong upward growth trajectory. Corrugated packaging is widely recognised as a sustainable and environmentally responsible option, aligning well with brand owners’ increasing focus on environmental credentials.

The ability to economically produce small runs, combined with high-quality full-colour printing on both brown and white uncoated stock, makes corrugated packaging even more relevant in today’s market. These developments position corrugated solutions as an ideal fit for modern supply chains, where flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency are paramount.

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PACKAGING AND DISPLAY EQUIPMENT

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Graffica Pty Ltd Phone +61 477 200 854 I Email grafficapl@bigpond.com I Visit Us www.graffica.com.au

PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Invest in smarter, connected workflows

On the customer side, our focus remains on enabling meaningful reductions in waste and resource consumption through smarter automation, such as: •

•

•

Brenton King

Australasia Sales Manager Hybrid Software

2

025 was Hybrid Software’s strongest year in its 11 year history worldwide.

While the Australian market remained steady, we saw exceptional growth internationally – particularly from our North America division, which delivered outstanding results. The year also reaffirmed something fundamental to our success: listening to our customers and adapting to their needs work. By staying close to real world challenges and developing solutions that match them, we continued to grow despite the broader industry pressures.

remain some of the biggest challenges across the packaging sector. As experienced operators become harder to find, the pressure on efficiency continues to rise. This skills gap, however, also creates opportunity. Businesses can significantly improve performance by streamlining processes, removing manual touchpoints, and automating the “carpeted” parts of the business – data entry, administration, prepress setup, and job preparation. The companies who invest in automation now will be the ones who thrive in a tighter labour marketplace.

In 2026, Hybrid Software is focused on enabling packaging converters to thrive in a highly regulated and rapidly digitising environment. Our key priorities are:

I anticipate 2026 to be a showcase year for practical, applied automation.

We will also see several high growth areas that align directly with Hybrid Software’s strengths in workflow automation, collaboration, and digital integration. They include:

•

• •

•

Deepening automation across prepress and production workflows to reduce touchpoints, eliminate errors, and support scalable growth.

Strengthening MIS/ERP integrations to ensure centralised, accurate, and data driven job management.

Enhancing collaboration tools, including Cockpit and CLOUDFLOW dashboards, to break down information silos across organisations.

Driving interoperability with both brand owner systems and production equipment to support seamless end to end digitisation.

These priorities align with industry demands around speed, sustainability, and traceability – and position Hybrid Software as a key technology partner in this transition. In 2026, workforce shortages and declining skill availability

22 ProPack.pro February 2026

•

•

•

Automation and workflow digitisation, as companies look to reduce labour dependency and remove production bottlenecks.

Connected packaging technologies – including QR codes, digital product passports, and smart sensors – that deliver transparency and traceability.

Sustainable packaging innovations, especially advanced biopolymers and next generation paper based substrates.

Hybrid Software’s sustainability commitments for 2026 focus on helping our customers operate more responsibly and efficiently, while also improving the environmental impact of our own software technology.

Reducing waste through automated prepress, digital proofing, and highly accurate workflows that minimise errors and rework.

Lowering physical touchpoints, which naturally decreases chemical usage, substrate waste, and unnecessary plate reruns.

Enabling end to end digital transformation, giving converters tools to produce more with fewer resources and less manual intervention.

In addition to empowering our customers, we are also investing heavily in the sustainability of our own software development. Internally, Hybrid Software is benchmarking every major component to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

One of our major engineering projects for 2026 involves transitioning more of our processing from CPU based architecture to GPU based computing. The objective of this is to make our software dramatically more efficient, faster, and less resource intensive.

For software and workflow technology, 2026 will also be the year that AI moves from buzzword to reality. We expect to see tangible, production ready solutions emerging across the market, from AI that reads and interprets customer emails for automated data entry, to AI driven production workflows that reduce manual touchpoints and increase accuracy.

Although AI has been around for years, 2026 represents the real start of AI powered automation becoming mainstream and commercially impactful.

As such, across major events this year, we anticipate a strong push towards: • •

Next generation AI tools for design automation, defect detection, and workflow optimisation.

More accessible automation technologies, with cloud native workflow platforms – such as Hybrid Software’s CLOUDFLOW and Cockpit – taking centre stage.

It’s no secret that the packaging industry is evolving quickly, and businesses are facing more pressure than ever – whether through regulation, workforce shortages, or increasing SKU complexity.

Hybrid Software’s message is simple: embrace automation and digitisation now.

The companies that invest in smarter, connected workflows today will lead the market tomorrow. Hybrid Software remains committed to supporting this transformation by delivering solutions that make packaging production faster, smarter, and more sustainable.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Integration and execution to determine success in 2026

Demand for flexibility with shorter runs, faster changeovers and customised formats, will continue to grow. Sustainability expectations will become more practical as associated costs are better understood.

The separation between operators who can invest and those who cannot will become even more pronounced. Growth opportunities will favour businesses offering value-added and integrated packaging solutions rather than standalone products.

Short-run and customised offerings will continue to gain traction, as will packaging solutions linked to broader marketing and customer engagement strategies.

Selective geographic or segment expansion can also deliver growth, but only where there is a clear right to win.

However, the most significant opportunities lie in winning share as weaker competitors exit or consolidate, and in building deeper, more strategic customer partnerships.

Businesses that continue to invest through the cycle will be better positioned for longterm competitiveness.

Peter Fotiadis

Partner BrightCast Advisory

2

025 was, by most measures, a challenging year for the Australian packaging industry. Publicly, the sector faced significant scrutiny with Pro-Pac Packaging entering administration, the insolvency of Great Wrap, and ongoing challenges at Pact and Opal’s Maryvale Mill. Less visible, but equally important, financial stress extended well beyond the listed players, impacting many private businesses across the industry.

A contributor to this was volume pressure cascading into broader financial strain.

2025 exposed a clear divergence between well-capitalised businesses able to invest and restructure, and those struggling to fund turnarounds or even maintain operations. A standout highlight, however, was the completion of the Abbe-Oji acquisition, alongside generally healthy domestic M&A activity that played a critical role in industry consolidation.

In a difficult trading environment, relevance was maintained through focus and discipline. Many businesses prioritised protecting their core customers and strengths rather than chasing declining volumes at the expense of price and margin.

Acquisitions and partnerships were used strategically to consolidate capability and strengthen long-term positioning, while tighter working capital management

24 ProPack.pro February 2026

and cost controls became essential to maintaining resilience.

Looking ahead, priorities for 2026 are firmly centred on execution. Operational excellence and margin protection remain critical, particularly as top-line growth is expected to remain challenging. There is also a renewed emphasis on rebuilding strong sales capability, an area that proved difficult across the industry in 2025.

Integrating recent acquisitions, deepening customer relationships through broader offerings, and continued investment in people, systems, and emerging technologies such as AI will be key.

