Bringing together the advantages of RFID Auto ID and in-mould labelling, Inotec’s RFID Inmould Labels offer durability, accuracy and sustainability. Developed in-house and tested in live customer applications, they are already helping leading logistics and packaging companies move away from single-use plastics while gaining full transparency across their supply chains.

Smart tray tracking at scale

A recent collaboration with EPT (Euro Plant Tray) demonstrates the real-world benefits of this solution. In the plant wholesale sector, over 95% of trays are currently single-use, contributing to around 40,000 tonnes of discarded plastic waste each year in Europe alone. EPT sought a reusable alternative that could deliver both environmental gains and digital traceability.

Working with EPT, Inotec developed a customised RFID inmould label that is seamlessly bonded to the reusable tray during injection moulding. This label offers exceptional durability – it is flush with the surface, waterproof, UV-resistant, and resistant to cleaning chemicals and mechanical impacts. Despite its compact size, it delivers a high-performance read range and allows bulk scanning of up to 1,000 trays simultaneously, with no line-of-sight required.

EPT’s trays now feature a secure, embedded RFID label that supports real-time tracking, inventory management, and cross-border reuse. The RFID inmould label is helping EPT reduce waste, optimise its processes, and set a new European standard for smart, reusable transport packaging.

Advanced performance, built to last Inotec’s RFID inmould labels are based on its own INO-TAG DIOBOND range and incorporate high-performance NXP RAIN RFID chips.

Key benefits include:

● High-speed scanning – multiple tags can be read simultaneously, even at distances of up to 15 metres
● No line-of-sight required – increasing speed and accuracy while reducing labour
● Secure, high-capacity data storage – with the ability to store encrypted tracking and logistics data
● Extremely durable – scratch-proof, smear-proof, waterproof and resistant to chemicals and temperature fluctuations
● Fully recyclable – made from the same material as the container for easier recycling
● Reduced energy use – thanks to in-mould’s one-step automated production process

Ideal for regulated and high-compliance sectors RFID inmould labels are particularly suited to industries where hygiene, traceability and security are critical. In food and pharmaceuticals, the edgeless bond eliminates contamination risk and withstands freezing, washing and sterilisation. IML is also compliant with strict FDA regulations and prevents label tampering or counterfeiting, which is critical for protecting intellectual property and public health.

“With RFID Inmould Labels, we’re combining durability, traceability and environmental responsibility in one powerful solution,” says David Stocker, General Manager at Inotec. “As seen with EPT, this technology helps our customers meet growing regulatory demands, streamline their processes and take a major step towards a circular economy.”

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As with most ecommerce businesses the speed and efficiency of the pick, pack and dispatch operation is vital, making all the difference to customer satisfaction levels and potential sales – particularly, at peak. For the managing director of UK Planet Tools, Bohdan Hrystayenko, this was an aspect of the business where he could see automation bringing significant cost savings combined with an uplift to productivity and it was the packing operation that held the greatest potential for a fast return on investment (ROI).

Labour savings

Having spoken with Sparck Technologies, Hrystayenko was aware of the major benefits, in the form of labour and materials savings, that could come from using automated ‘right-size’ boxing technology. Sparck Technologies’ CVP Impack auto-boxing system has the capability to tailor-make up to 500 boxes per hour, for multiple or single item orders, using advanced 3D scanning technology to optimally size, create and label each parcel in one seamless process – reducing package volumes by up to 50%, cutting cardboard usage by 30% and eliminating the need for void fill.

The technology was perfect for UK Planet Tool’s varied product profiles and mixed order quantities. The CVP Impack was highly flexible, capable of scanning and making boxes to the exact size needed for single item orders or multiple items, time and time again.

Why wait?

“This machine was exactly what we wanted,” says Hrystayenko. “Even though our daily throughput was only about half the capacity capable of the CVP Impack we knew we could reap enormous benefits from installing the machine now, rather than waiting. We were confident that with this machine in place we would have the operational flexibility and extra capacity to grow, without any fears over hitting peak volumes or trying to find additional labour. It was the right thing to do.”

An order for a CVP Impack was placed at the beginning of November 2024 and installed on 17th December, with ‘right-size’ packages rolling off the machine just two days later. “Space in the warehouse was tight but with some creative thinking from ourselves and Sparck we made it work. It was an incredible feat, supplying and installing the whole system in just eight weeks,” he says.

Big benefits

“The benefits for our business have been enormous,” says Hrystayenko. “With each box now custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of every order, we’ve eliminated the waste of shipping empty space. This alone has saved us 40% on consumables and material costs. Our reliance on manual labour has dropped significantly, transforming what was once a labour-intensive packing process. Like many ecommerce businesses, Mondays are our busiest days. Previously, we had to start early to clear the weekend backlog, but now we don’t begin until 8am. Thanks to the CVP Impack, just two operators can manage 250–300 packages per hour, removing the need for overtime and extra staffing.”

