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How organisations can prepare for the next wave of AI and automation

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 Article by  Giovanni Forero, Konica Minolta Australia's senior intelligent information management (IIM) consultant

The next wave of automation is being shaped by agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple AI models across systems, data sources, and business environments. 

These capabilities can support the automation of routine tasks and more complex end-to-end processes, often alongside technologies across such as robotic process automation (RPA) and large language models (LLMs). As this approach gains traction, organisations will need to prepare for changes in how work is coordinated, how information is managed, and how regulatory obligations are met. As organisations meet the new wave of automation, information governance will play an important role in helping organisations adopt these technologies in a way that is effective, accountable, sustainable and well managed.

Automation readiness depends on the quality, accuracy and integrity of the information environment into which these technologies are introduced. For many organisations across all sectors, the question remains the same: it’s not about when automation will be adopted, but whether the organisation is ready to support it. Information sits at the centre of this shift. Every operational process relies on how information is captured, organised, and accessed. If information is inconsistent or difficult to locate, automation inherits those problems and makes them more visible. That is why organisations must first examine must first examine how information and data is maintained, organised, and transported across teams and systems, and whether those pathways are structured enough for intelligent tools to use reliably, according to Konica Minolta Australia.

Giovanni Forero, Senior Intelligent Information Management (IIM) Consultant, Konica Minolta Australia, said, “Every organisation operates through the exchange of information. Company records, production data, supplier documentation, financial reports, internal knowledge, and correspondence all form part of that environment. Agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple AI models, automating technologies and environments do not change this dynamic; however, it increases the need for understanding on how information flows through the organisation, how it is captured, stored, indexed, classified, how long it is kept, and how it is accessed. The organisations that prepare well are the ones that recognise information quality is the foundation on which automation must sit.”

Aligning technology with an information framework

Many organisations have trialled automation in isolated parts of its workflows; however, these efforts often take place without a broader plan. Without alignment between technology and the organisation’s information framework, automated tools improve specific tasks while leaving systemic issues unaddressed, or worse, increasing the risk and exposure of the organisation. A strategic approach around governance ensures automation not only introduces efficiencies but strengthens the underlying environment by adhering to information governance rather than bypassing it.

Organisations in Australia are also facing the impact of talent losses and skills gaps following long-serving staff, whose knowledge has guided processes for decades, retiring or changing industries. As this happens, organisations risk losing context, history, and decision-making insight that cannot be easily reconstructed from formal documents alone. A well-defined information governance and a thorough strategy for knowledge transfer that involves AI codifying and categorising dark data and tacit knowledge, in combination with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance the output and context of LLMs, can be an extremely beneficial strategy to reuse knowledge that is traditionally lost to an organisation.

Giovanni Forero said, “Much of an organisation’s valuable knowledge resides within individuals or scattered in informal files that are difficult to locate or interpret. When the key individuals holding this information leave, the organisation risks losing more than just documents; it loses critical context and expertise. AI, RAG and a succession plan can help recover this material by identifying links between information, interpreting meaning, and making content searchable and usable. However, to gain this benefit, organisations need to manage the information lifecycle from ingestion to disposition, ensuring it can be processed reliably.”

Guidance concerning the use of AI is still developing. However, privacy obligations, safety considerations, and reporting standards are already well-established in many industries. Agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple agents automating cross-functional technologies and environments will eventually fall under more specific regulatory scrutiny; however, current legislation, such as the Privacy Act 1988 and ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 frameworks, provide constraints on how information is secured and managed. Organisations that have prioritised robust information governance will be well-placed to be compliant with future standards.

Agentic AI systems can review large volumes of data for irregularities, flag potential issues, and support decision-making when human oversight is required. This is particularly relevant in settings where early identification of risk is critical, such as monitoring patterns in student behaviour or identifying production anomalies in manufacturing environments.

Preparing for agentic AI and orchestration

Preparing for agentic AI and orchestration also requires cultural alignment, with clear communication about responsibilities, access, and oversight across the whole organisation. In other words, a proper information management framework. When people understand how information should be handled and why consistency matters, the introduction of agentic AI becomes more reliable and predictable.

