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APPMA members have re-elected Phil Biggs and Nathan Wardell to the association’s Board, while Select Equip founder James White joins as a director for the first time.
The three successful candidates were selected from a field of four in the 2026 APPMA Board Election. Voting opened on 28 September and closed on 5 October, with nominated Member Representatives of APPMA Full Members eligible to vote.
APPMA directors are elected by members to bring industry knowledge and an understanding of the needs and challenges facing member businesses into the association. The Board guides APPMA’s mission and objectives and is responsible for its governance and strategic direction.
Biggs, Wardell and White will work alongside other Board members Rosanne Jessop (Vice Chair); Mark Emmett (Treasurer), Tony Bowyer, Peter Bradbury, Matt Nichol and Nick Psahoulias.
Nathan Wardell – Packserv Australia
Packserv Australia managing director Nathan Wardell has also been re-elected to the Board. Wardell was appointed as an APPMA director in February 2024 and is chair of the APPEX 2027 Working Group.
“I was elated to be re-elected. It was a significant compliment that APPMA members wanted me to continue, and I feel as though I am just getting started,” Wardell said.
“There is still so much to do. I am a strong supporter of packaging and processing in Australia, Australian-made machinery, onshore manufacturing, the New South Wales market and the APPEX exhibition.”
Wardell brings more than 30 years of industry experience, including 11 years building Rentafill before establishing Packserv, which marks its 20th anniversary in January. Four generations of his family have worked in Australian FMCG manufacturing and packaging.
“I bring the perspective of a manufacturer and know first-hand the issues facing businesses operating in this industry,” he said. “We have lost a number of onshore manufacturing companies, and supporting manufacturers based here is important.”
With APPEX 2027 only months away, Wardell said preparations were intensifying. His immediate priorities include delivering a successful exhibition, promoting local capabilities and showcasing the machinery and services available from APPMA member companies.
He also wants the association to deliver value to members across Australia beyond APPEX and its Melbourne base.
“I want to make sure we are connecting with industry and our members regularly, not only on a three-year cycle aligned with the show,” Wardell said.
This includes maintaining APPMA’s involvement in exhibitions around the country and continuing its relationships with other industry bodies, academic organisations and training institutions.
The elected directors will help guide APPMA as the association prepares for APPEX 2027, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16–19 March.
This content is based on the 2026 APPMA Elects Board article published by PKN Packaging News.