Beyond The Headlines: Multivac begins new factory construction, Mondi expands kraft paper range

08 Dec 2023 --- This week in industry news, Multivac Group broke ground for a new production factory, which is intended for manufacturing parts and handling spare parts logistics in Wolfertschwenden, Germany. Mondi boosted its range of saturating kraft paper and increased capacity. Meanwhile, Nestlé Australia received the Better Tomorrow Award at the Woolworths Trade Partner of the Year Awards.

In brief: Business news
The Multivac Group commenced construction on the Wolfertschwenden #2 production factory in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries. The 35,000 square-meter facility near the company’s headquarters is slated for completion by the end of 2025, with a total investment of €60 million (US$64 million). The new factory will enhance parts manufacturing and spare parts logistics, utilizing advanced technology and automation. The facility includes a photovoltaic system, bio-district heating and groundwater cooling.

Genera completed a US$340 million investment in its Sustainable Biomaterials Campus, expanding manufacturing and distribution for circular, compostable packaging solutions. The project added over 150,000 square feet, housing 60 robotic thermoforming machines and automated packaging lines. All products are made in the US, contributing to local job creation and farmer income. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Tennessee in 2008, Genera has become North America’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer of sustainable packaging and biomaterials. Its products, derived from locally grown regenerative grasses, offer consumers eco-friendly alternatives, benefiting local communities and demonstrating a significantly lower carbon impact. 

Elopak announced the construction of a new production plant in the US, bolstering its foothold in the Americas and meeting growing customer demands. With an investment of approximately US$50 million from 2023 to 2024, funded through Elopak’s existing Revolving Credit Facility, the plant is slated for Q4 2024 production, generating over 100 jobs. 

Chemarema extruder at the Mura Technology HydroPRS chemical recycling plant.Mura Technology chose Erema’s Chemarema extruders for its HydroPRS chemical recycling plant, ReNew ELP, in the UK. The HydroPRS process breaks down waste plastics into hydrocarbon products for manufacturing new plastics, offering scalability through critical water use. Erema’s Chemarema extrusion technology, known for its energy efficiency, robustness and high-temperature capabilities, is deemed to support Mura’s chemical recycling process. The collaboration aims to enhance chemical recycling’s role in the circular economy, addressing mixed plastic waste challenges and contributing to a sustainable future. ReNew ELP in Teesside, UK, is set to commence commercial operations in 2024.

In brief: Launches and releases
Mondi expanded its range of saturating kraft paper Advantage MF Boost. With efficiency improvements and a new paper machine at Štĕtí, Czech Republic, capacity at Mondi Dynäs, Sweden, and Mondi Frantschach, Austria increased. This supports laminated applications for building panels, furniture and technical films. Mondi prioritized production efficiency, expanding the Advantage MF Boost range with lower and higher grammages. The porous, responsibly sourced kraft paper, FSC- or PEFC-certified, offers improved laminate absorption.

Novolex brand Waddington North America introduced food containers with a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. The range — comprising dessert cups, tamper-evident containers, cake containers and bakery clamshells — advocates for recycling and sustainability. The recyclable PET plastic containers offer various sizes and features like the EZ Release system for easy opening. 

The MeetingPack 2024 program, which aims to achieve sustainability goals by 2030, was presented in Valencia, Spain. Organized by Aimplas and Ainia every two years, the sixth edition of the conference will convene 30 specialists to analyze the sustainability prospects of agri-food barrier packaging. The event, set on April 10-11, 2024, at the Valencia Conference Centre, aims to bring diverse perspectives, building on the success of the previous edition with over 350 attendees. Key companies like Kuraray, UBE, Total Corbion and Lactips will present innovative materials, emphasizing renewable and recyclable alternatives. Thematic sessions will cover Rotoprint, Sealed Air, Plastienvase, Acesur, Faerch and Danone innovations. The conference will prioritize reuse and recycling, dedicating sessions to Bumerang, Veolia and Fyntech. 

In brief: Acquisitions and mergers
LyondellBasell (LYB) acquired a minority stake in Source One, a German plastic waste sourcing and engineering company. The strategic investment provided LYB with access to Source One's engineering and plastic waste sourcing services and established a relationship with Landbell, a global service provider in Extended Producer Responsibility. The move aligned with LYB's commitment to supporting circular solutions, enabling them to secure plastic waste for recycling activities and enhancing their Circulen product portfolio. The joint venture with 23 Oaks Investments, Source One Plastics, built an advanced plastic waste sorting and recycling facility in Germany to drive circular economy initiatives. Left to right: Uwe Echteler (Landbell), Kai Hoyer (23 Oaks Investment), Matthijs Beijk, Carl Schirmeister (both LYB).

Rio Tinto and Giampaolo Group completed the formation of the Matalco joint venture, strengthening North America’s primary and secondary aluminum production. In the US$700 million deal, Rio Tinto acquired a 50% equity stake in Matalco, enhancing its aluminum business in the US. The partnership allows Rio Tinto to offer various aluminum products, including low-carbon primary aluminum and recycled solutions. Matalco, operator of six facilities in the US and one in Canada, produced approximately 400,000 tons of recycled aluminum in the eight months leading to September 2023. The venture aims to capitalize on the growing demand for recycled aluminum, which, according to the company, is forecast to increase by more than 70% from 2022 to 2032, driven by the transportation, construction and packaging sectors. Over the same period, global recycled aluminum consumption is forecast to grow by more than 60%.

Backed by Kelso & Company, Novvia Group, a global distributor of rigid containers and life sciences packaging, has acquired Ocean State Packaging. The financial details of the private transaction were not disclosed. Ocean State supplies plastic bottles and other rigid packaging products to a national network of customers across diverse end markets. The acquisition marks Novvia’s entry into the New England, US market and aligns with its Northeast strategy. 

Komar Industries, an industrial waste and recycling processing systems manufacturer, acquired Winter Equipment Corporation, a waste handling and recycling equipment distributor. The acquisition enhances the value provided to customers by combining Komar’s processing systems with Winter’s comprehensive services, covering sales, installation, service and rentals. Winter Equipment Corporation, operating since 1992, has been a valuable channel partner for Komar. The move positions both companies for growth and collaborative opportunities in the waste and recycling industry.

In brief: Awards and recognitions
Nestlé Australia received the Better Tomorrow Award at the Woolworths Trade Partner of the Year Awards for its sustainable packaging and commitment to environmental practices. The award acknowledges Nestlé’s recyclable paper packaging, designed for easy recycling and its reforestation program, which has planted over a million trees to support biodiversity and improve soil health. Nestlé’s Gympie Factory exemplifies sustainability by utilizing 100% renewable sources, including waste coffee grounds, sawdust and wind. 

ProAmpac was honored with the 2023 American Inhouse Design Award by Graphic Design USA for its ProActive Recyclable RP-1000 paper packaging. The award recognized the work of ProAmpac’s in-house Design and Sample Lab (DASL). The award acknowledged DASL’s role in showcasing ProActive Recyclable products, including RP-1000 — a curbside recyclable paper-based solution with heat-sealability, moisture barrier and tear resistance.

By Radhika Sikaria