Giovanni Forero said, “Agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple agents automating cross-functional technologies and environments is beginning to operate in areas that were previously handled entirely by humans. That shift requires careful planning. Organisations need controlled testing environments, detailed evaluation of high-risk scenarios, and transparency around how automated decisions are produced. Human oversight or a human in the loop (HITL) is essential. It is not about replacing judgement but ensuring that AI agents follow defined boundaries and produce results that can be accounted for.”

Long-term preparation requires ongoing assessment rather than a single project. As agentic AI capabilities expand, organisations must routinely review their information structures, update governance practices, and refine the way information is shared across teams. This continuous approach helps prevent outdated processes and data from undermining emerging technologies. 

The next wave of automation driven by agentic AI and the orchestration of multiple AI agents across technologies and environments will reward organisations that approach information management with intent and discipline, placing the discipline at the centre of the information ecosystem. When information is reliable and well-governed, intelligent systems become more effective and people can work with greater confidence. This combination of structured information and responsible AI initiatives will set the direction for how Australian organisations progress successfully in the years ahead.

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Good Design Australia opens entries for 2026 awards

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Kate B.
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Image supplied by Good Design Australia. 
Sponsored content by Good Design Australia

For more than six decades, Good Design Australia has celebrated the power of design to shape innovation, industry, and everyday life. Its flagship program, the Australian Good Design Awards, recognises projects that show how thoughtful design can enhance products, services, systems, and communities.

With entries now open for the 2026 awards, designers, innovators, and forward-thinking businesses across the country are invited to showcase their work under this year’s theme: “Design that Leads.” The organisation said the theme highlights how purposeful design can drive industry change, tackle complex challenges, and deliver measurable social, environmental, and commercial impact.

“Design leadership isn’t about size, scale, or budget,” said Rachel Wye, managing director of Good Design Australia. “It’s about clarity of purpose and the courage to act. Each year, the projects we celebrate show how design can influence behaviour, spark innovation, strengthen communities, and create real value.”

A platform for design-led innovation

Good Design Australia describes the Australian Good Design Awards as the nation’s highest level of independent design recognition, spanning categories including product design, architecture, engineering, digital innovation, service design, strategy and social impact.

According to the organisation, the awards aim to showcase work that not only demonstrates design excellence but also contributes to solving real-world challenges across industries and communities.

Wye said the diversity of projects recognised each year reflects the growing influence of design across the broader economy.

“Australian design continues to set benchmarks globally,” she said. “What unites award-winning work is impact — the ability to influence systems, improve experiences and respond responsibly to the challenges of our time.”

What past winners say

Previous winners note that the program is distinguished by its focus on the wider influence of design on both industry and society.

Tom Loefler, CEO of Hullbot and joint recipient of the 2025 Australian Good Design Award of the Year, said the awards place a strong emphasis on purpose.

“What sets the Australian Good Design Awards apart is their genuine focus on purpose and impact — it’s not just about aesthetics or innovation in isolation, it’s about how design improves lives, industries, and the planet,” Loefler said.

Other winners highlight the program’s credibility across the design and business communities.

“The Australian Good Design Awards carry serious industry credibility — they are respected by peers, collaborators and partners we deeply admire, which makes this recognition especially meaningful,” said Soren Luckins of Buro North, whose team received the 2025 Best in Class award for Sydney Metro Central Station – Customer Centred Design.

Memduh Guney of ResMed Limited, a 2025 Gold Award recipient, said the awards acknowledge the complexity behind many modern design projects.

“It is clear that Good Design Australia understands the realities of developing products that must balance human needs, technical constraints, and regulatory responsibility,” Guney said.

From a business perspective, recognition can also support brand credibility, according to Patryc Lampasi of Harbour.

“Having the ‘Good Design Winner’ title across our email signatures, website and collateral has been invaluable — it’s a shorthand for quality and a trusted endorsement within the industry,” Lampasi said.

Celebrating diverse design solutions

Good Design Australia points to the diversity of recent winners as evidence of the wide influence of design. In 2025, the program’s top honour — the Australian Good Design Award of the Year — was awarded to two projects: Deadly Democracy, a platform designed to support First Nations young leaders engaging in Australia’s democratic process, and Hullbot, a robotic hull-cleaning system for boats.

