The Visual Media Association has formed the Labels and Packaging Coalition, a new initiative to provide print industry technical expertise and accuracy into government policy, targets and regulations in the growing labels and packaging sectors.

MCC Auckland flexographic printer Levi Lindsey was named BJ Ball Papers Print Apprentice of the Year at the Gala 2024 Pride In Print Awards Evening, an enthusiastic crowd giving him the loudest cheer of the night.

The world’s biggest print and packaging software developer, eProductivity Software, has opened a new facility for its Escada corrugated software technology production.

IVE has joined APCO, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, a move it says is part of its environmental, social and governance strategy, as it gears up to be a major player in the folding carton sector.

This will be the first drupa for Miraclon, which says it is developing modern flexo systems for packaging printers, and will have nine new Flexcel NX technologies on its stand.

Sales at the world’s biggest packaging business Amcor, which includes Australia’s biggest flexibles printing operation, fell by seven per cent in the third quarter, but EBIT rose.

New lollie packs produced with Xeikon Titon  toner technology and Sappi Seal Silk paper are demonstrating sustainable and fully recyclable packaging solution that is also food-safe, claim the companies.

Global containerboard and corrugated board demand is facing a series of challenges and shifts in market dynamics across the next five years, according to print and packaging industry analyst Smithers.

Esko is co-exhibiting at drupa with sister businesses X-Rite, Pantone and Enfocus, as the company focuses on giving the market solutions for ultra-short turnarounds.

The final countdown is on to enter the inaugural PKN Women in Packaging Awards, which are open to all women engaged in printed packaging and converting companies. Entries close on 24 April.

The proposed US$11bn acquisition of WestRock by Smurfit Kappa has been given the go-ahead, with its NSW folding carton print site to become part of a US$34bn a year business.

In its first drupa as a standalone business, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems will debut what it says are advanced new robotics, and next generation digital cutting technology.

Daniel Brunton assesses the threats and opportunities emerging in the corrugated packaging sector as a new wave of digital corrugated machines are being prepared for release, and say proponents, will address a surging market.

An investment of $80m in the Whakatane Mill will boost board production by 66,000 tonnes a year to 230,000 tonnes, and will pave the way for a further increase of 100,000 tonnes a year capacity. Whakatane produces the Formakote range supplied by Ball & Doggett.

Kellie Northwood, CEO of print industry employers’ group Visual Media Association, presented on the benefits of fibre packaging, on the ecoporium stand at the Appex trade show in Melbourne.

Bridge Road Brewers harnessed the power of print and digital connection to achieve a Top 5 ranking in the coveted GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll. The job was printed by East Coast Printing.