‘Venus Hartung & Company’ was founded in 1959 by first year Melbourne University students Ian Venus and Brian Hartung. Its humble beginnings started in a small room at the back of 383 Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s ‘rag’ trade district. Three years later the partnership dissolved and Ian Venus retained Venus Hartung & Co while Brian Hartung moved on from the company. Later that year, Venus Hartung would obtain its first major contract; supplying cellulose tape to the Commonwealth government.

In the coming decades, Venus Hartung would go on to revolutionise the packaging industry in Australia. The introduction of self adhesive plastic PVC tape in 1962 was an Australian first that totally changed the direction of carton sealing in Australia. Through the 1970s, Venus Hartung saw enormous growth in packaging machinery sales and established strong partnerships with distributors all over the country. Throughout the 1990s focus and innovation in bringing heat sealing technology from around the world propelled Venus to become Australia’s market leader in heat sealing machines. In 1997, Venus purchased property at 555 Church St, Richmond and embarked on a two year multi-million dollar rebuilding project. The new headquarters and warehouse included a four level complex covering the span of a city block.

Venus Packaging continued to change and develop with the turn of the new century. In 2006, Tim Venus joined the company bringing a wealth of marketing and sales experience to the team, and was appointed as a director in 2014. Following the passing of Venus founder, Ian Venus, in August 2022, Venus Packaging has continued to redefine itself under the guidance of siblings, Tim and Laura Venus. The Venus Directors, along with Wayne Shearer as General Manager of Operations, have focused on growing their presence in the packaging industry. In 2023, the company expanded its range of recyclable and environmentally friendly products including biodegradable and recycled content tapes. Venus Packaging has since outgrown its Church St property and, in 2024, built a new 5000m2 warehouse and headquarters in Coburg. Venus Packaging continues to embrace change while maintaining their reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted packaging companies. With over 65 years of experience, the company remains committed to customer satisfaction and excellence in service, ensuring that it stays at the forefront of the packaging industry.