Beyond The Headlines: Heineken implements low-carbon heat network, Constantia Flexibles becomes Turkey’s “first” ISCC plus awarded flexible packager

28 Jul 2023 --- This week in industry news, GEA provided Heineken with a low-carbon heat network. Meanwhile, the Constantia Flexibles plant in Turkey passed the ISCC Plus audit, and Duravant acquired PPM Technologies from Stonehenge Partners.

In brief: Business news 
GEA supplied Heineken UK with a low-carbon heat network for its Manchester brewery. It supports Heineken’s global ambition to reach net zero across its production sites by 2030. The Manchester brewery annually produces about 400 million liters of Heineken, Birra Moretti and Foster’s beer. Manchester Brewery’s decarbonization journey for Heineken UK starts with installing heat pumps and a heat pump network capturing and reusing heat to brew and package beer. GEA will design, supply and install the low carbon heat network to the existing plant and modify the legacy process equipment. 

Ranpak, making environmentally sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, announced the North American launch of the Geami Wrap ’n Go converter, the latest evolution of the patented Geami portfolio that converts environmentally friendly paper into protective packaging for fragile items. The Geami Wrap ’n Go, launched previously in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific markets, expands on the recent launch of the Geami MS Mini to further strengthen Ranpak’s commitment to pack-in-store solutions, providing an intelligent alternative to plastic wrapping.

Morrisons introduced recycling points for coffee machine pods.Morrisons became the first UK supermarket to introduce recycling points for coffee machine pods. The move, trialed in 29 stores, is executed in partnership with Podback, the pod recycling service. Morrisons are also trialing a new drop-off service that allows customers to collect their Podback recycling bags, fill them with their used pods and recycle them in a bin provided at the store’s front. Last year, Morrisons announced it was the first supermarket to support Podback and remains the only one to provide free coffee pod recycling bags for its customers to collect in all its stores. The recycling bags can be filled at home and be taken to one of 6,500 Yodel drop-off points around the UK with postage covered by Podback. 

In brief: Certifications and partnerships
Constantia Flexibles’ plant, Asas, located in Turkey, successfully passed the ISCC Plus audit in May. Now Propak followed with a recertification for the fourth time – without any findings. This makes Constantia Flexibles “the first” flexible packaging company in Turkey to be awarded ISCC Plus and the second worldwide. ISCC Plus is an international certification awarded by Det Norske Veritas and Rina, which recognizes safety and sustainability performance.

Duravant acquired PPM Technologies from Stonehenge Partners. PPM is a manufacturer of high-quality conveying, coating and thermal equipment headquartered in Newberg, US, that designs, engineers and manufactures processing solutions for a wide range of end markets, including snack foods, confectionery, cereals, nutraceuticals, nuts and seeds, vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood. PPM enhances Duravant’s portfolio of automation solutions with new products and technologies complementary to Key Technology, a “leader” in sorting and food handling solutions and a member of the Duravant family of operating companies.

Ecopol signed an investment of SK Capital, a private investment firm focused on the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. SK Capital is acquiring a majority interest in the company with Mauro Carbone, Ecopol’s CEO and controlling shareholder, retaining a significant stake and remaining as the CEO and largest individual shareholder. Existing minority investor Tikehau Capital, a global alternative asset manager, will also retain a minority stake.

Huxton, a lifestyle cannabis brand, expanded into Michigan, US, through a partnership with Hammontree Growers. Huxton’s products were designed to simplify the consumer experience with labeling by effect instead of plant type. Each product features environmentally sustainable, pocket-sized packaging, including pre-rolls with a custom ashtray and book of matches.

In brief: Finances Constantia Flexibles became “the first” flexible packaging company in Turkey to be awarded the ISCC Plus certification. 
Ball’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of US$0.2 per share, payable September 15, 2023, to shareholders of record as of September 1, 2023. Ball will announce its second quarter 2023 earnings on August 3. For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay will be available. A written transcript of the call will be posted to Ball’s website within 48 hours of the call’s conclusion under “news and presentations.”

International Paper reported its second quarter 2023 financial results. The company had net earnings of US$235 million (US$0.68 per diluted share) and adjusted operating earnings (non-GAAP) of US$204 million (US$0.59 per diluted share). International Paper received US$55 million of revenues from Building Better IP initiatives, bringing year-to-date to US$120 million. Cash provided by operations was US$528 million, bringing year-to-date to US$873 million. It returned US$200 million to shareholders through US$40 million in share repurchases and US$160 million in dividends, bringing year-to-date to US$519 million.

Keurig Dr Pepper reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023, raised its full-year constant currency net sales growth outlook to 5-6% and reaffirmed its guidance for adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of 6-7%. Net sales for the second quarter of 2023 increased 6.6% to US$3.79 billion, compared to US$3.55 billion in the year-ago period. On a constant currency basis, net sales advanced 6.1%, reflecting a net price realization of 8.2%, only slightly offset by lower volume and mix of 2.1%. The resilient volume and mix performance reflected the continued strength of the company’s brand portfolio and in-market execution, as well as continued modest elasticities across most categories.

Raymond James financial services advisors recently announced its acquisition of a new position in Ardagh Metal Packaging during the first quarter of this year. The financial services company has obtained 32,735 shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging stock valued at approximately US$134,000. Ardagh Metal Packaging supplies metal beverage cans across Europe, the US and Brazil. The company’s products find application in various sectors, such as beer, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, hard seltzers, juices, pre-mixed cocktails, teas, sparkling waters and wine. 

By Sabine Waldeck