Celebrating Innovation, Sustainability, and Growth 2024

November 20, 2024

As we reflect on 2024, we are proud to celebrate a year defined by innovation, resilience, and sustainability. At Caps & Closures, our commitment to rethinking packaging solutions and advancing sustainable practices has been unwavering. Despite global challenges, we have achieved significant milestones, strengthened strategic partnerships, and continued to lead in the packaging industry.

What truly sets Caps & Closures apart is our heritage as one of Australia’s remaining family-owned businesses in the packaging industry. For nearly three decades, we have blended innovation with deeply rooted family values, creating a foundation for sustained success. This legacy was further strengthened in 2024 with the next generation of the Holmes family stepping into key roles: Mitchell Holmes leading our international expansion in Ohio, USA, and Lachlan Holmes joining the sales department. Their contributions are a testament to the strength and continuity of our family business as we navigate new opportunities and challenges.

This year-end review highlights our accomplishments and the legacy that drives our success, setting the stage for an exciting 2025.

Key Milestones & Achievements

2024 has been a transformative year. We launched innovative products that set new benchmarks in packaging, including:

PIDA Silver Winner / Accessible & Inclusive
PIDA High Commendation / Domestic & Household

The EzyLug cap is a revolutionary design developed with Melrose, combining accessibility, reusability, and sustainability to redefine consumer convenience.

PIDA Silver Winner / Accessible & Inclusive
PIDA High Commendation / Domestic & Household

EzyPour system enhances usability while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Featuring tamper-evident technology, integrated scoop storage, and airtight seals, this range prioritises safety and hygiene in infant nutrition packaging.

This sustainable material incorporates 20% recycled HDPE content, supporting circular economy goals.

A carbon-free masterbatch enabling recyclability of black plastic, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability.

These achievements earned multiple accolades at the PIDA Awards, including Silver Awards for EzyLug and EzyPour, and nominations for the prestigious WorldStar Packaging Awards.

Our international expansion also marked a significant milestone, with the establishment of a team in Ohio, USA. Led by Mitchell Holmes, this initiative highlights our ambition to bring award-winning Australian innovation to a global stage, underscoring the leadership and vision that have defined our family business for nearly three decades.

Innovation & Sustainability

Innovation has always been central to our mission at Caps & Closures. This year, we made strides in developing products that not only enhance functionality but also align with sustainability goals. marLENE, with its recycled HDPE content, and Black-CF, designed for full recyclability, represent significant advancements in eco-conscious packaging materials.

We also continued to refine our designs to meet consumer and industry needs. The Baby Formula range exemplifies this commitment, delivering unmatched safety, usability, and branding opportunities. These developments reaffirm our belief that innovation should serve both the consumer and the planet.

As a family-owned business, sustainability is more than a strategy. It is a responsibility. From adopting energy-efficient manufacturing processes to meeting the 2025 National Packaging Targets, we remain committed to creating solutions that minimise environmental impact while maximising value for our clients.

Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations

At Caps & Closures, collaboration is integral to our success. This year, we worked closely with trusted partners to deliver tailored packaging solutions that align with shared goals. Our collaboration with Melrose on the EzyLug cap exemplifies our ability to combine accessibility and sustainability in a product that transforms consumer experiences. Similarly, our partnership with Thankyou saw the EzyPour paired with ergonomic refill bottles, reinforcing ease of use and eco-friendliness. With Martogg, we developed marLENE, a sustainable masterbatch that addresses the rising demand for recycled materials in food-grade applications. These collaborations have been instrumental in driving innovation, enhancing our capabilities, and positioning Caps & Closures as a global leader in the packaging industry.

Family Legacy & Team Highlights

The Holmes family legacy has been central to our success. This year, we proudly welcomed Mitchell and Lachlan Holmes into roles that continue this tradition. Mitchell’s leadership in Ohio has been instrumental in driving our global expansion, while Lachlan’s contributions in sales reflect the next generation’s commitment to upholding the values that define Caps & Closures.

Our team as a whole has been vital to every achievement this year. Their dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit have allowed us to overcome challenges, innovate boldly, and deliver excellence. Caps & Closures is not just a business; it’s a family—united by shared goals and a vision for a sustainable future.

Overcoming Challenges

This year presented significant challenges, including rising costs for energy, raw materials, and environmental compliance. These pressures tested our resilience and ingenuity, but we remained steadfast in our pursuit of excellence. By investing in energy-efficient technologies, advancing circular economy practices, and optimising our processes, we have been able to mitigate these challenges while delivering high-quality solutions to our clients. These efforts not only reaffirm our commitment to sustainability but also strengthen our ability to adapt to an ever-changing industry landscape.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we prepare for 2025, we are filled with optimism for the opportunities that lie ahead. With several new product launches in the pipeline and the commissioning of 11 additional moulding machines, we are ready to meet growing demand and push the boundaries of innovation.

Our global expansion efforts will continue, driven by the leadership of Mitchell Holmes in the USA, while Lachlan and the broader Caps & Closures team work to strengthen client relationships and deliver impactful solutions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and the family values that have defined us for nearly three decades.

We Thank You!

As we close the chapter on 2024, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey.

To our clients, thank you for trusting us to bring your visions to life.
To our partners, thank you for collaborating with us to create meaningful and impactful solutions.
To our team, thank you for your dedication, innovation, and hard work.

Caps & Closures is more than a company. It is a community united by a shared vision. As we step into 2025, we are excited to embrace new challenges, seize opportunities, and continue making a difference through our work. Here’s to a new year filled with innovation, sustainability, and shared success.

Reflecting on Our Success at the 2024 PIDA Awards