The packaging landscape in 2026 is likely to continue consolidating. M&A will remain a defining feature as scale, capability, and balance sheet strength become increasingly important. This will be driven by the need to consolidate, relieve financial stress, and address talent and succession planning challenges.

Customers will apply greater scrutiny to supplier financial stability, while tolerance for underperformance in service, quality and delivery will diminish. Price will remain important, but execution and reliability will increasingly differentiate winners from the rest. Customers are also expected to further rationalise their supplier bases, favouring fewer, more reliable partners.

At the same time, challenges remain.

Managing cost pressure without sacrificing service, funding investment in a tighter capital environment, and integrating acquisitions effectively will test leadership teams across the industry.

In terms of innovations, 2026 tradeshows are expected to be pragmatic rather than speculative. There will be a strong focus on cost-effective sustainability solutions, addressing the perennial question of how to achieve environmental outcomes without compromising commercial realities.

But across much of the client base, significant new sustainability commitments are unlikely in 2026. Progress in this area will be constrained by broader business underperformance, rising costs, and competing customer pressures.

For many, sustainability will remain a balancing act rather than a step-change.

I also expect continued digitisation of print, faster and more cost-effective production, and technology that improves flexibility and reduces run sizes efficiently to feature prominently in tradeshows this year as well.

My message for the industry in 2026 is this: the industry’s resilience should not be underestimated, but the next phase will reward financial discipline, execution capability and strong balance sheets.

Customers and suppliers must work more closely together, building strategic relationships based on trust and mutual support. M&A can be an effective way to scale quickly, but integration and execution ultimately determine success.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

2026 will be about momentum, not promises

to redefine how Australia exports wine and beverages, giving producers smarter packaging that opens new markets, lowers costs, and dramatically reduces environmental impact. This is not incremental change; it’s structural progress.

The real challenge is not technology; it’s mindset. Our industry has been built on glass for generations, and traditions don’t change overnight. Modern consumers and modern society require updated packaging that offers a guilt-free choice.

Food and beverage waste caused by outdated or inefficient packaging remains a significant challenge, and this is driving a clear shift in demand. We are seeing growing momentum toward sustainable packaging solutions that protect the content, reduce waste, lower environmental impact and better reflect contemporary lifestyles.

Hamoun Aria

Founder and Managing Director C4C Packaging

I

n 2025, the businesses that remained relevant were those that adapted early and took a holistic view of the market.

Throughout 2025, C4C Packaging closely monitored consumer behaviour across international markets, alongside tightening regulatory frameworks – particularly in Europe – where extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, recycling obligations and sustainability levies materially altered the cost structure of traditional packaging.

At the same time, transportation and shipping costs continued to rise, adding further pressure to both producers and consumers. These costs are ultimately passed on to producers through margin compression or to consumers through higher retail prices at a time when costof-living and cost-of-doing-business pressures were already acute.

The broader packaging and beverage industries, too, faced mounting pressure in 2025. Rising glass costs, labour shortages, and heightened sustainability requirements challenged traditional production models.

At the same time, these pressures accelerated a necessary conversation across the industry: how to adapt to new consumption occasions, new markets and new generations of drinkers. C4C was built to support that transition. By investing in advanced co-manufacturing capability,

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it is helping strengthen Australia’s wine and beverage ecosystem, providing producers with the tools, formats, and infrastructure required to compete and grow in a rapidly changing global market.

As today’s consumers want products that fit how they live – portable, responsibly packaged, and globally compliant – without compromising quality or brand integrity, that founding vision moved decisively into execution for C4C Packaging in 2025.

In 2026, our goal is straightforward: scale with intention. We will: • • •

•

Bring a full aseptic packaging production online in Western Australia Expand our packaging portfolio with formats that better serve wine, altbeverages, and functional drinks Strengthen export pathways for Australia’s producers – especially in markets proactively favouring lowcarbon packaging, such as the Nordics, Japan and the UK Launch our ‘Grow Global’ advisory program to help producers navigate compliance, labelling, and logistics so they can enter new markets with confidence.

It’s going to be a big year – one that lays the foundation for the next decade of packaging transformation. The opportunity in front of us is enormous. We have the chance

These formats deliver tangible advantages: convenience, lower production and transport costs, improved logistics efficiency, and clearer communication of sustainability credentials – while protecting the quality and integrity of premium beverages.

This is exactly what today’s producers and consumers are looking for.

As such, 2026 will be about momentum, not promises. We’ll see renewable materials move from pilot projects into real volume. Aseptic technology will step into the spotlight as producers realise that smarter formats unlock entirely new markets and occasions.

Any brand that positions itself at this intersection of sustainability, convenience, and global readiness will be ahead of the curve.

AI will quietly become the engine room – optimising supply chains, forecasting demand, cutting waste and cost at the same time. Traceability will no longer be a reporting exercise; it will become a competitive advantage, helping brands move faster across borders with confidence.

What excites me most is collaboration.

Equipment manufacturers, packaging innovators and sustainability platforms will stop working in silos. Together, they’ll build systems that make carbon impact visible in real time – simple, actionable and impossible to ignore.

Change is already happening. In every conversation I have with producers, I see the same signal: they’re no longer asking if things should change, but how fast.

Producers today are looking for solutions that fit the world as it is now – not the world of 30 years ago. Those who move early will lead. Those who wait will follow.

February 2026 ProPack.pro 25

PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

2026 is the year to lead, not follow

These initiatives will positively impact the sustainability profile of products we supply to our customers, reinforcing our commitment to lowering environmental impact across the supply chain. At Detpak, sustainability is not optional, and collaboration is key to driving meaningful change. With the rapid adoption of sustainable packaging, there will also be great opportunities for Detpak as we build retailer partnerships and grow export markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, where sustainability is becoming a key priority for buyers.

We hope to see innovations that could drive sustainable packaging including: • •

Mark Rohrlach

Australasia and South Asia Industrial Regional Manager

•

Detpak

W

ith 2025 behind us and a year of opportunities ahead, Detpak has been gaining strong momentum in expanding fibre-based packaging solutions, driven by retailer sustainability commitments. At Detpak, we continue to strengthen our position in Australia and have expanded our fresh produce packaging solutions across Asia, including a recent implementation in Korea.

In south-eastern Australia, the outbreak of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) disrupted supply chains and delayed progress on transitioning to sustainable packaging formats, as many producers shifted focus to managing biosecurity and product integrity.

We see working closely with industry as being essential. We have been strengthening partnerships with growers and retailers to co-develop sustainable packaging formats, which we see continuing into 2026.

This year, Detpak is planning to accelerate growth in the fresh produce sector, building on our success in Australia and Asia and engaging with wider markets such as the Middle East and North America.

We aim to drive the implementation of sustainable packaging across more fresh produce categories, expanding our portfolio to align with retailer priorities. With more fresh-food retailers likely to explore and introduce fibre-based packaging, Detpak is well-placed to work collaboratively with them to meet their needs.

