The Packaging Council of Australia’s (PCA) 2010 Australian Packaging Awards – for industry – have been launched. The Council says the Awards have been further streamlined giving a total of nine Awards including the Best of Show.

Melbourne-based printer Mikoh has released its new SRG-1001 four-colour label printer, which the company says can run at 25 metres a minute and its software ensures the first print is a true print that therefore provides savings on time and materials.

While the third national packaging covenant to be known as the Australian Packaging Covenant is close to being finalised, the Packaging Council of Australia (PCA) says that considerable confusion still exists as to whether a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) is required.

Pentawards organisers have announced the composition of an international jury, composed of designers and marketing specialists, to judge the packaging design competition, devoted to packaging design.

Screen has teamed up with Jet Technologies for the local launch of Screen’s PlateRite FX CTP series, which the company says offers optimal flexo/letter press plate output for printing and prepress companies. The machine made its Australian debut at Jet Technologies’ Mascot showroom last week, where a number of narrow web printers attended.

Last month the Queensland and NSW Branches of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) held a roadshow for the launch of the new Retail Ready Toolkit with Samantha Blake, director supply chain and retail policy at the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), presenting the new kit to over 130 AIP members.

Fujifilm has launched what it claims is the world's first anti-counterfeit label which supports full colour images. The ForgeGuard system regulates light wavelengths on the nano-optic level, so those with special viewers can see hidden full-colour images.

Bobst has launched a new version of its Visionfoil press, specifically dedicated to security hologram application and designed to help brand owners make a clear difference between originals and forgeries and to protect assets by deterring counterfeiters.

Ernst Vormwald, head of Global Accounts and member of the Management Board at Gallus folding carton division, will visit Australia during March 14-19. Gallus Australia managing director James Rodden will be accompanying Vormwald on a tour of the leading carton and flexible packaging companies in Australia.

A global trends seminar focusing on retailers, sustainability and innovative packaging is the next big event in the Packaging Council of Australia’s (PCA) diary. The event being held in both Melbourne and Sydney will feature keynote speaker David Hughes, Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing of the Imperial College, London.