According to the organisation, projects such as these demonstrate how design can address both social and technological challenges while delivering practical outcomes.

Key dates for the 2026 awards

Good Design Australia has confirmed the following key dates for this year’s program:

  • Early bird entry deadline: 20 March 2026
  • Final entries close: 24 April 2026
  • Awards ceremony: 9 October 2026, Sydney

For full information on categories, judging standards, deadlines, fees, and the benefits for winners, visit the Australian Good Design Awards website. 

This article contains information provided by Good Design Australia and is intended for general use only. It does not take into account your personal, professional, or business circumstances. 

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Report: AI implementation falls short as APAC execs demand measurable ROI

By
Julianne G.
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Stock image. Image credit: Alex/stock.adobe.com

Technology leaders across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region are under growing pressure to demonstrate concrete returns on their artificial intelligence and digital investments, according to a new report from Info-Tech Research Group.

The report, titled CIO Priorities 2026, draws from global survey data, diagnostic assessments, and interviews with executives to identify the top priorities shaping IT leadership this year.

The findings show that simply adopting new technologies is no longer enough – business leaders now expect measurable outcomes from these investments.

“The expectation across APAC has shifted. CIOs are no longer being asked whether they are investing in AI, but whether that investment is delivering measurable value for the business,” said George Khreish, managing partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. 

“Financial discipline and risk governance cannot be treated as separate conversations from AI strategy. Leaders who can bring all three into alignment will be the ones who earn sustained executive confidence.”

This shift comes as APAC companies navigate a challenging business landscape shaped by evolving data protection policies, industry-specific regulatory demands, and growing cybersecurity threats.

The report also identified five priorities that will define IT leadership in 2026. First, organisations must maximise their AI investments by focusing on value creation. While most CIOs expect to invest in advanced AI in 2026, there is a significant gap between the importance of enterprise architecture and its effectiveness. Realising AI’s value requires redesigning operational models and better aligning people, processes and governance systems, the report emphasised.

The Info-Tech report pointed to proactive risk management as the second priority, as CIOs rank AI and emerging technologies as their top disruptors, followed by cybersecurity incidents and regulatory challenges.

Third, the report recommends a balanced approach where subject matter experts in different departments take ownership of their data, while the organisation maintains consistent standards across the company. This structure helps prepare businesses for AI implementation and allows insights to be shared across departments without compromising regulatory compliance or management control.

The survey found that technology leaders who invest in AI-powered security tools report much greater confidence in their ability to detect and counter advanced attacks.

However, the report warns against relying solely on automated systems. Effective cybersecurity still requires human monitoring, clear governance policies, and proper oversight to avoid dangerous over-dependence on AI systems.

Finally, the study reveals a significant gap in budget expectations between technology leaders and other executives. While 34% of CIOs anticipate significant increases in their IT budgets, only 27% of other executives share this optimistic outlook. This misalignment highlights the need for more rigorous IT financial management, including better tracking of technology costs, increased transparency, and funding models based on demonstrated value.

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Bentley launches global search for top infrastructure engineering innovations

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Julianne G.
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Image credit: Bentley Systems

Infrastructure engineering software company Bentley Systems is now calling for entries for the 2026 Year in Infrastructure (YII) Awards.

The annual program seeks to recognise outstanding projects that use Bentley’s engineering software to create innovative infrastructure solutions. Submissions will be accepted until May 3, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, Bentley said in a recent announcement.

The Bentley awards have evolved significantly over the years, according to Monica Schnitger, president and analyst at Schnitger Corporation. 

“Now they assess how massive projects are building and leveraging rich data assets to create value throughout the entire lifecycle of a project — from initial financial decision-making through design and construction,” Schnitger explained.

All submissions are evaluated by independent expert panels based on digital innovation, measurable outcomes, including improvements in efficiency, cost performance, resilience, and sustainability.

During its 20–year history, the awards program has attracted more than 5,500 major infrastructure projects. 

Previous winners include notable initaitives, such as the digital twin for structural monitoring of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the Seine Nord Europe Canal in France; the Thames Tideway Tunnel in the UK; Siemensstadt Square in Germany; Sydney Airport in Australia; the Fairmont Udaipur Palace in India; the Beijing Zhangjiakou highspeed railway in China; the Ontario Line subway in Canada; and EchoWater, one of the largest agricultural water recycling facilities in the United States.

