Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and red meat supply chain representatives have formed a new Transport Sustainability Taskforce. The taskforce will work to build transparency and identify areas for improvement within the livestock road transport industry.
Queensland’s Containers for Change scheme continues to grow in popularity, with the program recently reaching the significant milestone of eight billion containers returned since its launch in November 2018.
This achievement underscores the success of the scheme in encouraging recycling and reducing litter across the state and is a prime example of a circular economy in action.
The initiative, which offers a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers and is administered by Container Exchange, aims to curb the environmental impact of littered containers while promoting sustainable waste management practices.
By providing a financial incentive, Containers for Change has played a key role in increasing Queensland’s recycling rate and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
In total, the scheme has returned $800 million to Queenslanders, with $12 million of that amount being donated to charities and community groups.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Container Exchange (CoEx) CEO Natalie Roach celebrated the eight billion container milestone at the Community Co Recycling Depot in Windsor, Brisbane.
Minister Linard highlighted the positive environmental impact of the scheme, noting that the eight billion containers returned represent a reduction of 400,000 tonnes of waste, equivalent to enough containers to wrap around the Earth’s equator 35 times.
“This is a phenomenal amount of waste that has been diverted from landfill and recycled, benefiting our natural environment and the community,” said Linard. “It’s also fantastic news for Queenslanders, who have collectively shared in $800 million in refunds.”
The scheme’s expansion in late 2023 to include glass wine and spirit bottles has further contributed to its success
Since the expansion, there has been a 13.5 per cent increase in the quantity of glass bottles returned, helping to drive up the overall volume of containers returned.
In January 2024, a record 175.8 million containers were returned, surpassing the previous record of 157.5 million in January 2023.
Roach expressed pride in the continued success of the scheme, particularly the growing participation in glass container recycling, a key for the beverage sector.
“The return of eight billion containers highlights the ongoing dedication of Queenslanders to container recycling,” she said.
“With the inclusion of glass wine and spirit bottles, we have seen record volumes returned, and we are excited by the positive impact this scheme continues to have.”
The scheme operates as a product stewardship arrangement, where drink manufacturers cover the costs of operation, as well as processing the containers for recycling.
This ensures that manufacturers take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products after consumption.
The Queensland Government has appointed the not-for-profit group CoEx as the Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to manage the scheme. CoEx oversees ensuring the efficient operation of the scheme, providing access to container refund points throughout the state, and supporting ongoing expansion efforts.
CoEx offers various return options, including depots, 24-hour bag drops, self-serve reverse vending machines, and home collection services.
The Containers for Change app also allows users to track their refunds and find nearby return points.
Linard also emphasised the ongoing commitment of the Queensland Government to expanding the scheme and improving recycling rates across
the state.
We want to see the scheme continue to grow,” she said. “That’s why I am working with the board and CEO of Container Exchange on new ideas to further increase the rate of container recycling.”
The scheme will soon undergo a Parliamentary Inquiry, launched by the Queensland Government in February after the it said it wants to see the recycling rates increase further.
The scheme has a legislated target return rate of 85 per cent but, despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target
The scheme has a legislated target return rate of 85 per cent, but despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target.
COEX’s 2023-24 annual report reveals an annual recovery rate of 67.4 per cent, and the recovery rate for the first two quarters of this financial year is 62.7 per cent, around 20 per cent shy of legislated targets.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, said the Inquiry would help identify how the program could be improved to put more refunds in Queenslanders’ pockets.
“The Queensland Government is committed to boosting recycling through Containers for Change, saving recyclables from landfill and delivering more refunds to Queenslanders,” said Powell.
“We need to understand why the program has fallen short of its targets … and how it can be improved to deliver more benefits for Queenslanders.
“The Inquiry will also assess deposit location coverage, to help boost Queenslanders’ access.”
The Inquiry will also examine the current state and operation of the scheme, its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering on its legislative objects.