26 ProPack.pro February 2026

• As packaging evolves, packaging formats will need to change to enable growers and retailers to maintain or improve shelf life while ensuring packaging remains fully kerbside-recyclable.

For Detpak, performance and sustainability will go hand-in-hand in 2026. Fibre-based packaging formats will increasingly replace plastic as bans and retailer mandates tighten. Consumers are demanding greater recyclability, and the industry is adapting to stringent sustainability regulations.

Premium grocers are leading the charge, prioritising carbon footprint reduction and lifecycle analysis in packaging decisions.

If growers and suppliers are investing in new packaging capability, manufacturers will need to ensure equipment is compatible with fibre-based formats to future-proof operations and avoid costly retrofits. The faster and more effectively we can transition to fibre-based packaging, the better we will be able to meet grower, retailer and consumer needs. This means we will also see retailers pushing for low carbon packaging and transparent sustainability reporting.

Detpak is also committed to global sustainability. We’re aiming for at least 60 per cent of electricity for our China operations to come from renewable sources, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of our products. Our Indonesian operations will undertake an energy audit to identify short-term efficiency wins and medium to long-term options to further reduce emissions.

Advanced barrier coatings for fibre trays that maintain recyclability while extending shelf life.

High-speed automation solutions designed for fibre-based packaging formats to improve efficiency and scalability.

Smart packaging technologies that enable traceability and freshness indicators, enhancing food safety and consumer confidence.

Lightweight fibre designs that reduce material usage without compromising strength and performance.

In 2026, we also anticipate an increased demand for automation-ready designs to reduce labour costs and improve efficiency. To build industry resilience, Detpak has been enhancing its automation compatibility for fibre trays and paper flow wrap to support highspeed packing lines.

In 2026 PFAS-free compliance will become non-negotiable across all major markets, and there will be a surge in demand for automation-compatible fibre trays and paper flow wrap. However, there will be challenges for many in the industry, with cost pressures weighing heavily, balanced with the need to innovate. Companies will also need to navigate complex compliance requirements and scale production capacity. There will also be challenges for companies working on implementing sustainability measures, such as enhancing moisture resistance to reduce food waste or improving shelf-life to minimise spoilage, while still trying to remain profitable. The industry will also need to adapt to fast-changing retailer specifications and global regulatory shifts.

At Detpak, we believe fibre-based innovation is the future. We want to see the industry work cohesively to make it scalable and cost-effective. It’s also time to embrace automation to stay competitive in a rapidly-evolving market.

2026 is the year to lead, not follow, and we encourage the industry to commit to bold sustainability goals, and deliver on them.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

The need for a strong, resilient, manufacturing and packaging sector

Geographically, we are also surrounded by countries with lower costs of production and lower input costs.

The government needs to recognise this imbalance and address it. Opportunity wise, if the geopolitical situation continues to deteriorate and global supply chain routes continue to be under pressure (or threat), this could provide a boost to local manufacturers, who can offer customers a “safe haven” against geopolitical risks.

Our industry plays a crucial role in the life of all Australians, yet I feel many Australians do not place enough importance on having a strong, resilient, manufacturing and packaging sector.

Many packaging companies are ‘sweating the assets’, meaning they are not investing in new plant or equipment. This may make their short-term financials look healthier, however you pay the price in the long-run.

I would love to see the industry support each other more and have a co-ordinated plan to get all levels of government to understand what the industry adds to Australia and why the industry needs their attention and support.

Aleks Lajovic

Managing Director Impact International

F

or Impact, 2025 was a tale of two halves with order levels deteriorating in the first six months of the year, then stabilising and slowly increasing in the back half of 2025. It is fair to say a lot of confidence seemed to disappear from the market and forecasts went out the window.

This presented us with numerous challenges, including how much stock to hold, what lead times to quote and how to price our products accurately. Our 400kW solar system continues to deliver more than 1.3MW of electricity per day to our factory and our forest open day was well attended.

We remain extremely proud that Impact is the only manufacturing/printing company in Australia to own its own forest infrastructure for the sole purpose of carbon offsetting the packaging we produce.

In the last quarter of 2025, we installed and commissioned three new electric moulding machines that will manufacture the caps that we place on our tubes.

In 2026, we will focus on getting a return on our investment and ensuring that we realise the full benefits of this.

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For 2026, growth will be hard to come by and packaging companies should have a conservative outlook. The words “speed to market” will remain very relevant in 2026 and if you can keep your lead times short and your pricing stable, this could be a good combination that results in growth.

Many of our customers have already expressed that price increases will be difficult to accept in 2026, so we will have to focus on strategies to minimise any price increases. We will maintain our focus on quality and customer service. We will also be taking every opportunity that we can to speak with all levels of government regarding what politicians say about manufacturing versus what is actually happening.

Australian made packaging will come under further pricing pressures in 2026, based on global changes, interactions and trade. With the US and the EU now on different paths when it comes to sustainability, companies are increasingly prepared to spend less on more sustainable packaging solutions as the ‘political will’ is no longer as strong in many countries around the world.

The most significant challenge is getting all levels of government in Australia to recognise the value and importance of the Australian manufacturing and packaging sectors and to reduce the red tape and high costs that are associated with manufacturing in this country.

In terms of innovations, there will be an increase in decoration capabilities, down gauging (using less material), and increased percentage of recycled content usage in packaging.

In 2026, Impact International is working to introduce a new flip top cap to the market. Historically, flip top caps have been produced using Polypropylene (PP). The project we are working on involves the use of High Density Polyethelene (HDPE).

By switching our caps from PP to PE, we can offer the market a mono material tube, which has an increased rate of recyclability. This will also help our customers meet the targets set by APCO. Once released to the market, customers will have the opportunity to purchase a mono material tube, produced using carbon neutral energy and by partnering in our sustainable forest initiative, our customers can also offset the carbon footprint of the materials used to produce their tubes. We believe this makes our tubes some of the most sustainable available anywhere in the world.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Packaging as more than just a carrier and branding

In terms of growth areas, value-added packaging – whether through personalisation, refillables, or embedded smart features – will become increasingly important. The market continues to demand more relevant messaging, functional enhancements, recycled content, and greater integration of technology.

I expect to see new tech incorporated directly into food and beverage packaging, including RFID, NFC, time-temperature indicators, or emerging innovations.

Technology providers are likely to feature prominently at food and beverage industry events in the coming years.

Integrated technology will also influence packaging structures, with greater emphasis on innovation in mono-material formats. Sustainability requirements will increasingly push design toward easily recyclable mono-material solutions.

While these transitions won’t be immediately feasible for all product types, designers and manufacturers will increasingly be expected to consider them.

Alternative materials present both opportunities and challenges. Packaging manufacturers are under ongoing pressure to reduce unit costs while simultaneously improving sustainability performance.