“Around the world, infrastructure professionals rely on Bentley software to design, build, and operate infrastructure that is more resilient, efficient, and sustainable,” said Cate Lochead, chief marketing officer at Bentley Systems. “The YII Awards celebrate real-world results from teams that are innovating in areas that include ground-informed design, connected data, and AI. It is important to promote this work as best practice as these achievements set a new standard for what’s possible across the infrastructure ecosystem.”

Finalists will be revealed in August 2026 and will be invited to showcase their projects at the Year in Infrastructure conference in Singapore, which will be held from October 6 to 7. Winners will be announced at the event.

For additional information or to enter the competition, visit Bentley Systems’ YII awards page here. 

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Minitab acquisition highlights growing role of experimentation in modern manufacturing

By
Kate B.
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Minitab President Josh Zable. Image supplied by Minitab.

As manufacturing processes become more complex and competitive pressures intensify, companies are increasingly turning to structured experimentation and advanced analytics to optimise production, reduce waste and accelerate innovation.

Against this backdrop, global analytics provider Minitab has announced the acquisition of advanced experimental design platform Effex, a move the company says will help manufacturers connect experimentation more closely with operational decision-making.

According to Minitab, Effex brings a large catalogue of proprietary experimental designs, optimal design algorithms and optimisation techniques used to help engineers design experiments more efficiently. The company said the acquisition responds to increasing demand from manufacturers – particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and chemicals – for tools that support more systematic experimentation.

In an exclusive interview with Australian Manufacturing, Minitab president Josh Zable said Design of Experiments (DOE) is becoming an essential capability as manufacturing environments grow more complex.

“To improve something, you first need to understand it,” Zable said. “DOE provides a structured approach to understanding your process, not by guessing or relying on hindsight, but by designing small, effective tests that reveal how inputs truly influence outcomes.”

Experimentation gaining importance in manufacturing

Zable said manufacturers are facing tighter tolerances, more variables and increasing expectations around product quality and efficiency.

DOE allows manufacturers to systematically test process variables and identify optimal production conditions, helping improve productivity while reducing waste and time spent troubleshooting.

“By learning more quickly than your competitors, you can innovate faster, minimise waste and consistently deliver quality, and that’s the essence of genuine competitiveness,” Zable said.

Linking experimentation to production decisions

Minitab said the acquisition of Effex is designed to make advanced experimentation tools more accessible while ensuring experimental insights can be applied directly to manufacturing operations.

Zable said the company plans to integrate Effex into the Minitab Solution Center platform to create a continuous flow between data collection, experimentation and production decisions.

“Our goal with the Effex acquisition was to make experimentation simpler, more customisable and more actionable,” he said.

“By integrating Effex into the broader Minitab platform, we are creating a seamless flow from data collection to experimentation to learning to decision-making. This enables operators and engineers to use experiment results directly to set process targets and make production decisions,” Zable explained.

AI-assisted DOE in digital factories

Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasing role in the design and analysis of experiments in manufacturing environments.

According to Zable, AI-assisted DOE tools can help engineers identify more efficient experiment designs, particularly in complex systems with many interacting variables.

“AI’s role in DOE isn’t about replacing engineers; it’s about augmenting them,” he said.

Zable said the combined experimental design libraries from Minitab and Effex include millions of potential experiment configurations.

“With AI-powered DOE, manufacturers can simulate changes, assess trade-offs and implement improvements with much less risk,” he said. “It’s a practical way to combine experimentation with real-time decision support.”

Operational improvements for manufacturers

Zable said manufacturers across several sectors have used advanced experimentation to achieve measurable improvements in production performance.

“One pharmaceutical customer used smarter experimental designs to reduce weeks from their testing phase and save kilograms of expensive raw material while still meeting quality standards,” he said.

In another example, a team working on sustainable processing increased yield from about 37 per cent to more than 57 per cent while also reducing extraction time.

“These are not just theoretical improvements,” Zable said. “Advanced DOE can have direct impacts on cost and throughput.”

Different industries apply DOE in different ways, he added. Chemical manufacturers often focus on understanding reactions and formulations with minimal experimental runs, while semiconductor manufacturers use experimentation to improve yields where even small gains can translate into significant financial benefits.