The Parliamentary Committee has been tasked with delivering a report by August 2025, one that details how to improve the number of containers returned to hit the initial target.
If successful, the program will give key insights for other State Governments to evaluate.
The introduction of a new autonomous orchard spray unit in Western Australia is under study for its potential to benefit growers across the country.
With more three decades in the market, Treotham Automation provides industrial automation solutions that help streamline production processes and improve efficiency, particularly for food and beverage manufacturing.
Since its founding, Treotham has evolved from a small enterprise offering industrial automation products to a leader in automation technologies, providing cutting-edge solutions for food producers across Australia and beyond.
Specialising in the food and beverage sector, Treotham offers a comprehensive range of automation products, including flexible cables, energy chains, control cables, safety sensors, vacuum technology, and hygienic systems.
The company’s products are designed to meet the unique challenges faced by food production facilities, such as stringent hygiene requirements, high-speed operations, and the need for reliability and minimal downtime.
“Treotham provides a full circle of automation components that help ensure smooth production,” said Michael Wood, Technical Sales Engineer at Treotham.
“Our solutions not only focus on improving the efficiency of operations but also on reducing maintenance requirements, which is critical in an industry like food and beverage.”
One of the company’s key product offerings is the FC joint system, a robust, corrosion-resistant component made from igumid FC plastic.
This innovative system eliminates the need for external lubrication, reducing the risk of contamination in food production environments where sanitation is paramount.
The FC joint’s wear-resistant properties and ease of cleaning make it an ideal solution for the food industry, ensuring compliance with the highest hygiene standards.
In addition to the FC joint, Treotham offers energy chains combined with Chainflex cables, which protect cables from mechanical wear and environmental stressors common in food manufacturing settings.
These systems ensure that cables remain intact and fully functional, even in high-speed or dynamic applications, minimising maintenance and downtime. The company also provides vacuum technology solutions, which are integral in handling and packaging processes, improving product flow, and reducing contamination risks.
Treotham’s sensors and measuring systems help manufacturers optimise production processes and maintain food safety standards by monitoring critical variables such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. These sensors enable precise control over the production process, ensuring consistency and quality in the final product.
Additionally, the company’s connectors and flexible conduits are built to withstand the tough conditions of food processing environments, ensuring secure and reliable electrical connections.
“A key part of our success lies in our ability to offer solutions that meet the demanding requirements of the food and beverage sector,” said Wood.
“We work closely with our clients to ensure they get the right products for their specific needs, whether it’s for a unique machine or a large-scale production line.”
Treotham’s strong partnerships with global manufacturers such as igus, Lapp, and PMA allow the company to bring world-class automation solutions to the Australian market.
These collaborations provide Treotham’s clients with access to cutting-edge technologies, ensuring they stay competitive in an increasingly demanding industry. Through these partnerships, Treotham can offer high-performance cables, hygienic bearing systems, advanced sensors, and much more, enabling manufacturers to maintain high efficiency and safety standards.
“The partnerships we have cultivated with leading manufacturers have been instrumental in providing our customers with the best automation solutions available,” said Wood.
“These collaborations allow us to offer a wider range of products and ensure that we meet the specific needs of the food and beverage sector.”
Treotham’s reach extends well beyond national borders with a global network of distribution partners. The company serves clients across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, including the USA and Canada.
This international presence not only allows Treotham to support a broader range of customers but also enables the company to assist with export approvals.
“Whereas Australia does export some machines, not as many as what a lot of other countries would do, but this opens up that avenue for our customers,” said Wood.
“For example, if they are exporting to the USA or Canada and it’s a food processing or packaging machine, then we’re able to provide all the CSA UL approvals that are required for that cable to enter and be certified.
“Being able to provide that and all the documentation allows the customer to look at projects they may have not been able to in the past.”
This international scope provides customers with added value, ensuring they have the necessary approvals for exporting machines and components, allowing them to expand their business opportunities globally.
