Podcasts
In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Simon Dowding from Pact Group about the future of packaging, recycling and Australia's efforts to build more resilient supply chains.
The discussion begins with the impact of recent disruptions to global resin markets following the conflict in Iran, and how packaging manufacturers have responded by diversifying supply chains, increasing inventory and reducing exposure to international shocks. While immediate supply pressures have eased, the experience has reinforced broader questions about Australia's reliance on imported materials.
Louise and Simon explore the role of recycled plastics in strengthening sovereign capability and reducing dependence on imported virgin resin. They also examine proposed extended producer responsibility reforms, including how they could encourage better packaging design, stronger recycling markets and increased use of locally produced recycled materials. Along the way, they explain some of the technical realities of different polymers, food-grade packaging requirements and why a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work.
Key takeaways
Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.
Follow DBrief on your favourite podcast platform:
In her role as Australian Industry Group’s Head of Industry Development and Policy Louise provides strategic leadership and guidance for Australian Industry Group’s policy agenda in building competitive industries through global integration, infrastructure development and innovation. She ensures that through policy leadership members have a voice at all levels of government, by representing and promoting their interests on current and emerging issues.
Louise represents Australian Industry in several multilateral forums, such as the B20 Taskforces, Global Business Coalition, and the East Asia Business Council working group on RCEP. She advocates for the interests of Australian Industry Group members during Free Trade Negotiations and translates those agreements to support the strategic aims of members. She is a member of CSIRO’s Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Think Tank and the Manufacturing Advisory Group, the NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub and the Advisory Group of The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).
Louise has studied a Bachelor of Arts (Arabic Language and Culture) at Deakin University and an Advanced Diploma in International Trade at RMIT. She has also studied Arabic at universities in Jordan and Egypt.
Stay up to date with new episodes of DBrief.
With almost 300 staff and networks of relationships that extend beyond borders (domestic and international), we have the resources and expertise to meet the changing needs of our membership. We provide the practical information, advice and assistance you need to run your business.