“In semiconductors, even a tiny yield improvement can mean millions of dollars in savings,” Zable said. “In automotive, DOE helps balance performance, durability and cost by aligning design and manufacturing.”

Trend toward analytics consolidation

Minitab said the acquisition also reflects a broader industry trend in which manufacturers are consolidating analytics, experimentation and optimisation tools into unified platforms.

Zable said many manufacturers are seeking to reduce the number of disconnected software tools used across production and engineering teams.

“Most manufacturers tell us the same thing: they don’t want six different tools to do six different things and six different versions of the truth,” he said.

“If your experiment results are stored in one tool, your optimisation in another and your analytics elsewhere, you waste time connecting them and risk losing context.”

Integrating these capabilities into a single platform can reduce data translation errors and accelerate decision-making in production environments, he said.

Implications for future manufacturing innovation

Looking ahead, Zable said experimentation and advanced analytics will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of manufacturing, including in Australia.

He pointed to sectors such as advanced materials, defence technology, agritech and high-value processing as areas where structured experimentation could support innovation and competitiveness.

“An organisation that integrates structured experimentation and advanced analytics into its daily decision-making will secure a competitive advantage,” Zable said.

“Experimentation offers risk-managed ways to innovate, and analytics give you the confidence to act on what you discover.”

Minitab said the integration of Effex forms part of its broader effort to expand its process improvement platform as manufacturers increasingly adopt digital technologies to optimise production and navigate complex global supply chains.

This article contains information provided by Minitab, LLC and is intended for general use only. It does not take into account your personal, professional, or business circumstances. 

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Tech exec forecasts how AI will transform global manufacturing in 2026

By
Kate B.
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Stock image. Image credit: IM Imagery/stock.adobe.com

The global manufacturing sector is uniquely positioned to capitalise on artificial intelligence technologies, according to Tim Long, global head of manufacturing at cloud-based data platform company Snowflake.

In a statement, Long outlined three key predictions for how AI will transform the sector by 2026, addressing key critical challenges while creating competitive advantages for early adopters.

Prediction #1: AI to combat skilled labour shortages

The manufacturing industry is seeing a global shortage of skilled workers, as major industrial economies struggle to fill critical positions in various fields, from pipe filters to essential technical roles.

Long predicts that by 2026, manufacturing companies will deploy AI solutions that augment skilled workers in complex tasks while automating routine processes.

“As labour costs rise worldwide and skilled workers become increasingly scarce, AI-driven efficiency in both production and supply chain operations will separate competitive manufacturers from those struggling to maintain output and manage costs,” the exec says.

“Companies that master AI-powered productivity gains will capture market share from competitors still relying on traditional labour-intensive approaches.”

Prediction #2: Manufacturing’s controlled environment: Perfect for AI investment validation

While many industries struggle to measure AI return on investment, Long believes manufacturing’s unique ability to create controlled experiments gives it a critical advantage in validating AI investments.

By 2026, manufacturing teams will increasingly leverage this natural testing capability to demonstrate clear performance improvements before scaling AI deployments. Long explains that the industry will shift from “experimental pilots to production applications only after controlled trials prove measurable outcomes—whether in defect reduction, output improvements, or operational efficiency gains.”

This disciplined, evidence-based approach will position manufacturing as a leader in demonstrating concrete AI value, potentially providing a model for other industries, the Snowflake exec explains.

Prediction #3: Agentic AI to drive operational optimisation

Long’s third prediction focuses on agentic AI, autonomous AI systems that can make decisions independently, becoming a significant factor in manufacturing logistics and production optimisation.
According to Long, by 2026, manufacturing companies will deploy AI agents to make autonomous operational decisions that directly impact efficiency and cost reduction.

These applications will include “expediting product lots to meet delivery deadlines, optimising inventory routing based on real-time demand signals, and automatically routing products for quality inspection or determining optimal manufacturing sequences.”

This business-outcome-driven approach will accelerate the adoption of agentic AI, with early adopters gaining significant operational benefits as these systems prove their value in controlled production environments.