Ben Reinmuth

Achieving the right balance is difficult, but having a range of options to offer clients keeps us competitive and expands our scope of supply.

Sales Director Impact Labels

2

025 was a pivotal year for Impact Labels, marked by significant investments in technology, talent, and upgrades to our Brisbane facility.

Fortunately, these commitments were matched by strong performance, with revenue climbing nearly 10 per cent compared with 2024.

Until 2025, our trade arm hadn’t been a major focus, but over the year we found an effective rhythm and workflow for integrating these jobs seamlessly into our operations.

We also navigated several challenges – particularly those that come with introducing new machinery and upgrading facilities while still managing the day-today demands of packaging. This required extensive coordination, people management, and space planning.

Like many packaging suppliers servicing the food and beverage sector, we felt the indirect pressures of shifting consumer purchasing trends. Rising living costs heavily influenced both the type and

28 ProPack.pro February 2026

quantity of products ending up in shoppers’ baskets, and some of our clients saw noticeable declines in order volumes.

What Impact Labels did particularly well was doubling down on personalised communication and offering greater flexibility in meeting packaging needs.

With a diverse client base producing everything from essential grocery staples to discretionary products, a one-size-fitsall approach simply doesn’t work.

Looking to 2026, the industry is set to see stronger collaborations among packaging vendors as they seek to broaden product ranges and increase share of wallet.

Manufacturers that specialise in a single packaging format risk missing opportunities to supply complementary lines. The cost and complexity of retooling is a major barrier, making collaboration an attractive and often more viable pathway.

I anticipate that these collaborations will create mutually beneficial growth opportunities over the next few years.

One of our key priorities for the year ahead is positioning the business to deliver even more sustainable labelling solutions.

Testing is currently underway, though a few elements still need refinement before we formally launch.

Our sustainability goals for 2026 align directly with the recent investments we’ve made in hardware, software, and process automation. These upgrades will enable us to operate more efficiently and broaden our offering of eco-friendly packaging alternatives – so watch this space.

2026 also marks our 20th anniversary.

Reaching two decades of operation is something we’re extremely proud of, and we’re planning for another year of growth and new initiatives. After the birthday celebrations, we’ll return our focus to label conversion and further expansion of our product offering.

Our final message is this: packaging is not immune to change and must continue to evolve beyond being merely a carrier or branding device. Though adapting and retooling can be challenging, the opportunities ahead for the industry are both significant and exciting.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Elevating the packaging industry’s profile

further. This is our biggest challenge moving forward.

The primary growth areas for 2026 will be the small packaging run market. This segment serves as the primary retail testing and online sales platform, where significant changes tend to occur more frequently. The larger packaging run market will continue to increase as our population grows and more retailers enter the market.

2026 will also further propel us towards a circular economy, particularly in the realm of raw materials. Simultaneously, it will present us with a pressing challenge to innovate in the design and construction of packaging which aligns with the evolving needs of our customers.

The most significant opportunities for our industry will arise from innovative packaging solutions that can reduce food wastage, extend shelf life, enhance product appeal, and promote the circular economy. These factors will collectively contribute to an increase in opportunities for the packaging industry.

Walter Kuhn

CEO Kuhn Corp Print & Packaging

I

n 2025, Kuhn Corp experienced remarkable growth across all sectors, particularly in our online store.

Customers demonstrated a growing preference for packaging made from sustainable materials, with a strong emphasis on the circular economy.

This shift reflects our customers’ commitment to both effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

To ensure we stay relevant to the market, we diligently listened to our customers and implemented the necessary improvements, both in terms of quality and efficiency, across all our production facilities. This was complemented by our reliance on our suppliers to foster innovation and enhance the quality of raw materials.

On a separate note, as Kuhn Corp supports several charities throughout every year to give back to communities, this year, we went one step further and competed in an eight-day Shitbox Rally to raise funds for the Cancer Council, as this organisation holds a special place in our hearts.

Our primary focus for 2026 will be on staff development and retention as this will be our most significant challenge in the years

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Sustainability will remain a key focus for us and in 2026 we will persistently promote the circular economy – in all its forms – to our customers for their packaging requirements in the future.

ahead. As a result, we will continue to ensure our Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) remains high.

The ongoing implementation of apprenticeships and traineeships will extend beyond our production team to encompass our administrative and sales teams as well.

Additionally, we will continue to implement and amend efficient systems and procedures to ensure that our production facilities remain of a high standard. We will concentrate on our continued growth strategy, coupled with increased efficiencies in all our manufacturing operations.

In my opinion, the packaging landscape in 2026 will be shaped by customer requirements. In turn, this will facilitate industry transformation in various aspects, such as the materials used, the quantity of production, and the personalisation of packaging in diverse ways.

On the flip side, regrettably, I perceive a lack of recognition for the value of our manufactured products as we continue to compete solely on price, thereby driving down the value of our manufacturing

We will continue to operate sustainably – implementing sustainable materials for all our productions facilities, so we can save as much of our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

To help us achieve this, we anticipate an ongoing increase in solar power usage for production facilities and believe that battery technology will become more widely used and cost-effective in the future.

We also look forward to the tradeshows of 2026, where we anticipate the ongoing development of AI to lead to enhanced production efficiencies and increased design possibilities within the next 12 months. These advancements in AI are likely to be showcased at upcoming trade shows in the near future.

My message for the packaging industry this year is this: we are an advanced manufacturing industry that excels in supplying packaging to the retail and wholesale sectors. It is essential that we don’t undervalue the value, functionality, and aesthetics of the products we produce.

We can take pride in the amazing products we produce – from the design to production – and to the finished products.

Let us elevate the industry’s profile, showcasing its core attributes of advanced manufacturing, innovation, sustainability, creativity, and – dare I say it – allure.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

The factors that set businesses apart

It also supports quicker prototyping and testing which is becoming more important as product ranges and timelines tighten.

We are also investing in quality management technologies. Strong inspection and verification systems allow us to detect issues early, hold tighter tolerances and reduce waste across production. For customers, this means fewer disruptions, stronger brand protection and greater confidence our packaging will perform as intended.

Sustainability sits within this approach by designing packaging for customers that can re-enter the economy, reducing our operational impact and working collaboratively across the value chain to deliver outcomes that are commercially viable and perform for our customers.

Sustainability is an important part of our strategy and influences many aspects of our operations.

Brad Hinds

Executive General Manager of Packaging Opal

2

025 was a year of recalibration.

Economic headwinds and changes to consumer spending continued to influence demand. At the same time, those conditions accelerated conversations about efficiency, reliability and long-term value.

For packaging manufacturers, the year reinforced the need for operational agility.

Customers were looking for partners who could deliver consistently and respond quickly to market conditions.

