Page 57 - Plastics News July 2026
P. 57
BUSINESS NEWS
ing its CPP extrusion footprint in response to
demand for recyclable mono-material packag-
ing formats.
The deal adds to its recyclable packaging range
and is intended to support its ‘No Waste’ sus-
tainability vision and increasing vertical integra-
tion across its network.
It said the added capacity may help customers
prepare for the European Packaging and Packag-
ing Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Extended Pro-
ducer Responsibility (EPR) rules.Before the deal,
Coveris Kufstein was Coveris’ only CPP extrusion (EPF Plastic) have signed a memorandum of
facility and was running at full capacity, accord- understanding to explore the establishment of
ing to the statement. By bringing in GEFO’s op- a joint venture. Both companies aim to expand
erations, Coveris will raise CPP output and widen sales and service of automated production cells
its offering in areas such as retort packaging, lid- and injection moulding machines in Italy and
ding films, bakery bags, medical packaging and Southern Europe. The planned partnership is
other non-food applications. Coveris CEO Chris- part of the Japanese company’s medium-term
tian Kolarik said: “GEFO is an excellent addition growth strategy and is designed to strengthen
to our existing network and further strengthens
our sustainability strategy.“Demand for recycla- the company’s position in Europe in the long
term. The letter of intent sets the stage for fur-
ble mono-material packaging continues to grow
across Europe, making the expansion of our CPP ther negotiations. Both partners plan to finalize
capabilities for high-performance applications a agreements and complete the transaction by the
logical next step.Through this acquisition, we are end of 2026. Shibaura Machine plans to hold ap-
strengthening our production base and enhanc- proximately a 60 percent stake, while EPF Plastic
ing our ability to provide customers with inno- will have approximately 40 percent. “The part-
vative and sustainable packaging solutions that nership strengthens our long-standing collabo-
meet both evolving market needs and future ration and enables us to offer customers more
regulatory requirements.” comprehensive, one-stop solutions. At the same
time, we are paving the way to expand our mar-
Shibaura to Form JV with EPF Plastic ket presence in Italy and Southern Europe. We
Shibaura Machine Europe plans to form a joint aim to support our customers with up-to-date
venture with Italian automation partner EPF automated production solutions. By combining
Elettrotecnica to expand integrated injection Shibaura Machine’s technological expertise with
molding and automated production-line solu- EPF Plastic’s engineering skills, we create a solid
tions in Southern Europe. According to reports foundation for sustainable growth,” said Franco
Shibaura Machine and Italian EPF Elettrotecnica Filippi, CEO and Chairman of EPF.
July 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 61
