Out of the box: Nina Nguyen has ambitious plans for further growth at her innovative packaging business Pakko 

In an industry long dominated by men, Nina Nguyen has carved out her place as a game changer. As the founder of Pakko, a custom packaging manufacturer, she’s not just building a successful business, she’s helping to breathe new life into Australia’s struggling manufacturing sector, which for decades has been moving offshore in search of cheaper labour. 

Since starting Pakko in 2017, Nina has been on a mission: to offer Australian made, sustainable packaging solutions to businesses looking for something better. Pakko’s specialty? Custom cardboard packaging, made from certified, sustainable materials, delivered in just 10 days—a service that’s been a lifeline for thousands of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country. 

A key element of Pakko’s success has been Nina’s early adoption of technology. Realizing that the future of business lies in innovation, she developed an interactive design platform that allows customers to see 3D models of their packaging before production even begins. This platform has been a game changer, especially for time poor business owners who often finalise their orders late at night. 

“We get a lot of requests after 10 pm,” Nina notes. “Business owners are at the last step and realise they need packaging. Our platform lets them design, visualize, and place their order all online, without waiting for the next business day, or having to pick up the phone” 

This user friendly, tech driven approach has earned Pakko a loyal customer base, and it’s also streamlined their operations, reducing lead times and boosting productivity. 

But Nina’s vision doesn’t stop at tech innovation. To ensure long term growth and sustainability, she’s made strategic acquisitions of smaller businesses within the niche industry. This has allowed Pakko to not only expand its reach but also keep struggling local businesses afloat. “We’re not just acquiring businesses, we’re preserving the industry and adding value,” Nina explains. 

These acquisitions have strengthened Pakko’s ability to serve more customers while reinforcing its commitment to Australian made products. It’s a smart, forward-thinking strategy that positions Pakko to lead the market in the years to come. 

Looking ahead, Nina is preparing for even bigger things. With plans to quadruple the company’s growth in the next few years, she’s already eyeing a move to a larger facility in Brisbane. But she’s not blind to the challenges that come with scaling. One of the biggest hurdles that she sees is attracting the next generation to the manufacturing industry, which has long struggled to appeal to younger talent. 

Pakko’s workforce is a reflection of Nina’s inclusive leadership style: more than 70% of her team speaks a second language, and Nina is committed to fostering a dynamic, creative, and adaptable work environment. “We need fresh ideas and a willingness to adapt,” she says. “That’s what’s going to keep us moving forward.” 

Nina’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s received several industry awards, including the 2022 Telstra National Winner for Progressing Australia and Young Packaging Professional of the Year. But despite the accolades, she remains grounded, focused on the bigger picture. 

“I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but we still have a long way to go,” she admits. “Pakko is just getting started.” 

For more information visit pakko.com.au