Nestlé and the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) have entered an agreement to enrol nine students in the new Certificate in Packaging and another four students in the Diploma in Packaging Technology. The AIP says the move represents an expansion of Nestlé’s packaging training activities in the Oceania region.

Indian-based corrugated box manufacturer Wadco Packaging has sold 51 per cent of its equity stake to US packaging giant Meadwestvaco (MWV), with the joint venture expected to bring value-added packaging to local Indian farmers by improving preservation of produce during transport.

Amcor’s Australasian fibre business is undertaking a $300m recapitalisation and restructuring program, scheduled to deliver cost savings of $80m per annum. The first phase involves the closure of several plants in the region as well as job cuts.

At the recent Labelexpo in Chicago, Italian manufacturer, Omet showcased its new X-Flex label press, which the company claims with its short web path reduces set up time while achieving low substrate waste.

Japanese beverage giant Suntory is set to buy Frucor, the beverage subsidiary of French company Groupe Danone, based in New Zealand and Australia for more than $1bn.

Printing consumables supplier Stork Prints says its demonstrations at this month’s India Labelshow exhibition showed investment in rotary screen printing technology is possible for a fast return on investment.

Sydney based printed folding carton manufacturer Anzpac, a wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco Australia (BATA), is set to be acquired by Singapore based packaging company New Toyo International Holdings for $60m.

Visitors to Auspack 2009 will have the opportunity to gain insight in to automated processing machinery, robotics, mixing and batching equipment, product identification solutions, quality process and ancillary equipment, plastics extrusion, powder and liquid fillers and shrink wrap packaging machines, according to organisers.

Amcor executive Jerzy Czubak has been appointed as a non-executive director of Hong Kong listed AMVIG Holdings. Czubak, 49, has more than 24 years of operations experience, of which more than 14 years have been working with Amcor Rentsch Europe and is currently managing director.

Following on from its success at the inaugural HP Asia Pacific and Japan digital print awards, Hally Labels has garnered another award.