Sustainable packaging solutions remained firmly on the agenda as brand owners continued to progress toward the National Packaging Targets. Advocacy for a circular economy for packaging played a critical role with the industry navigating an evolving policy landscape and increasing calls for nationally harmonised regulation.

As brand owners pursued broader sustainability objectives, supply chain transparency also gained greater prominence, increasing the importance of robust sustainability metrics and data.

Ultimately, 2025 made it clear that the industry is moving beyond short-term fixes. Opal’s focus is to provide solutions that perform, scale and stand up over time. That will continue to be our focus in 2026, especially around manufacturing excellence.

Our focus is on building a manufacturing platform that delivers reliability, flexibility, quality and sustainability at scale.

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That is what customers value and that is what will matter most in 2026.

In a volatile market, the ability to produce packaging with speed, accuracy and consistency is what sets businesses apart.

That is where we are directing our focus.

We have seen a clear shift toward practical innovation. Rather than innovation driven by differentiation alone, the industry is prioritising solutions that deliver measurable outcomes, whether that is improving material efficiency, designing for circularity or supporting supply chain productivity.

There is also a strong focus on replacing hard-to-recycle materials with highperforming paper alternatives. This is happening in demanding environments such as cold-chain and fresh produce where advances in fibre engineering are allowing paper to compete with traditional materials.

Operationally, reliability has become the primary asset. As customers manage tighter inventories and complex logistics, there is little margin for error. The businesses winning today are not just innovating on materials, but are also making sure their packaging meets specifications every time.

As such, a key priority for Opal is expanding our digital print capability.

Digital print allows shorter runs, faster changeovers and greater flexibility, helping customers respond to shifting demand without carrying excess stock.

In 2024, we achieved an eight per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to the previous year, reinforcing progress towards our target of a 45 per cent reduction on a 2021 baseline by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.

Looking ahead, our focus is to continue to reduce the environmental footprint of our energy and water-intensive activities while supporting our customers’ sustainability targets with paper and packaging solutions designed for circularity.

This includes progressing our decarbonisation roadmap, continuously improving the transparency of our value chain and strengthening circularity through our integrated recycling, paper and packaging operations.

The packaging landscape in 2026 will be defined by convergence. Sustainability, performance and brand impact are no longer separate considerations. They must coexist in the same solution.

Demand for higher recycled content is expected to continue, driven by National Packaging Targets and customer sustainability commitments. At the same time, expectations around strength and durability are not diminishing, particularly in the food, beverage and e-commerce sectors. This places a premium on material science, manufacturing capabilities and quality management.

We also expect digital technologies to play a larger role. Advances in digital printing and converting are giving businesses greater flexibility to handle shorter runs and seasonal promotions efficiently, helping to reduce the waste associated with testing and overproduction.

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PACKAGING LEADERS FORUM

Remaining competitive in a changing and demanding market

Aaron Lusch

Director Platypus Print Packaging

T

he past year has brought significant change across the packaging sector, shaped largely by economic pressures and shifting expectations from both consumers and brand owners.

Cost-of-living challenges have had a far-reaching impact across the entire supply chain, prompting businesses to examine every aspect of their operations for potential savings.

For many brand owners, this focus on savings has also aligned naturally with sustainability objectives. Reducing material usage, minimising waste, and improving production efficiency often deliver a dual benefit: lower costs alongside improved environmental outcomes.

Whether it involves lightweighting packaging, optimising layouts to reduce offcut waste, or improving run efficiency, the same decisions that make commercial sense frequently support broader sustainability goals. This mindset has reinforced the idea that economic and environmental considerations do not have to be at odds.

Across the industry, 2025 presented a familiar but challenging mix of rising electricity costs, increased input prices, and ongoing shortages of skilled labour.

These pressures have required packaging manufacturers to become more disciplined in their approach to production planning and investment.

Managing downtime, improving uptime,

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and ensuring consistency across shifts have become critical priorities, particularly in an environment where staffing flexibility can be limited. At the same time, fibre-based packaging has continued its steady growth as brands explore alternatives to hard-to-recycle plastics. Improvements in coatings, barriers, and performance characteristics have allowed fibre-based solutions to move into applications previously difficult to service, supporting incremental growth across food, beverage, and other consumer goods sectors.

Throughout the year, a key area of focus has been improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Automation has remained central to this effort, not primarily as a tool to reduce headcount, but to support staff, improve safety, and create more consistent outcomes. Automated processes can reduce repetitive manual tasks, lower the risk of injury, and help teams work more effectively, particularly in high-volume or physically demanding environments.

Another major theme of the year has been collaboration with customers seeking realistic ways to manage rising costs.

In many cases, the most effective outcomes were achieved by reviewing packaging early in the design phase.

Relatively small adjustments can significantly reduce material use, waste, and overall cost without compromising

product performance or shelf impact.

These types of improvements demonstrate how thoughtful design choices can align commercial efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus remains on strengthening the fundamentals of the business. Good process control, reliable turnaround times, and practical sustainability initiatives will continue to underpin operations. Planned automation upgrades will further streamline production, while ongoing efforts to simplify workflows will help improve consistency and efficiency across the factory floor. Enhancing folding carton capabilities remains a priority, ensuring the ability to meet evolving customer requirements and maintain high quality standards.

Sustainability will continue to be approached in a practical, outcome-driven way. This includes reducing spoilage, carefully selecting materials, and supporting customers in creating packaging that is recyclable, efficient, and fit for purpose.

Rather than pursuing sustainability as a standalone concept, the emphasis will be on embedding it into everyday decisionmaking and operational processes.

Across the broader industry, recyclability is likely to attract increased attention, alongside the development of clearer packaging standards that better support the goals of a circular economy. Improved guidance and consistency would help brand owners and manufacturers make informed choices and reduce confusion around material selection and end-of-life outcomes.

Fibre-based packaging is expected to see further growth, particularly as barrier and coating technologies continue to improve.

Brand owners will also continue to expect flexibility in run sizes, lead times, and delivery schedules – an area where local manufacturers are well positioned to deliver value through responsiveness and close customer relationships.

Technology will play an increasing role across growth segments, particularly in areas such as AI-driven planning tools, robotics, and manual handling safety equipment. Overall, the cost pressures facing brand owners are very real and are heavily influenced by major supermarkets and consumer expectations. On a positive note, these pressures are driving more considered and constructive conversations about packaging choices.

By keeping processes simple, investing in workforce development, and implementing incremental improvements, Australian printers and folding carton manufacturers can continue to deliver value and remain competitive in a changing and demanding market.

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Innovation is great, but meaning matters more

beyond the shelf. A design must also photograph beautifully and communicate instantly on Instagram and TikTok. Packaging is turning into a mini stage for instant, social-media moments, and brands are recognising that their first impression is often made through a screen, not in a store. This shift challenges designers to think visually in new ways while keeping brand stories authentic.

