Pact Group is proud to announce that Deanne Holdsworth, EGM Pact Packaging, New Zealand, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Sustainability Leader award in the Women in Packaging Awards, following her recent presentation at the Australasian Packaging Conference.

The Sustainability Leader award honours women who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability in the Australian and New Zealand packaging industry. This recognition highlights initiatives such as reducing packaging waste, promoting recyclability, advocating for eco-friendly materials, and implementing circular packaging practices.

Deanne has been a pivotal figure in leading sustainability initiatives for Pact Group which is recognized as one of Australasia’s leading plastic recycling and packaging manufacturing companies. A major achievement at Pact Packaging NZ was championing a solution for the “difficult to seal” protein tray. This initiative involves an innovative technical change to the tray to enable the use of PET mono substrate to produce a tray with a seal that is 100% recyclable through kerbside collection.

The trays are recycled at one of Pact’s facilities, and the recycled material is then reintegrated into the production of new trays, thereby closing the loop in the manufacturing process in New Zealand.

The initiative followed the successful transition from a combination material tray (PET/PE) to Mono PET Trays and a mono PET top film in 2021 with Hilton Foods (supplier to Woolworths in the North Island of New Zealand and across Australia). This involved a collaboration between Hilton, Pact, and Multivac.

The vision and determination in driving this project forward has significantly contributed to reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to packaging. Through this strategic initiative, Pact has now created and commercialised a new design for a mono PET tray and sealed film for a sector which has often faced challenges with sealing their product.

Following this success, Pact were founding members supporting the establishment of the caps and lids product stewardship scheme in New Zealand. This scheme was developed in response to the removal of recyclable plastic caps and lids from kerbside recycling programs. Deanne understood the impact this change would have on sustainability and facilitated an avenue for plastic caps and lids to be recycled through Pact New Zealand’s recycling facility.

Deanne’s leadership, innovative approach, and dedication to sustainability demonstrate the tangible benefits of adopting circular economy principles.

Her most recent achievement—the implementation of the tray-to-tray circular economy model in Australia in 2024—has set a new benchmark for the industry. This model, which utilises PET mono substrate to create 100% recyclable protein trays, exemplifies Pacts commitment to sustainability and efficiency. By reintegrating recycled materials into new production, they have effectively closed the loop in the manufacturing process, reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to packaging.

One significant challenge faced was sourcing suitable feedstock from suppliers. The project team had to work closely with MRFs (Materials Recovery Facilities) to encourage the sorting of trays with the bottles.  Once the material had been recycled, the resin was tested for its suitability to make protein trays and punnets that meet food standards, manufacturing quality, and customer requirements. This included strength tests, visual consistency, and other quality checks. Adjustments were made to materials and processes to ensure the final product met all expectations.

Through Deannes’ strategic vision, effective change management, and commitment to quality, Pact not only overcame these challenges but also set new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation in the Australian packaging manufacturing sector.

For more information about the Women in Packaging Awards, click here