Treotham’s success can also be attributed to its focus on customer satisfaction and long-term relationships. The company’s team of experts works closely with clients to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each project.
From initial consultation to after-sales support, Treotham ensures that customers receive the highest level of service throughout the entire process.
“It depends on the customer. Food and beverage manufacturing, or machine manufacturing in Australia, is a lot of one-offs, and that means a need for unique machines,” said Wood.
“What we’re providing is essential requirements, the use of third-party processing and production processes. Our wide network is an added benefit to the customer, as Treotham has a selection from the top companies in their fields.”
This ability to provide tailored solutions is key to Treotham’s success. By becoming a one-stop shop for automation components, Treotham simplifies the process for customers, allowing them to focus on what matters most—optimising their production lines.
“It ends up making our customer’s job a lot easier because we become a one-stop shop for the components they require,” said Wood.
“We’re able to use our expertise in those product groups to provide the best solution.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability is another aspect that sets it apart.
Treotham integrates energy-efficient technologies into its products, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency.
In an era where sustainability is a top priority for many businesses, Treotham’s environmentally conscious approach helps clients meet their sustainability goals while maintaining high productivity.
As technological innovation accelerates, Treotham remains at the forefront of industrial automation. The company continues to develop and introduce new solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of the food and beverage sector.
“The advantages that come with employing better automation are numerous, with each one having some positive impact on production costs,”
said Wood.
“Maintenance is probably one of the biggest issues in the food and beverage industry at the moment, due to labour costs, general downtime, and so on.
“We can provide a product that essentially has zero maintenance and a scheduled lifetime calculation allowing the customer to schedule in their maintenance, reducing their downtime, and essentially reduce their costs.”
This focus on reducing maintenance and downtime is a key reason why Treotham is such a valuable partner for food manufacturers. By providing products that require minimal maintenance, Treotham helps its clients maximise their productivity and reduce the overall cost of operations.
As Treotham Automation looks to the future, it remains committed to shaping the future of industrial automation through innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
With a strong track record of success, the company is well-positioned to continue helping businesses in the food and beverage sector optimise their operations and stay competitive in an increasingly globalised market.
Through its broad range of high-quality products, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Treotham Automation has become a trusted partner for businesses in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Whether it’s providing hygienic sensors, reliable cables, or advanced automation systems, Treotham continues to lead the way in driving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across the industry.
Australian beef as a sustainable protein has been recognised at the World Expo 2025, Japan.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has listed a series of key actions it believes should be adopted to achieve an increasingly stronger sector moving forward. In a statement from the council, a spokesperson said the candidates in the upcoming Federal Election should prioritise policies that address immediate needs of Australia’s food and grocery sector while paving the way for long-term collaborative solutions.
“The food and grocery sector has faced growing pressures in recent years,” an AFGC statement read.
“Supply chains remain strained after COVID-19, costs are rising, and the industry is faced with increasing compliance demands, from improving nutrition content to advancing sustainability through packaging and energy use.
“Without collaborative and sustained action, the ability to deliver the products Australians know and love are at risk. A thriving food and grocery industry is the key ingredient for a resilient Australia.
“The sector touches every household, and securing its future is critical for our nation’s economic and social stability.”
Some key actions to achieve this future include:
In its call to action, the AFGC divided recommendations into three categories, ‘today’, ‘tomorrow’, and ‘together’.
Among the actions that can be adopted today was a call to strengthen vital connections like the aforementioned East-West Rail. It is Australia’s only direct train link between the East and West coasts, to safeguard supply chain efficiency and national resilience.
The AFGC is urging increased government investment to reinforce this important freight rail line and East Coast freight rail network, vital for the nationwide delivery of essential food and groceries.
The AFGC spokesperson said fortifying these critical arteries, including roads, against rain, fire or other conditions protects the delivery of essential food and groceries to consumers nationwide.
