The strong get stronger: these corrugated and flexible packaging giants expand further through M&A...

The strong get stronger: these corrugated and flexible packaging giants further expand through mergers and acquisitions...

Constantia Flexibles announced the acquisition of FFP Packaging Solutions, a move that will give it its first consumer packaging plant in the UK, focused on developing recyclable laminated packaging for flow wrap, lidding film and pre-made pouches. FFP Packaging Solutions is a flexible plastic packaging company headquartered in Northampton, UK, providing recyclable laminated packaging and solutions for flow wrap, lidding film and pre-made pouches. Such products are reported to account for more than 80% of its sustainable packaging sales. The company works closely with many major food brands and UK retailers.

Pim Vervaet, CEO of Constantia Flexibles, explained: "This acquisition is in line with our 2025 vision growth strategy of investing in competitive businesses with future growth potential. FFP Packaging Solutions joining Co

nstantia Flexibles, will expand our overall market position. Its extensive experience and credibility have established strong relationships throughout the UK food industry. We will work with the existing management team to continue driving the revolution in sustainable flexible packaging in the UK and beyond. Sustainable packaging solutions are no longer a trend, but a necessity. The figures from FFP Packaging Solutions already demonstrate this. Together we are committed to the circular economy, driving the transition with more sustainable packaging,"

David Cooper, Managing Director and CEO of FFP Packaging Solutions, added: "On behalf of the directors of FFP and the entire team, we thank Robin, Chairman of FFP Packaging Solutions, and the Chadley family for their continued trust and support, including in shaping FFP's strategy to drive the UK's sustainable flexible packaging revolution. We are very pleased to be joining Co

nstantia Flexibles family, and we all look forward to combining our resources and broader business capabilities to accelerate the development of sustainable flexible packaging and, in doing so, continue to deliver significant value to our customers."

Also in the flexible packaging industry, H.I.G announced that its portfolio company Dazpak Flexible Packaging has completed the acquisition of Atlapac and the Inno-lok polymer packaging division. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Atlapac is a flexible packaging and pouch converter serving the food and beverage, home care and healthcare end markets. The acquisition strengthens the combined company's ability to provide flexible packaging solutions and services in the Midwest, and will accelerate Dazpak's entry into new products and markets. Polymer, headquartered in Massillon, Ohio, is one of the leading converters of inno-lok bags, focused primarily on the food and beverage end markets. Polymer's assets will be merged with Atlapac upon completion of the transaction.

Mondi, the UK paper and packaging giant, after recently announcing that it had agreed to sell its Syktyvkar plant to Augment Investments for RUB 95 billion due to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, announced that it had agreed to acquire the Duino plant near Trieste, Italy, from the Burgo Group for EUR 40 million. The plant currently uses one paper machine to produce lightweight coated mechanical paper. Mondi said it plans to convert the machine to produce about 420,000 tonnes per year of premium recycled linerboard, with an estimated investment of about EUR 200 million.

"Close to two important export ports, Duino is ideally located to supply the group's corrugated solutions plants in Central Europe and Turkey, and to serve the growing Italian domestic market," Mondi said in its August 16 transaction announcement. "The linerboard machine will strengthen backward integration for the corrugated packaging business, giving us supply security and enabling us to serve customers better."

Andrew King, CEO of Mondi Group, commented: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to invest in the growth of our packaging business, building our integrated platform and expanding our geographic reach." The acquisition is subject to competition clearance and other closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the second half of the year.

In the corrugated carton industry, Tony Hyson, Chairman of The Corrugated Case, recently confirmed that on Tuesday, August 9, the company was acquired by the UK's Tri-Wall, part of Japan's Rengo Group. The purchase of The Corrugated Case Co means Tri-Wall has acquired a growing, well-equipped and progressive business, which will expand its UK portfolio and geographic coverage. "By joining the Tri-Wall family, which is committed to continuing to expand in the UK, it will provide the business with greater financial strength and enable it to continue to grow and prosper in the future," said Tony Hyson. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In addition, Hood Container Corporation announced the acquisition of the corrugated packaging business of Kentwood Packaging in Walker, Michigan. Jack Schogg and Tom Boluyt, co-owners of Kentwood Packaging, said: "Over the past 30 years, we have successfully built this business by creating a customer-centric business model. Our focus is on collaborating and partnering with our employees, customers and suppliers. We are very pleased to be joining Hood Container, whose values and culture truly reflect our own. With Hood's national footprint and its ability to provide vertical supply chain integration, we will become a stronger partner for our customers."

Jack Schogg will continue in a leadership role in this market as General Manager, while Tom Boluyt, after 41 years at KPC, will enjoy his retirement. Charlie Hodges, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hood Container, commented: "Jack Schogg and Tom Boluyt built a company whose core is a strong culture of leadership, care for employees, and first-class products and services that support and exceed their customers' needs. We believe Kentwood is an excellent fit with our own company's guiding principles, and we intend to be the best supplier to customers in the markets we choose to serve. The addition of Kentwood will help us continue to build on these key foundations and reach a new level."

Hood Container has offices in 16 states in the US. The company also owns and operates linerboard, corrugated and specialty paper manufacturing operations in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and St. Francisville, Louisiana. The business is part of Hood Container Corporation, a privately held company engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of forest and wood products, construction and building materials, as well as flexible and corrugated packaging products across North America.

This article is reprinted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn). Original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-379103.html. All rights belong to the original author; this article is for industry exchange and learning only.