Territory business on track to transform packaging and labelling services

7 October 2023

The Territory Government continues to grow and diversify our advanced manufacturing industry, and has today announced a $492,000 investment into new proven, unmatched digital printing technology for the territory.

Colemans Printing, which has branches in Darwin and Alice Springs, will introduce a brand new HP digital label solution with custom finishing capabilities, which will cater specifically to Northern Australia climates, and provide traceability, artificial intelligence and augmented reality. 

The technology will enable Colemans to support industry needs, including the transition to National Packaging Sustainability Targets, which states that 100 per cent of packaging must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.

It will also reduce the need for businesses to outsource similar capabilities from interstate, with Colemans able to supply important sectors including shipping, oil and gas, mining, health, agriculture, and beverages and food. 

The technology is a collaboration between Colemans Printing, Currie Group and Charles Darwin University, and it is the latest project to be supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF).

The AMEF is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, as part of an $8.75 million partnership with the Northern Territory Government over five years.

Colemans Printing marks the seventh project across the Territory to be awarded co-investment through the AMEF.

For more information on the AMEF, please visit https://www.amgc.org.au/. 

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“Investing in new industries means we continue to diversify and become a resilient economy. To date, the AMEF program is on track to create up to 100 new manufacturing jobs and generate up to $37.5 million into the Territory’s economy over the next five years.

“By investing in Colemans’ capability, NT businesses are less susceptible to supply chain delays while retaining more businesses in the Territory, in turn growing local jobs and prosperity.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, Nicole Manison:

“Growing the Territory’s advanced manufacturing industry is a key part of our strategy to grow the Territory economy to $40 billion by 2030 and create more jobs.

“The AMEF has been designed to lift the capability of the NT manufacturing ecosystem in which printing and packaging plays a significant role. Providing the Territory with this new printing technology means that we can have more reliability within our supply chain.”

Quotes attributed to the Managing Director of Colemans Printing, Tony Coleman:

“A project like this will be transformative for the Top End.

“It will give businesses located across the region access to the latest labels and packaging technology, while shortening lead times and expediting high-quality solutions across Northern Australia.”

Quotes attributed to AMGC NT Director, Charmaine Phillips:

“The printing industry is preparing to be reshaped by innovations including greater use of AI and augmented reality, together with intelligent and active packaging.

“This provides a much-needed local solution for the Territory, positioning Colemans to exploit the benefits of these shifts for themselves and their customers.”

Northern Territory Government