The term “metaverse” dominated industry conversations in recent years, but I see the opposite being important. People are getting tired of “AI slop” and craving signs of humanity, what I call “proof of life”.

The brands that stay real, authentic, a little imperfect, and tell genuine stories are the ones that will take off. Focusing on this kind of human connection will be key for brands to stand out.

As more and more people get back to the office, the way teams collaborate is also shifting, with plenty of mixed feelings.

I personally believe people simply work better, and connect better, in real life.

Eye contact, body language, shared space, and spontaneous conversation are powerful creative forces.

Paul Rumens

Returning to the office is both a challenge and opportunity, testing flexibility while bringing back in-person energy. The businesses that embrace this shift thoughtfully will see stronger culture and collaboration.

Managing Director Tweak Design

T

he biggest challenge, and opportunity, for 2025 was navigating the rapid rise of AI. For Tweak Design, the focus has been on using these tools responsibly and ensuring they enhance our creativity rather than compromise our clients’ trust.

This balancing act of embracing innovation while protecting authenticity and brand integrity defined the year for us. Looking ahead, the lessons we learned in 2025 will guide how we integrate new technologies thoughtfully in the future.

Remaining relevant in 2025 meant keeping up with the changes around us and staying technologically agile.

At Tweak Design, we expanded our toolkit with greater use of 3D scanning and modelling, allowing us to prototype, understand form, and present ideas with more accuracy and speed. Exploring and adopting new tools like these has become a key part of staying competitive in a fast-changing industry.

For 2026, our core priority remains unchanged: delighting our clients.

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We have built our reputation on being the team that has the answers, and we maintain that by nurturing a culture of care, curiosity, and craftsmanship.

In 2026, we will continue investing in our people and processes to deliver work that feels distinctively Tweak. Ensuring our team thrives creatively is central to keeping that promise.

This year, I anticipate cities will recover their vibrancy, albeit in a new and changed form. Social gatherings will be happening earlier, turning 2pm into the new 2am, and products will have to change to match.

This behavioural change will influence product design, hospitality, and retail.

The rise of zero per cent and functional drinks is part of this broader move toward conscious, daytime socialising.

I believe this trend will continue to expand across categories. Brands that can respond to these shifts creatively will have a real advantage.

Social media is also here to stay, which means packaging now must shine far

In addition, we’re seeing some exciting new sustainable packaging options enter the market this year. The best part is that they are not just better for the planet, they can actually be cheaper than the old methods, making it easier for more brands to use them. These innovations could make sustainable packaging the new standard rather than the exception.

As for Tweak Design, the real difference we make is through the brands we work with. In 2026, we’re focused on helping clients choose smarter, more sustainable packaging, whether it’s the materials, how it’s made, or how it’s used. And when they do, it can make a big ripple effect.

Our goal is to keep inspiring clients to make choices that positively impact both the environment and their business.

Looking ahead, I think we should be using high-tech tools to help people reconnect with low-tech joys: better health, genuine human interaction, and products that make a positive impact and are sustainable.

Innovation is great, but meaning matters more. Ultimately, the best innovations are the ones that make life richer, more human, and more connected.

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Winning in sustainable packaging: Bringing it all together Based on a decade of research, McKinsey & Company provides a strategic framework on where to play and how to overcome barriers and seize opportunities

Image credit: istock.com/WANAN YOSSINGKUM

Sustainability in packaging is both a key industry-shaping trend for the entire value chain and a rapidly evolving area

M

cKinsey’s research and experience over the past decade has uniquely prepared it to understand how the topic of sustainability in packaging has evolved. Given ongoing inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, as well as issues with destocking and falling demand, sustainable-packaging strategies that would have worked 10 years ago may no longer be fit for purpose.

This article collects key high-level insights from across McKinsey’s recent body of work to help packaging converters understand and navigate the fast-moving landscape of sustainable packaging. These insights help inform strategic frameworks on where to play and how to win.

Five key shifts shaping sustainability in packaging today Five key shifts have already begun to reshape the landscape of sustainable

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packaging and will likely persist in the coming years.

1. Sustainability requires complex trade-offs, with no single packaging substrate leading across dimensions McKinsey’s research indicates there is no one-size-fits-all solution that converters can automatically implement as they work with FMCG and retailer customers on strategies for sustainable packaging. Over the years, sustainable packaging efforts have often centred around three core areas: circularity, leakage into the environment, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain.

While these three core sustainability areas are interlinked, there can also be trade-offs between them for FMCGs and retailers. Increasing recyclability does not always decrease carbon footprints and food waste, for example.

Individual assessments about the

sustainability of individual packaging materials therefore vary according to which sustainability elements the assessor deems to be the priority.

A related, important, factor for value chain participants to consider is that no single packaging substrate (for example, metal, plastic, glass, or paper) appears to have an advantage across every dimension of packaging sustainability. Each substrate has both positive and negative attributes that may vary by region and by application.

2. Consumers may be placing relatively less weight on ESG factors in their purchasing decisions, though opinions and willingness to pay vary substantially After a slight uptick between 2020 and 2023, the importance of environmental impact for consumers relative to other characteristics – such as price and shelf life – has either stagnated or declined since 2023. This factor now ranks among

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STUDY slow. Based on extensive interviews with experts and primary research, McKinsey has identified six key barriers to widespread adoption of sustainablepackaging material. As discussed above, lack of alignment and lack of clarity account for two of those barriers. The others focus on affordability, performance, the supply of materials, and an incomplete knowledge of available solutions.

•

Affordability: Sustainable materials often have a higher price tag. To maintain product margins, companies generally have to pass costs on to consumers – which can be challenging.

Success requires packaging solutions to combine cost-efficiency with the highest standards of customer convenience, such as easy-opening products and packaging designed for on-the-go consumption.

•

Performance: It can be challenging to find sustainable alternatives that can match the performance of traditional materials. Retailers and e-commerce retailers can have additional concerns about the performance of sustainable products during transportation, storage, and shelving.

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Limited or unreliable supply: Sustainable materials may not always be available in the consistent quality or volumes required, which inhibits their uptake. The research identified several real-world examples of the impact of these supply risks on the go-to-market strategy of incumbents in relation to sustainability.

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Incomplete knowledge of existing and developing solutions: Many packaging purchasers say that they don’t have full knowledge of the sustainablepackaging options available to them.

New innovations become available regularly, and interviewees indicated that gathering all the relevant data on possible packaging options – including performance, sustainability credentials, and the likely evolution of cost, supply, and relevant regulations – can be cumbersome and time-consuming. As a result, several of the interviewees said they continue to rely mostly on existing solutions or suppliers.

The Sinclair - T55 label offers a practical, scalable solution that reduces reliance on plastic packaging without compromising performance or function

the bottom three characteristics across the 11 countries included in McKinsey’s global survey exploring consumers’ attitudes toward sustainable packaging.

