US sustainable packaging maker launches in Australia

US sustainable packaging producer PakTech has announced its official launch in Australia. According to the company, its technology, manufacturing and products will enable the food, beverage and consumer goods industries to respond to the growing ESG pressures and consumer demand for sustainable packaging and practices.

The company manufactures 100% recycled and recyclable secondary packaging. Later this year, it plans to use its proprietary technology to manufacture 100 million recycled injection-moulded packaging handles for cans, bottles and other containers annually within Australia. The handles are made from 100% recycled HDPE (high density polyethylene), a Type 2 polyethylene thermoplastic.

A contract manufacturing facility in Victoria has now been established by the company together with a proprietary partnership with Visy. This will allow the company to fulfil its vision for made in Australia, recycled in Australia and repurposed again into new PakTech products in Australia.

Locally, PakTech’s existing customers include Hawkers Brewery, Billson’s of Beechworth and The Apple Press. Its launch in Australia comes as public demand for sustainable packaging and practices rises. In the US, PakTech counts brewers such as pFriem Brewing, Independence Brewing Co and Sycamore Brewing and CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies like Pepsi, KraftHeinz and Johnson & Johnson as customers, and has seen continued strong growth for sustainable multipack products.

“Conscious consumerism is flourishing, and pressure from consumers around the world is forcing brands and retailers to rethink their approach to sustainable packaging,” said CEO Brandon Rogers. “Sustainability and the circular economy is no longer a competitive differentiator, it’s an expectation.

“Australia’s buying habits are very similar to ours in the US. We’ve seen significant organic growth in recent years, and we forecast that will continue in the coming years. Establishing an on-the-ground local footprint in the region is incredibly exciting — not only for PakTech, but for our customers and everyone in Australia who cares about sustainability and our impact on the environment.

“Through our launch in Australia, we’re helping our customers meet not only their customer needs, but also regulatory requirements too,” he added. “As ESG pressures and the need for transparency increases, many companies are setting internal sustainability goals to meet regulatory mandates or customer or shareholder demands. But rather than setting goals of 25% recycled content by 2025, PakTech enables businesses to use 100% recycled content today. We’re incredibly excited by this potential, and joining an Australian market. There’s work still to be done, but we’re humbled to be able to play our part.”

Australia is yet to mandate legislation, but it could follow the lead of other markets like the UK and the US which are in the process of establishing formal legislation regarding the use of plastics.

Image: PakTech