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MIT tool brings durability to AI-designed 3D printing

By
Kate B.
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Stock image. Image credit: Shuo/stock.adobe.com

MIT researchers have developed a new AI system that allows people to create personalised 3D-printed objects that are both unique and durable.

The tool, called MechStyle, combines generative AI with mechanical simulations to ensure designs can withstand real-world use, MIT said in a news release. 

Generative AI can easily create customised 3D models, but many fail physically when printed. MIT’s Faraz Faruqi, a PhD student at CSAIL, said, “We want to use AI to create models that you can actually fabricate and use in the real world.” MechStyle checks how changes to a design affect its strength, protecting vulnerable areas from breaking.

Users can upload a 3D model or select a preset item, such as a vase or hook, and give text or image prompts for a personalised look. 

The AI modifies the object while simulating its durability, allowing for items like cactus-shaped hooks, textured pillboxes, or customised assistive devices.

Tests showed that MechStyle could produce up to 100 per cent structurally viable objects. It includes a freestyle mode for quick design ideas and a detailed mode that ensures durability.

External researchers have also commented on the work. Google Research Scientist Fabian Manhardt, who was not involved in the study, said 3D stylisation presents challenges not seen in 2D applications. 

“Changing the object’s geometry can harm its structure, rendering it unusable in the real world,” Manhardt said. 

He added that MechStyle “helps solve this problem, allowing for 3D stylisation without breaking the object’s structural integrity via simulation.”

According to MIT, the system aims to make 3D design more accessible, letting both novices and experts focus on creativity while AI handles structural challenges. 

The research was supported by the MIT-Google Program for Computing Innovation. It was presented at the Association for Computing Machinery’s Symposium on Computational Fabrication in November.

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Researchers advance manufacturing of 3D-printed bone implants

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Kate B.
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A 3D-printed implant using polylactic acid, a biodegradable polymer, with irregular and randomly designed patterns to better replicate the internal structure of bone to give cells a place to attach and regrow to rebuild tissue. Image credit: unsw.edu.au

UNSW Canberra researchers have developed a new 3D-printed bone implant that could transform the manufacturing of personalised medical devices and improve treatment for fractures and bone injuries. 

According to UNSW, the implants, known as bone scaffolds, are porous structures that support bone regrowth. 

Made from biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), they provide a temporary framework for cells to attach and regenerate tissue, dissolving safely once healing is complete. This eliminates the need for additional surgeries to remove implants, the researchers noted. 

“Bone can be damaged in many locations, and its structure changes depending on where it is in the body,” said PhD student Kaushik Raj Pyla, who led the research at UNSW Canberra. 

“We wanted to see if matching these patterns could help restoration. Our idea was to take existing bone patterns and check if they could be rebuilt through printing.”

UNSW researchers used irregular, stochastic lattice designs to more closely replicate natural bone structure.

Laboratory tests showed the scaffolds performed well under sudden impacts, absorbing energy efficiently, while maintaining fluid permeability critical for tissue regeneration.

The university noted that innovative bone repair solutions are urgently needed, particularly in the ACT, where poor bone health affects more than 98,000 people. 

“These figures highlight the growing burden of osteoporosis and fracture-related injuries – and the importance of developing safer, more effective treatments like the 3D-printed bone scaffolds,” Kaushik said.

UNSW researchers cautioned that the technology is not yet ready for clinical use. Future steps include biological testing, long-term studies, and regulatory approval. 

The team said it is also exploring applications for cartilage and soft tissue scaffolds, with early clinical testing possible within five years.

“Biodegradable scaffolds will likely play a key role in reducing both medical risks and overall treatment costs,” Kaushik said. “We’re moving toward safer, more personalised implants that work with the body, not just in it.”

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Manufacturing first: Surfboard fins made from recycled wind turbine blades launch in Australia

By
Kate B.
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Image credit: ACCIONA Australia

ACCIONA says a new collaboration with Australian surf fin maker Bolero Surf is highlighting how recycled renewable energy materials can support local manufacturing, with the launch of what the company describes as the world’s first commercially available surfboard fins made from recycled wind turbine blades.

The fins, unveiled at the 2026 Aussie Boardriders Battle (ABB), were designed and manufactured in Australia as part of ACCIONA’s Turbine Made initiative, which was launched in February 2025 to explore how materials from decommissioned wind turbine blades can be repurposed into new products.