A significant share of consumers remain willing to pay at least a little more for sustainable packaging. At least 40 per cent of consumers in all countries included in the 2023 survey stated they would pay more.

However, the share of consumers who are willing to pay a lot more for sustainable packaging has been relatively small in all three survey rounds (2020, 2023, and 2025). Willingness to pay declined between 2020 and 2023 and has not rebounded to 2020 levels in many countries, likely influenced by ongoing cost pressures. Supporting this assessment, the importance of price has generally grown in importance over the surveyed period, solidifying its position – alongside perceptions of quality – as a top decision factor in purchasing.

But consumer views are nuanced and often vary by demographics, geography, and the availability of local infrastructure.

For example, consumers generally agree that recyclability is the most important factor, but views on the importance of reusability and overall CO2 impact vary substantially. In terms of preferred materials, respondents in the countries with the highest polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle collection rates – Germany, Sweden, and Japan, at 80 per cent or more – ranked PET in their top three, whereas countries with the lowest collection rates (such as the United States, at 33 per cent) ranked PET much lower.

Moreover, consumer attitudes are not always strictly consistent and may depend on knowledge and understanding of recycling processes. McKinsey’s 2025 global survey found, for example, that consumers ranked plastic packaging that is either recyclable or made from compostable materials as quite sustainable, but also deemed plastic containers and bottles

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made from such recycled materials to be among the least-sustainable options.

3. The global regulatory landscape is becoming both more exacting and more complex Understanding developing regulations on a global scale is complex, given highly varied regulatory maturity across countries – and even at the federal, state, or city level. Also, key terminology lacks an established global definition. The term “recycling”, for example, can have different meanings across countries and contexts, leading to potential challenges about inconsistent claims and variability in the impact of recycling-related initiatives.

In addition, the scope of seemingly similar regulations may vary. For example, some regulations are focused on multiple categories, applications, end products, and materials, while others have a much narrower focus, potentially leading to regulatory overlap.

Further compounding these issues, some regulations – such as those related to reusable packaging targets – are still in the early stages of development, which may lead to uncertainty about undefined scopes, action plans, or targets.

4. Packaging purchasers are committed but face large barriers to implementing sustainable packaging at significant scale Until now, actions by retailers and FMCG companies have focused primarily on quick wins – such as reducing material usage and weight – that also enable them to lower their packaging costs.

However, over recent years these companies have been proactively making ambitious commitments to improve the sustainability of their packaging, as well as to fundamentally rethink their packaging systems.

Despite this momentum, adoption of sustainable-packaging materials has been

5. Other consumer industry megatrends are having a significant impact on packaging, though details vary by region Sustainability is not the only trend affecting the packaging industry. Other megatrends – including the shift to e-commerce, rapidly changing consumer preferences (including high price sensitivity), increased focus on health and wellness, and embracing digital (especially gen AI) – are here to stay, though

February 2026 ProPack.pro 35

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Mondi’s Protective Mailer is a fully recyclable paper mailer that eliminates the need for plastic bubble wrap while maintaining high product protection using open flute paper

the impact of these trends and the direction of their evolution can vary significantly by region.

E-commerce, in particular, has been a key growth driver in packaging over the past five to 10 years, with several categories on the brink of reaching a volume-related tipping point at which packaging will need to be redesigned to specifically match the need of digital channels. One thing remains constant across geographies and time: low cost and high convenience continue to be table stakes for packaging, even if consumers’ expectations for packaging may shift.

Winning in sustainable packaging: Where to play and how to win Systematic and comprehensive efforts will be needed to meaningfully advance the sustainability agenda. For example, companies will need to consider the sustainability of a product’s packaging before the product concept has been finalised – which, based on experience is not always the case – in order to maximise their options for effective action to increase sustainability.

For holistic impact, future efforts will need to cover everything from input materials to marketing to after-sales responsibilities, while carefully managing costs along the value chain. The fundamental success principle is to invest where it matters.

Putting that principle into practice, however, will be difficult. As seen from the above, there are complexities and trade-offs to consider – many of which will be context specific – which means there is no onesize-fits-all solution. Instead, packaging converters will have to collaborate with their FMCG and retailer customers as well as with consumers to find innovative solutions and processes. Two strategic frameworks – “where to play” and “how to win” – can provide a useful starting point.

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Where to play The aspects of sustainability that matter – and the amount they matter – will vary by end product and consumer segment.

To win, packaging players will need to develop a granular understanding of demand and willingness to pay.

Developing this understanding will likely require a full strategic assessment of consumer sentiment and the value at stake as well as a forward-looking assessment of possible innovations in the sustainability space, the likely evolution in supply and demand of key materials, and possible regulatory developments.

At the same time, the survey results have made it clear that sustainability efforts should not come at the expense of factors that many consumers may deem more important, including durability, food safety, shelf life, or convenience.

A good way to build momentum by registering early success can be to identify no-regret moves. For example, one promising area could be product segments that offer low barriers to switching to a moresustainable packaging substrate and where most of the work can be done by the individual FMCG company and converter, without the need for coordination across the broader value chain. Promising opportunities will typically exist within product segments where the required actions will have minimal impact on functionality, operating cost or capital expenditure needs, or the attractiveness of the packaging.

How to win McKinsey’s experience with leading incumbents suggests that success in the sustainable-packaging space will hinge on the existence of clear commercial, operational, and technology road maps – as well as an integrated and wellsequenced execution approach.

1. Align internally on what ‘good’ looks like: Put together a clear methodology on how to uniquely benchmark packaging products in terms of sustainability, cost, and convenience – and ensure that all core teams are aligned around this framework.

2. Formulate clear operational and technology road maps to ensure a robust innovation pipeline: Most sustainable-packaging materials continue to be constantly refined, with successive generations offering better performance and lower cost.

The continuation of this innovation process will be key to securing the large-scale adoption of these materials. Given the challenges involved in R&D, players will require a clear and thoughtful innovation road map that takes into account possible trade-offs between sustainability goals. Companies that decide to direct a high portion of their innovation spend toward increasing recyclability, for example, should be aware of the possible impact on customer food waste – while multilayer film increases shelf life, for instance, it has historically been hard to recycle.

3. Be clear and consistent in messaging and sales strategy: Most commercial organisations within the packaging industry are comfortable with selling based on cost and technical areas such as barrier performance. Marketing and sales strategies related to sustainable packaging (which may be more expensive than alternatives, and which may have altered other packaging characteristics in its implementation) may require a different approach.

To succeed, sales organisations will need to shift from transaction-based selling to become true value chain partners, working directly with customers to identify their complex needs and provide solutions.

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STUDY players should pursue a policy of strategic urgency. They can start by formulating clear, context-specific strategies on both where to play and how to win.

By McKinsey & Company’s Daniel Nordigården, David Feber, Gregory Vainberg, and Oskar Lingqvist

Made from infinitely recyclable aluminium, Villa Maria cans reflect the New Zealand brand’s commitment to sustainability

This shift may require capacity building to bolster salesforce effectiveness.

