Constantia Flexibles builds UK presence with FFP Packaging Solutions acquisition

12 Aug 2022 --- Constantia Flexibles has agreed to acquire FFP Packaging Solutions (FFP), a leading player for consumer flexible packaging in Northampton, UK. The acquisition marks Constantia Flexibles’ first consumer packaging plant in the UK. 

“The acquisition aligns well with our Vision 2025 growth strategy of investing in competitive businesses with potential for future growth. FFP joining the Constantia Flexibles Group will expand our overall market position,” says Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles.

“Its significant experience and credibility allow for strong relationships across the UK food industry. We will be working with the existing management team to continue driving the revolution of environmentally sustainable flexible packaging in the UK and beyond.”

Focus on sustainability
FFP has produced flexible packaging for over 50 years. It specializes in recyclable laminates, offering flow wraps, lidding films, and pre-made pouches, which account for over 80% of its sales in environmentally sustainable packaging.

“Environmentally sustainable packaging solutions are no longer a trend. They are a must-have. FFP figures already show it. And together, we are committed to a circular economy, driving the transformation with more sustainable packaging,” continues Vervaat.FFP is a long-term partner for major food brands and UK retailers, with more than 100 employees.

FFP is a long-term trusted partner for major food brands and UK retailers. The company has over 100 employees.

“I am extremely proud of FFP’s position in the UK flexible packaging market and the respect that FFP has developed across the industry. This legacy is something that was started by my father back in 1962 and has been continuously built upon through my own leadership of the business and more recently since the appointment of the management team in place today,” comments Robin Chudley, FFP’S chairman.

Succession planning
Chudley adds that FFP recognizes the importance of succession planning to secure FFP’s long-term future. “This is the reason that we appointed David Cooper as managing director and CEO in 2017. Since then, David and his team have done a phenomenal job in making sure that FFP’s know-how, core competencies and values remain aligned with the needs of our customers and, in doing so, keeping FFP at the forefront of flexible packaging development,” he explains.

“The sale of FFP to Constantia Flexibles is another important step on the firm’s journey and I am delighted that David and his team will remain with the business to ensure a successful integration and continue to build on FFP’s success long into the future.”

Constantia Flexibles at FachPack
Constantia Flexibles is set to launch environmentally sustainable product lines at FachPack 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany, this September. 

PackagingInsights spoke to Achim Grefenstein, senior VP of R&D, Joerg Adrian, VP of technical organization and innovation pharma, and Thomas Schulz, VP of marketing and communication, about the company’s new products and the packaging trends they expect to see at the trade show.

The company also introduced a recycle-ready laminate with high chemical resistance for pharmaceutical products earlier in the year. The flexible packaging leader supplies the substrates for conversion into packaging.

Edited by Joshua Poole

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