Professional surfer Darcy Crump from Bungan Boardriders is set to debut the fins in competition during the event on the Gold Coast.

According to ACCIONA, the project aims to demonstrate how circular economy approaches can create new manufacturing opportunities by recovering valuable materials from renewable energy infrastructure.

Bolero Surf founder Banjo Hunt said the concept emerged after observing that many surfboards continue to use fins produced through manufacturing processes that are not environmentally sustainable.

“The fibreglass inside a wind turbine blade has so much inherent value, which for us means it can be turned into high-quality surfboard fins,” Hunt said.

“By reusing this material, we avoid one of the most expensive and labour-intensive parts of traditional fin manufacturing. That advantage is helping us bring production back to Australia. Crucially, the material is super strong and stiff, which perfectly lends itself to high-performance surfboard fins.”

The fins are designed to meet the performance requirements of modern surfing while demonstrating the potential for recycled wind turbine materials to be used in commercial-scale manufacturing.

Professional surfer Darcy Crump said performance remained the key factor when testing the product.

“As a surfer, performance comes first,” Crump said. “The fins feel solid, and quick around turns, and knowing they’re made from recycled turbine blades makes it even better.”

ACCIONA said the product launch builds on earlier awareness generated by its Turbine Made surfboard prototype, which used material from a retired turbine blade.

Gavin Reymond, Managing Director at ACCIONA Energía in Australia, said the fins represent the next step in demonstrating how recycled renewable energy materials can be integrated into new products and supply chains.

“Last year, we proved the Turbine Made concept by making the world’s first surfboards from a retired wind turbine blade,” Reymond said.

“This year, we’re showing how we can scale the initiative by creating a retail product, helping surfers not just surf better, but also more sustainably.”

Reymond said the collaboration also illustrates how circular economy thinking can support new forms of manufacturing activity in Australia.

“By bringing a Turbine Made product to market, ACCIONA and Bolero Surf are demonstrating that the renewables circular economy is not a future ambition, but something already happening in Australia today,” he said.

“This is a live case study for Australian designers, innovators, manufacturers and entrepreneurs of what is possible when we rethink end-of-life materials as the start of the next product.”

The Turbine Made surfboard fins are available to Australian and international consumers through Bolero Surf.

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Early adopters of 2D barcodes to gain ‘competitive edge’ – Leibinger

By
Kate B.
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Image supplied.

The global packaging industry is seeing a shift toward 2D barcodes, which can carry significantly more data than traditional linear barcodes, and an industrial printing technology provider is calling it a “strategic evolution” rather than a simple technical update.

In a recent industry briefing, German printing company Leibinger said manufacturers that act early to integrate these data-rich codes are positioning themselves for higher efficiency, improved regulatory compliance and a clear competitive advantage over slower-moving competitors.

However, the company also acknowledged that while the move to 2D codes represents one of the most ambitious transformations in modern packaging, the journey comes with several technical, organisational, and external challenges that require careful navigation.

According to Leibinger, the technical aspects of 2D code implementation present risks for manufacturers.

“2D codes are dense, data-rich, and highly detailed — which means printing precision is critical. Small deviations in droplet size, ink adhesion, or substrate reflectivity can cause scanner errors. Materials such as glossy film or transparent plastic require excellent contrast and stability to maintain readability,” the company explained.

The variable data component adds another layer of complexity. As batch numbers or expiry details change, so does the code pattern, requiring consistent calibration to prevent print quality deterioration.

Beyond the technical aspects, the German company also points out that many projects struggle because of unclear data ownership and management structures.

“If systems like ERP (enterprise resource planning), MES (manufacturing execution system), and printers aren’t fully synchronised, the digital workflow breaks down. The result: wrong data on the right code — or the right data printed too late.”

Leibinger added that even if manufacturers achieve internal readiness, the broader retail environment faces its own challenges.

“Not all retailers’ POS scanners are 2D-ready yet, so during the transition phase, dual coding — printing both a 1D barcode and a 2D symbol — will remain necessary in many cases,” the company said.

The company notes that user acceptance presents another challenge, as operators, retailers, and consumers adapt to new ways of interacting with packaging.

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