As well as the infrastructure strengthening, the AFGC also called for tax incentives to help boost investment, coupled with an increase in funding for Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
For points of action further down the line, the AFGC hopes to see more incentives for companies to adopt renewable energy solutions and more efficient technology across the industry, along with clear and consistent packaging regulations and a wider adoption of digital labelling.
And for the ‘together’ recommendations, the organisation has called for more collaborative efforts such as reinforcing the Healthy Food Partnership (HFP) between government and industry, and incentivising food donation to limit food waste. The AFGC also released results from its biennial survey, in partnership with Argon & Co, which supports the points of action, detailing five trends shaping food and grocery supply chains.
These trends were: cutting costs in supply chain; regular disruptions; the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation revolution; sustainability; and consumer preferences.
Cutting costs in supply chain
The survey revealed that 43 per cent of respondents are focusing on cost reduction over the next one to two years. This marks the first time in the survey’s history that cost reduction has surpassed customer satisfaction as the top priority for supply chain leaders.
Energy, materials, labour, and transport were identified as the main cost concerns.
With production costs continuing to rise, profitability is under pressure. If this trend persists, businesses may face difficult decisions, including price hikes, smaller pack sizes, or reduced quality, all of which could affect consumers.
Nearly 80 per cent of respondents reported moderate to significant disruptions, with 68 per cent citing delays in international shipping.
In response, businesses have diversified suppliers, strengthened resilience, and improved agility
AI and Automation
A survey has found that 74 per cent of respondents plan to invest in AI and automation over the next three years, aiming to improve route optimisation, efficiency, and quality control.
However, the adoption of these technologies is being hindered by a shortage of skilled workers. Companies are now focusing on upskilling their teams to implement robotics, machine learning, and warehouse automation.
Sustainability
Sustainability continues to be a key focus for manufacturers.
Australian companies will need to meet new climate-related disclosure requirements and packaging reforms, which begin this year.
While upfront costs are high, sustainability investments enhance brand reputation and help future-proof operations. The challenge lies in finding cost-effective solutions to meet rising expectations.
Consumer preferences
Market research shows consumers are increasingly choosing organic, sustainable, and minimally processed products. This shift is prompting consumer goods manufacturers to reassess product portfolios, supply chains, and sourcing strategies. Companies that quickly adapt to these changes in consumer behaviour can secure brand loyalty and maintain market share in a competitive market.
However, product innovation to meet these demands is capital intensive and challenging in a high-cost production environment. Consumer preference was also in the top three considerations for supply chain planning.
“Strengthening the resilience of supply chains by investing in rail and road, embracing AI and adapting to shifting consumer demands will be critical to the industry’s success,” the AFGC call to action stated.
“With the right government and industry action, Australia’s food and grocery sector can build stronger supply chains for the future.”
Australian spirits manufacturers have welcomed recommendations from a federal parliamentary inquiry aimed at unlocking the industry’s $1 billion export potential. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources tabled its recommendations from the Inquiry Into Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia last month.
Chaired by Labor MP Rob Mitchell, the bipartisan committee recommended the creation of a body called Spirits Australia, which would aim to improve regulation, support innovation, and drive export opportunities.
The committee cited the success of Wine Australia as a model for the spirit’s sector. The report also called for increased Austrade assistance for small and medium enterprises seeking to export Australian food and beverage products to Asia. The committee noted that 40 per cent of the submissions it received were from the alcohol industry, raising concerns over Australia’s alcohol taxation system.
While no conclusions were finalised, the committee recommended the formation of a House Select Committee to further investigate all aspects of Australia’s alcohol industry. Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay thanked the committee for recognising the opportunities and challenges facing the spirit’s sector.
“These recommendations show that the committee acknowledges our potential to follow the example of Australian wine, which has grown into a $2.5 billion export industry through collaboration with the Federal Government,” he said.
“We call on the Government to adopt our Spirits Export Accelerator Strategy as the first step toward realising the goals of the Spirits Australia body.”
