Pope Packaging

Supporting growth in the USA starts at the source.

During a recent visit to our Sri Lankan facility, Plastipak, we focused on strengthening capacity, quality and flexibility to meet rising demand.

New investments in lamination, automated conversion and in-house recycling are improving performance, increasing mesh bag capacity and reducing lead times.

On site, Craig Elkington, Schuler and Jared Paddison joined Dilip Liyanage to review the upgrades.

Continued investment in our manufacturing strengthens supply and gives customers confidence in every order.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our Founder and Chairman, Des Pope.

Des was a visionary entrepreneur who established Pope Packaging in South Australia in 1956 with a simple but powerful ambition: to build something meaningful, lasting, and grounded in strong values. Through his remarkable work ethic, determination, and belief in people, Des grew Popes from a small local operation into the global business it is today.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Des will remember his sharp wit, his honesty, and his unwavering passion for the packaging industry. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a devoted father, brother, and grandfather - and the heart of our family business.

Under Des’s leadership, Popes expanded across Australia before entering New Zealand in 1985, the United States soon after, and establishing a manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka in the 1990s. His drive and commitment shaped not only our company’s growth but also the culture of integrity, innovation, and long‑standing relationships that continues to define us.

Today, Popes remains guided by the values Des instilled, and continue under the leadership of his son‑in‑law, Craig Elkington as CEO, and Des’s daughters Deanna, Dale, and Danielle.

Des will be deeply missed by his family and by many across the Popes community worldwide. His legacy lives on in the business he built and the people he inspired.

Ahead of International Women’s Day this Sunday, we’re proud to recognise Karen Hartman, our Supply & Distribution Manager ANZ.

Karen plays a key role connecting our manufacturing partners across Asia-Pacific with customers throughout Australia and New Zealand, helping ensure quality, reliability and responsible supply chain practices.

During a recent visit to Bangladesh, Karen spent time with the women working at one of our partner facilities, learning about their roles and the support systems in place.

Known for her infectious laugh and positive energy, Karen brings leadership and warmth to everything she does. We’re proud to have her on the Popes team.

Great to see this part of our South Australian site upgrade completed. 👏

Thanks to Combined Fire Systems for their work delivering high-hazard fire protection as part of this stage of the project.

Click on the image to read the full story. 👇

Great to see this part of our South Australian site upgrade completed. 👏 Thanks to Combined Fire Systems Pty Ltd for their work delivering high-hazard fire protection as part of this stage of the… | Pope Packaging Great to see this part of our South Australian site upgrade completed. 👏 Thanks to Combined Fire Systems Pty Ltd for their work delivering high-hazard fire protection as part of this stage of the project.

Proud to work alongside the Hygain Group to deliver packaging solutions with a stronger sustainability focus.

By reducing plastic use and incorporating 30% recycled material, this collaboration reflects our commitment to practical, measurable improvements without compromising performance or durability.

Sustainability driven by partnership and smart design.

You’ll start to see Hygain® bags changing to a fresh new look over the next few months.

We’ve designed this packaging for the future, with 30 percent recycled material, easy-open tops, and all the information you need to make the right feed choice in store.

Each bag features a full nutritional analysis on the back and a QR code on the front linking to it online, so you can make informed feeding decisions at any time.

While the look may have changed, inside every bag is the same exceptional feed our customers have trusted for over 40 years to support today’s horses and tomorrow’s champions. 💙

We’re growing our U.S. team.

To support customers across our U.S. business, Popes USA currently has two roles open:

• Territory Manager – Northern California/Nevada
• Inside Sales & Operations Coordinator – Vacaville

Both roles offer the opportunity to work with a global business focused on long-term partnerships, practical solutions, and steady growth.

👉 View the roles and apply via the Popes USA careers page:
popesusa.com/careers

Feel free to share with anyone who might be a great fit.

Careers To Explore | Jobs at Pope Packaging USA Discover rewarding careers with Pope Packaging USA. Be part of an innovative team that values growth and stability.

We’re hiring in the USA.

To support customers across our U.S. business, we’re hiring for two roles.

• Territory Manager – Pacific Northwest (Washington & Oregon)
• Inside Sales & Operations Coordinator - Vacaville

Both roles offer the opportunity to work with a global business focused on long-term partnerships and growth.

View the roles and apply via the Popes USA careers page:

Careers To Explore | Jobs at Pope Packaging USA Discover rewarding careers with Pope Packaging USA. Be part of an innovative team that values growth and stability.

Wishing our customers, partners, and teams around the world a fun New Year’s Eve and a positive start to the year ahead.

Enjoy the celebrations and stay safe.

Christmas has come early, and it definitely didn’t fit under the tree! 🎄

This ginormous crate rolled into our South Australian site today on a specialised trailer - the kind that makes everyone stop and ask, “What on earth is in that box?”

We’re not sharing what’s inside just yet, but this investment is about making sure our customers are backed by capacity and consistency well into the future.

Some upgrades are impossible to miss. This is one of them.

More to reveal soon.

🚨 We’re Hiring – Territory Manager (USA)

We're expanding! This full-time remote role covers Washington and Oregon, managing key accounts and uncovering new B2B opportunities across the region.

If you’re a self-motivated sales professional ready to grow with a global business, we want to hear from you.

📍 Remote-based in WA or OR
📦 Industrial markets focus | Global team support

Territory Manager - Pacific Northwest | Pope Packaging USA Ready to take charge of a dynamic sales territory? We’re after a driven pro to lead remote growth across Washington and Oregon.