UPAC – 50 Years
A Legacy of Excellence
As UPAC marks its 50th anniversary on 14 May 2025, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every customer, partner, and team member who has been part of our journey over the last five decades. Your support has helped shape UPAC from its humble beginnings into a respected name in Australian packaging — now known for our deep understanding of food-safe bagging solutions.
1975: The Foundation
In 1975, Peter Wilson established Southpack Distributors (now UPAC) as a general packaging company, supplying a broad range of packaging materials to local businesses across different industries. His philosophy was simple: Quality packaging you can trust.
What began as a local supplier would grow into Australia’s most trusted food-safe packaging specialist.
1987-1988: Building More Than a Warehouse
Key milestones:
✔ 1987: Peter’s son Brian Wilson joins full-time, bringing fresh energy to the family business
✔ 1988: Our first own purpose-built facility opens in Camden
✔ Daily operations were serving 100+ local businesses
This marked our shift from simply supplying to genuinely partnering with our customers.
1996 – A New Era: Construction of Our Current Office
The transformation:
✔ 1996: Expanded to our current headquarters
✔ 1998: Brian’s son Gavin Wilson joins, representing the third generation
We were in the early stages, but our path was already set to define the future of food packaging in Australia.
2010 to Today: The UPAC Revolution and Beyond
With years of experience in the industry, we realised something important: food manufacturers — from bakers and ice producers to growers, ingredient suppliers, and snack brands — needed more than just packaging.
They needed food-safe bags that support compliance, protect product quality, and carry their brand with impact. That realisation sparked a shift that shaped our identity.
UPAC evolved into a business focused solely on food-safe bagging solutions tailored to real industry needs.
How We’ve Grown
Over the years, we’ve invested in the capabilities that matter most to our customers:
- Food-safe bags that meet strict quality and safety standards
- Became HACCP compliance experts
- Custom branding and printed packaging that elevate shelf presence
- PEAL-compliant allergen labelling for clear, accurate communication
- Supply chain reliability and flexible support for long-term success
We weren’t just selling bags anymore — we are protecting brands and consumers.
By 2025, we’ve become more than a supplier — your food-safe bagging solutions partner.
We now solve packaging challenges through:
Material Mastery
• Food-safe materials that extend shelf life
• Recyclable options that support sustainability goals
Design That Sells
• High-impact printing that grabs attention
• Durable structural designs that reduce transport damage
Consultative Partnership
• Compliance mapping for new markets
• Packaging audits that uncover cost-saving opportunities
2025 – A Retirement and a Tribute
At the end of February 2025, Brian Wilson officially retired from the business after 38 years of service.
His leadership and dedication were key to shaping UPAC’s values and long-standing, customer-first culture.
UPAC remains in the care of a third generation, with Gavin Wilson continuing the journey after 26 years in the business.
Always Moving Forward
UPAC’s story isn’t about standing still — it’s about adapting and improving with every step.
Our purpose today is different from what it was in 1975 — and that’s something we’re proud of.
We now work alongside some of Australia’s most trusted food manufacturers, helping them enhance their brands, protect their products, and streamline their supply chains with packaging that’s both practical and powerful.
Thank You for 50 Years
To everyone who has been part of UPAC’s story — thank you.
Whether you’ve worked with us for decades or just joined the journey, your trust means everything.
#UPAC50 #50YearsOfExcellence
