Weekly Roundup: UFlex commissions BOPET film in Nigeria, FEFCO issues Corrugated Packaging Recyclability Guidelines

05 Nov 2021 --- In packaging news this week, UFlex commissioned a BOPET film manufacturing plant in Nigeria to meet Western Africa’s growing packaging film demand. In Europe, FEFCO issued the Corrugated Packaging Recyclability Guidelines to aid the EU Green Deal. Also, Graphic Packaging closed the acquisition of AR Packaging in a US$1.45 billion cash deal.

In brief: Plastic films
UFlex, India’s largest multinational in flexible packaging, commissioned a BOPET film manufacturing plant in the Ogun State of Nigeria, with a production capacity of 45,000 TPA. Spread over 37 acres, the plant houses a “first-of-its-kind” 10.6-meter wide BOPET film line in Africa and also has two metallizers with a total production of 15000 TPA. The plant is estimated to create over 200 jobs while catering to the packaging film demand coming from Nigeria’s fast-growing economy, Western Africa and the US.

Südpack Medica extended its portfolio of thermoforming films with a PP-based film, free of halogenic substances. The film is designed for manufacturing blister packaging and other pharmaceutical solid product applications. The supplier says the solution offers the pharmaceutical industry an environmentally sustainable alternative to common PVC/PVdC blister materials. The solution also delivers an “outstanding barrier profile.”Südpack Medica’s PP-based film.

CCL launched certified EcoFloat polyolefin sleeves for PP dairy cups for boosting recycling rates. PP cups are a popular packaging choice for dairy packaging. “Using a shrink sleeve label made from the same plastic family as the cup increases the recycling rate and optimizes the process,” explained Norbert Fenkart, head of development at CCL Label’s Dairy Packaging Hub in Hohenems, Austria. “There is no disadvantage by not removing the decorations. PP cup and EcoFloat can be recycled efficiently in the PP recycling stream.”

In brief: Corrugated packaging
The European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO) issued the Corrugated Packaging Recyclability Guidelines. The guidelines are intended to provide the industry with a practical set of tools to implement in paper and board recycling, ensuring the optimal use of natural resources. “The corrugated board industry provides sustainable and circular packaging products supporting the Green Deal ambition of the European Union,” commented Eleni Despotou, FEFCO’s director general. “Recovering, recycling, and reusing raw materials can help achieve this [the Green Deal].”

DS Smith’s team in Germany introduced a quickly erectable tray, equipped with two lateral automatic bases for a material-optimized logistical packaging solution. The fully recyclable construction is made entirely of corrugated cardboard. The new solution is delivered flat and pre-glued.DS Smith’s quickly erectable tray.

In brief: Acquisitions
Graphic Packaging closed the acquisition of AR Packaging, Europe’s second-largest producer of fiber-based consumer packaging. The US$1.45 billion cash deal was announced in May. “Acquiring AR Packaging will result in significant value creation opportunities for our customers, our employees, and our stockholders as we bring together two leading providers of fiber-based consumer packaging solutions,” said Michael Doss, Graphic Packaging’s president and CEO.

ProAmpac acquired Irish Flexible Packaging and Fispak from its parent company, IFP Investments. Irish Flexible Packaging and Fispak are Ireland-based manufacturers and distributors of flexible packaging for the dairy, bakery, meat, fish and cheese markets in Ireland and internationally. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

TricorBraun acquired premium glass packaging supplier Vetroelite. The acquisition grows TricorBraun’s European presence and continues the company’s global expansion. Established in 1994, Vetroelite provides premium glass packaging solutions for the fast-growing spirits, gourmet food, home fragrances, wine, and cosmetics industries.CCL’s EcoFloat polyolefin sleeves for PP dairy cups.

ProMach, a leader in packaging machinery solutions, acquired CL&D Graphics and CL&D Digital. CL&D is a provider of high-quality flexographic and digital web packaging and converting solutions for consumer product companies.

In brief: Fiber-based bottle
Rottneros partnered with Kapsu, a startup beverage company in Sweden, to develop and produce a new plastic-free beverage solution. The new container will be made of 100% fiber from local certified forests. It features a three-part system: a stainless-steel bottle, a fiber container for the drink mixes and Kapsu’s lid technology. Rottneros Packaging will manufacture the container.

In brief: Climate-neutral plants
Alpla announced its German plants in Exter, Lübeck and Föritztal have been made climate-neutral in accordance with Scopes 1 and 2 with the help of carbon certificates, following the initial step of significantly reducing their CO2e emissions. The company is also supporting a regional reforestation project.

By Joshua Poole