Page 52 - Plastics News August 2026
P. 52
BUSINESS NEWS
Garware Fulflex Acquires Manufacturing Facility
in Central and Eastern Europe and volatile en-
ergy prices remain key risks. Underlying EBITDA
stood at €379 million for the six months ended
June 30, down from €564 million in the same pe-
riod last year. The figure included a €35 million
forestry fair value loss compared with an €18 mil-
lion gain in H1 2025. Higher sales volumes and
pricing actions partly offset pressure from rising
input costs and weaker average selling prices.
Basic underlying earnings fell to 11.6 euro cents
per share, from 42.7 euro cents a year earlier.
Cash generated from operations also declined
to €347 million, although Mondi said disciplined
working capital management supported cash
generation. The group has reduced its expect-
ed full-year 2026 capital expenditure to around
Mondi Registers €379 Million in HI 2026 €500 million, from an earlier estimate of €550
ondi, a global producer of sustainable million, reflecting a more disciplined approach
packaging and paper, reported a sharp to capital allocation. Meanwhile, six plants have
Mdecline in underlying earnings for the been closed or are in the process of closure as
first half of 2026, as higher input costs, lower av- part of its network optimisation programme.
erage selling prices and a forestry valuation loss
weighed on profitability. Mondi recorded a €320 million pre-tax charge
for impairments and restructuring, although the
CEO Andrew King said trading momentum im- expected cash impact is limited to €24 million.
proved during the period, with higher packaging The company declared an interim dividend of
paper prices and good order books supporting 9.42 euro cents per share, sharply below 23.33
the second half. However, higher wood costs euro cents in H1 2025.
HEXPOL Acquires Vipa Group
EXPOL has acquired 1 Vipa Group, one focus on the fast-growing Wire & Cable seg-
of the leading Italian Wire & Cable com- ment. The acquisition significantly strengthens
Hpounder with headquarters in Ancarano HEXPOL's product portfolio and geographical
on the Italian east coast. The company is one of reach in the segment.
Europe's leading developers and manufacturers
of high-quality thermoplastic compounds with Vipa Group is being acquired from the Paolini
56 PLASTICS NEWS August 2026
