Advanced Recycling: Turning soft plastics into circular solutions

19/08/2025 26 min Episodio 116
Advanced Recycling: Turning soft plastics into circular solutions

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, talks with Darren Thorpe, Managing Director of APR Plastics, about the company’s major investment in advanced recycling for soft plastics.The conversation begins with an overview of APR Plastics and its role within the APR group, before moving into the drivers behind the decision to invest in pyrolysis technology – a process that converts hard-to-recycle and multi-layer soft plastics into oil, creating a new feedstock for circular packaging solutions. Darren explains how this initiative supports Australia’s national packaging targets, the importance of the collaborative partnerships that complete the value chain, and the opportunities for scaling this technology further.We also explore the challenges recyclers face in the current global climate, the benefits for local manufacturing and job creation, and what advanced recycling could mean for the future of Australia’s soft plastics recycling capability. Darren wraps up with a call to action for brand owners, policymakers, and consumers to support circular solutions by ensuring a steady supply of recyclable soft plastics feedstock. Links:Sponsor - Trimattwww.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected] partnership to “revolutionise” hard-to-recycle plasticswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/new-partnership-to-revolutionise-hard-to-recycle-plasticsSoft plastics: Building a circular pathwww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/soft-plastics-building-a-circular-pathComing full circle: Recyclers speak outwww.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/coming-full-circle-recyclers-speak-outAPR recognised for pushing boundaries in recyclingwww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apr-recognised-for-pushing-boundaries-in-recycling$3.4 million in funding to new recycling projectswww.packagingnews.com.au/latest/3-4-million-in-funding-to-new-recycling-projects------------------------------The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to [email protected]: Grant McHerronHost: Lindy HughsonEditor: Chris VisscherProducer: Steve VisscherPKN Packaging News - © 2025