With nearly two decades of growth, Packserv is helping drive the packaging industry’s evolution through local manufacturing, innovation and sustainable practices to meet the demands of the future.
Packserv, a prominent Australian manufacturer of packaging machinery, is at the forefront of the evolving packaging industry, balancing innovation with sustainability.
Dedicated to supporting the local industry, Packserv remains a passionate advocate for Australian-made products and onshore manufacturing.
By designing and manufacturing machines locally, we ensure that customers benefit from fast delivery of machinery and parts and prompt technical support,” said Nathan Wardell, managing director of Packserv.
This enables FMCG manufacturers to compete not only with imported alternatives but also on a global stage.”
A history of innovation and growth
Packserv began its journey with a single machine designed and built by Wardell in his garage for a well-known pharmaceutical company.
From this humble beginning, the company has grown to include in-house CAD and CAM capabilities, welding and fabrication, and a team of technicians who assemble the machinery and offer technical support to clients.
Packserv takes pride in building machines to the highest standard, utilising premium materials like 316 stainless steel and 6061 grade anodised aluminium.
As one of the few remaining Australian manufacturers specialising in niche machinery, they partner with technology and academic institutions to drive innovation and set new industry benchmarks.
Our vision is to cultivate local expertise and knowledge within the manufacturing sector,” said Wardell.
By providing small and medium-sized enterprises access to advanced technology and high-quality equipment, we empower them to compete globally, supporting a revival of manufacturing in Australia.”
Packserv’s range of products includes machines for filling, capping, labelling and container handling, among others. They are focused on building innovative solutions that help businesses optimise their packaging machinery so they can be competitive.
Packserv’s business model offers flexibility to customers, including options for outright purchase, rental, rent-to-buy and leasing, catering to businesses of all sizes.
This adaptability is particularly beneficial for start-ups and established manufacturers looking for cost-effective packaging solutions without compromising on quality.
Packserv is dedicated to helping FMCG businesses stay up and running. Their machine rental services have become a go-to solution for clients, complemented by a rent-to-buy option that lets businesses start using the equipment while spreading the cost over time.
As the only packaging machinery manufacturer of its kind in Australia offering such flexible options, Packserv stands out in the industry.
Amid today’s economic challenges, our focus is on supporting Australian manufacturers to keep locally made products on supermarket shelves,” said Wardell.
The industry’s evolution
The Australian packaging sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by growing consumer demand for sustainability and a push for greater efficiency in production.
As supply chain disruptions, economic pressures and shifting consumer preferences reshape the industry, sustainability has become a top priority for packaging companies.
Packserv has responded to the increasing demand for environmentally responsible practices in the design and manufacturing of its machinery. It’s designed with energy efficiency in mind—reducing the environmental footprint of packaging lines.
The company also offers modular systems that enable manufacturers to adjust their production lines easily, quickly, and efficiently, reducing downtime and material waste.
The shift towards a circular economy
For Packserv, sustainability goes beyond designing and manufacturing efficient machinery—it’s about ensuring that machinery never ends up in landfill.
This commitment is at the heart of Packserv’s “Buy-for-Life” program, which allows customers to trade in their Packserv equipment for new machinery as their production needs change and expand.
The returned machinery is refurbished and added to Packserv’s rental fleet, with secondhand equipment also sold through a network of reseller partners.
To keep manufacturing operations running smoothly, Packserv also refurbishes customer equipment and provides a rental replacement during the process so that their manufacturing is not interrupted.
Packserv prioritises working with suppliers who have robust sustainability programs in place and incorporates waste reclamation throughout its manufacturing process.
They also use multisort bins to divert waste from landfill.
Meeting APCO’s 2025 targets
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has set ambitious targets, aiming for 100 per cent of packaging to be recyclable, compostable, or reusable.
Packaging formats are evolving, with brands opting for more sustainable options such as paper-based materials and alternatives to traditional plastics—changes that require thorough testing on packaging machinery.
We work with clients to test and adapt packaging designs that are functional, compliant and secure while aligning with sustainability objectives.
Our clients must balance meeting regulatory requirements with addressing consumer demand for eco-friendly products,” said Wardell.
The future of packaging
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the packaging industry, especially in areas like automation, smart packaging, and waste reduction.
The result is smarter, more efficient production lines that not only optimise energy consumption but also contribute to waste reduction.
Cobots (collaborative robots) are also being integrated into production lines, further enhancing efficiency and safety by working alongside human operators.
Packserv has embraced these innovations by looking at ways to integrate technologies into its machinery.
Packserv’s range of products includes machines for filling, capping, labelling and container handling, among others.
Technologies are transforming production lines. These innovations are not only improving operational efficiency but also enhancing the sustainability of the entire supply chain,” said Wardell.
Packserv’s vision for the future
In 2025, Packserv remains focused on its core priorities: manufacturing onshore, innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
With the growing push for recyclability, reduced environmental impact and smarter production systems, the company will continue to look for ways to innovate, assisting customers to remain competitive.
The packaging landscape is evolving rapidly, and we’re excited to be a part of that transformation,” said Wardell.
We’re constantly investing in new technologies, working closely with our clients and collaborating with academic institutions to push the boundaries of what’s possible in packaging machinery.”
With its dedication to supporting local manufacturing, driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry, Packserv will continue to play a vital role in Australia’s packaging industry for years to come.
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