Spirits & Cocktails Australia chief executive Greg Holland said the industry looked forward to working with the Federal Government on the report’s recommendations but emphasised the need for proper funding.
“But we must remind the Government that Spirits Australia cannot be industry-funded while we’re paying the world’s third-highest spirits’ tax. There simply isn’t room for an additional levy,” he said.
“Wine Australia was fully Government-funded in the beginning, and still receives partial funding, as the committee acknowledges in its report.
“Spirits Australia must initially be funded through a portion of the $6 billion in excise our industry pays to the Government each year.”
Despite the positive news around the potential establishment of a new industry body for the spirits sectors, Holland also criticised the Federal Government’s freeze on draught beer excise, which was announced at the same time. He said the freeze discriminates against spirits producers and the entire distilling supply chain.
“The tax on spirits is already three times higher than it is on beer. Freezing draught beer excise alone is discriminatory in every sense. It favours beer drinkers over spirit drinkers, brewers over distillers, and pubs over bars,” he said.
Holland added that the Federal Government had previously ignored calls from the spirits industry for sensible alcohol tax reform.
“These recommendations were supported by a bipartisan parliamentary committee in its recent report on the food and beverage manufacturing inquiry,” he said.
“Yet the Government has baulked at the alcohol tax reform it knows is desperately needed by the 700 distilleries operating across Australia, 50 per cent of them in regional areas.”
Australian Distillers Association CEO Paul McLeay echoed Holland’s concerns, calling the Government’s freeze on draught beer excise unnecessary.
“This policy has put a dampener on last week’s announcement of a $50,000 increase to the remission,” he said.
McLeay also emphasised the spirits industry’s growth potential, including its goal of becoming a $1 billion export industry within the next decade.
“The Government has so far overlooked this economic opportunity, so we hope there are further policy announcements that will enable us to realise this potential,” he said.
McLeay thanked the Committee for recognising the spirits sector’s challenges and opportunities and urged the Federal Government to adopt the Spirits Export Accelerator Strategy, designed to help bolster international competitiveness and create better conditions for export growth.
The ongoing debate around alcohol taxation and the freeze on draught beer excise reflects the growing concerns within the spirits sector, which is pushing for more equitable tax policies to support its expansion and international competitiveness. However, it’s hoped the creation of Spirits Australia will go a long way toward helping the sector improve its position even more going into the future.
Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) members are invited to attend an Kissel & Wolf Australia’s Changing the Paradigm: Packaging Printing & Cutting Equipment from Greater Asia on 30th April 2025.
Through research and innovation, climate-resilient and mildew-resistant grapevines have been newly introduced in South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region.
ALDI Australia has been named Supermarket of the Year 2024 for the fifth consecutive year in Roy Morgan’s Customer Satisfaction Awards.
Visy has announced that a new fibre-based thermal insulation liner, Visycell, is being trialled with food delivery businesses as a replacement for expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for public comment on an application to permit three new enzymes to produce an intense sweetener.
Demand rises for budget drinks as Casella Family Brands revamps its Pressman’s cider range and launches a four-can 375ml pack to meet market needs.
The recent Meat Processing and Export Conference (MPEC), held by the Australian Meat Industry Council, demonstrated Australia’s receptiveness to embracing changes in global trade.
Heat and Control, a manufacturer of food industry equipment, has acquired Tek-Dry Systems and Hunt Heat Exchangers, two providers of thermal processing and heat transfer equipment.
Arriving at Tokyo Big Sight to attend the 30th edition of TokyoPack with 70,711 other visitors, I was looking forward to seeing how many new packaging innovations were being launched in Japan.
The chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), Anthony Holme, has announced that AFGC CEO Tanya Barden will depart the organisation following a mutually agreed separation.
Australia’s network of free trade agreements continues to offer valuable opportunities for sectors such as red meat, grain, seafood, horticulture, and other industries in agriculture.