4. Take an ecosystem approach: It is likely that no one single player in the packaging value chain will be able to understand and navigate all of the evolving complexities around consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and fast-evolving technologies. Packaging converters should therefore also strengthen collaborations across the value chain – from input suppliers to end users – to strengthen both strategic planning and execution. Players should also regularly consider whether a reallocation of resources – or strategic M&A – could assist in scaling solutions or bolstering global reach.

5. To start, go after the low-hanging fruit: It can be helpful to have a lighthouse project that provides a long-term organisational goal related to sustainable-packaging development.

However, given all the complexities involved in this fast-evolving area and the need to build momentum, we recommend taking an incremental approach to reach that longer-term goal. In addition to enabling relatively rapid iterations, an incremental development approach can make it easier to ensure the continued high performance of chosen packaging types and to avoid excessive strain on other parts of the process, such as filling systems. Gradual changes can also make it easier to bring consumers along on the sustainability journey.

Sustainability in packaging is both a key industry-shaping trend for the whole packaging value chain and a rapidly evolving area. To stay ahead of the game, packaging

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Relaunched with a new look and formula for Christmas 2025, the Nestlé Kit Kat Christmas Cabin Kit in Australia featured sustainable packaging and certifications, reflecting environmental awareness

Breville invests in Sustainable Brown Box initiative In 2023, Breville Group – under its global Breville | Sage brands – launched the company-wide Sustainable Brown Box initiative.

This is part of the company’s commitment for the packaging of all products in Australia and New Zealand to be 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable.

According to Breville general manager – Australia Nick Moore, the Sustainable Brown Box initiative transitioned the business to a more sustainable packaging solution.

“These changes reflect our commitment to best-in-class sustainable packaging practices across our entire range,” he said.

“The Sustainable Brown Box initiative is a company-wide project, through which we replaced our coloured packaging with a recyclable outer box, fully eliminated EPS (expanded polystyrene) and minimised soft plastics.

“This transition underscores our commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the premium quality our customers expect, and we would like to thank our retail partners for their support for this initiative.”

Examples of the Breville Sustainable Brown Box packaging

In addition, the new Brown Box carries simplified on-pack communications with the rollout of a new product information and sticker strategy.

This allows the Breville Group to streamline its sustainable packaging supply chain for its three theatre, multi-region production.

It is expected the full transition to Sustainable Brown Box packaging globally will be completed by FY2030.

February 2026 ProPack.pro 37

COMMENT

Innovative corrugated packaging – give brands more than just a box The value-added, digitally enabled corrugated packaging that converters can offer brands, boosting speed to shelf and driving consumer engagement

O

ne could be forgiven for having a somewhat staid view of corrugated packaging. It’s easy to think of it as simply protecting products in transit, but today, full-colour printed corrugated packaging is proving to be a powerful asset in terms of efficiency, branding, and sustainability.

Corrugated packaging has evolved significantly beyond its traditional application, enabled by technological advancements in areas such as design software and QR codes, with corrugated packaging printing driving a change in mindset for brand owners.

Indeed, brands are now recognising corrugated packaging’s potential to enhance brand image, improve customer experience, and provide agility and efficiency within supply chain management.

The blank canvas of corrugated packaging is ideal for transforming into stunning, brand-defining designs that provide a unique and engaging unboxing experience.

Designs can be customised to particular market segments or customer personas, and for brands seeking durable packaging, it offers almost unparalleled benefits over other materials, with high levels of costeffectiveness and sustainability.

How digital printing supports responsive packaging In today’s hyper-competitive consumer landscape, speed to shelf is a crucial factor in achieving brand success. As highlighted

by McKinsey’s State of the Consumer 2025 report, consumers are demanding more personalised, timely experiences, and brands must be able to adapt swiftly to shifting preferences and trends. For converters, digital corrugated packaging printing is emerging as a key differentiator, empowering brands to respond with unprecedented agility.

Unlike traditional methods, digital printing significantly reduces lead times and eliminates the need for costly setup processes, such as plate making. This means that a run can be composed of many variations or even personalised boxes, without additional printing costs.

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experiences, digital printing provides a dynamic and versatile solution.

The combination of corrugated packaging and digital printing enables not only highresolution, eye-catching designs that elevate the consumer experience but also quick and cost-effective production of packaging variations, empowering brands to tell their unique stories.

Perino packs from Costa now use recyclable cardboard packaging

This enables converters to streamline workflows and move packaging from concept to shelf more rapidly. The result is a faster go-to-market strategy, allowing brands to capitalise on time-sensitive campaigns or seasonal opportunities with minimal delay.

Speed to shelf isn’t just about urgency – it’s also about precision. Digital printing enables small-batch customisation, allowing for the creation of shelf-ready packaging, point-of-sale displays, and ecommerce-ready boxes that visually and emotionally appeal to target consumers.

This flexibility helps brands test designs, update messaging, and roll out campaignspecific packaging – all while reducing waste and inventory costs.

Furthermore, digital presses offer “just-intime” production capabilities, ensuring converters can meet tight deadlines without overstocking or disrupting traditional production. Even for conventional corrugated producers, digital capabilities can be integrated to absorb short runs, manage late-stage edits, or fulfil last-minute promotional pushes.

Packaging as a conversation enabler Packaging often provides the first physical interaction between brand and consumer, and first impressions are everything. Corrugated packaging, particularly in retail and ecommerce settings, has become a crucial touchpoint for consumer engagement. For brands seeking to stand out on crowded shelves or create memorable unboxing

Moreover, digital technology enables the integration of connected packaging through features like 2D Codes. These digitally printed QR codes serve as gateways to an extended brand experience, guiding consumers to interactive and informative digital content.

As Merkle’s 2025 Connected Experience Research report highlights, QR code engagement has surged – 87 per cent of consumers now interact with them, up from 64 per cent in 2024. Many do so out of curiosity, seeking deeper insights into the product.

Through QR codes powered by GS1 or augmented reality (AR), consumers can access a wide range of content – from promotional games to vital information on provenance, sustainability, and recycling. This interactive bridge between the physical and digital realms enhances brand storytelling, offers a platform for brands to gather vital consumer feedback, and builds lasting relationships.

Finally, digital presses with variable data printing and late-stage customisation capabilities enable converters to help brands provide better distinction of product variants, delivering additional shelf impact and enabling more efficient picking. Messaging can be tailored to specific customer segments for a localised or even personalised experience, boosting relevance and engagement.

For converters, embracing digital print to produce innovative corrugated packaging is not just an upgrade; it’s a strategic tool enabling the next level of consumer connection in a more sustainable and efficient process.

By Michael Strehlow, Corrugated EMEA Account Manager at Domino Printing Sciences

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February 2026 ProPack.pro 39