But for Hrystayenko, the most significant benefit from purchasing the Sparck’s CVP Impack has been the uplift in customer service, enabling a 5pm cut-off for a next-day delivery – a reliable fulfilment capability that builds customer confidence and wins new business. “The Trustpilot reviews have been glowing green ever since,” says Hrystayenko. “In fact, I calculate that had we installed the CVP Impack before the autumn peak we could have done 1.5x the business we did. This machine has given us the opportunity to grow the business. There’s no stopping us now.”

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Hugo Beck, a manufacturer of horizontal packaging machines, has announced the appointment of Simon Beck and Jonas Beck as Managing Directors. As grandsons of company founder Hugo Beck, they represent the continued leadership of the family business in its third generation.

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As a subsidiary of Mosca GmbH, a global supplier of strapping and end-of-line packaging systems, MGM continues to expand its footprint across Asia, one strap at a time, while remaining true to the values of its family-owned German heritage.

“Malaysia has been a strategic milestone in our family company’s journey toward internationalization. With today’s inauguration of our new production facility, we are building on that legacy – and sending a strong signal for sustainable growth, collaborative partnerships, and entrepreneurial foresight across borders” said Timo Mosca, Corporate CEO of Mosca Group.

A Journey from Small Shop Lot

MGM’s journey in Malaysia began in a small lot in 2009, expanded to a medium-sized facility in 2013, and has now culminated in the launch of its most advanced manufacturing site in 2025 —marking a new chapter in the company’s history.

“From day one, we have focused on empowering local talent and growing alongside our community,” said Witold Nowak, Director of MGM. “Today, we are proud to be recognized not only as a technology leader in the end-of-line packaging industry, but also as a reputable employer that values and nurtures its people.”

Technology That Leads Sustainably

As part of Mosca’s global engineering roadmap, the new facility introduces the region’s most advanced strapping machines — engineered for durability, speed, and energy efficiency. Mosca has led the transition from conventional heat-sealing units to its high-performance ultrasonic SoniXs sealing technology. This innovation enables a highly sophisticated and energy-efficient sealing process, significantly reducing environmental impact while maintaining precision and reliability.

Local Talent, Global Standard

One of MGM’s proudest achievements is its consistent investment in Malaysian talent across all levels — from shop floor technicians to senior management. The new facility brings tangible economic benefits to the region, including job creation, supply chain development, and technology transfer. With this milestone, MGM not only strengthens its position in the Asia-Pacific market but also reaffirms its long-term commitment to Malaysia and its people.

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A smarter, reusable solution

Unlike standard sticky labels, Drytack features a unique dry acrylic adhesive that clings securely to smooth surfaces without leaving any residue. It can be applied and removed by hand – and reused repeatedly. Even if the back gets dusty or dirty a quick wipe with a damp cloth restores the adhesive qualities, making it ready to go again.

Drytack offers all the benefits of magnetic labels – such as flexibility and repositioning – without the cost or bulk. It’s a polyester label with a dry-tack adhesive backing, ideal for dynamic warehouse environments where stock and storage configurations change frequently.

Tried and tested in Europe

One of Germany’s largest bicycle manufacturers recently turned to Drytack when launching a new warehouse with 30,000 racking spaces. Ahead of the full warehouse rollout, the company needed to temporarily mark 5,000 locations as ‘blocked’ and sought a solution that was simple, visible, and easy to reverse when required.

Drytack labels were used to cover existing barcodes, clearly indicating inactive locations while avoiding errors during scanning. Staff could see at a glance which areas were off-limits – and when a location needed to be reactivated, the label could be peeled off in seconds, leaving no trace behind. The customer praised the solution for its simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability.

“With Drytack, Inotec gave us an easy yet highly effective way to label blocked shelf spaces. The handling is straightforward, and the reusability makes it a more sustainable choice,” said the Production Manager of the Bicycle Manufacturer.

Why it matters

Drytack is perfect for operations where shelf or pick locations change frequently, such as seasonal stock rotations. A good example is footwear retailers who shift from flip-flops to winter boots as the seasons change. Drytack makes it easy to relabel quickly, without investing in expensive magnetic alternatives or damaging existing racking with adhesive residue. Available blank, pre-printed, or as thermal transfer-compatible material, Drytack suits a wide range of applications across warehouse, logistics, and retail environments.

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Coesia, head-quartered in Bologna, are perhaps a well-kept secret in the ecommerce and logistics sector, being a much bigger company than perhaps people realise, with 8000 staff, 20 companies, 87 manufacturing plants and a turnover of €2 billion. What readers will be interested in is what the company does in terms of wrapping, palletizing, robotics, carton boxing and end-of-line, fulfilment products. I asked Fabrizio Sasdelli, E-Commerce Business Line Director, about the different brands and divisions.

Fabrizio Sasdelli, Coesia

Fabrizio Sasdelli: As you mentioned, Coesia includes more than 20 companies, grouped into three main divisions. The Regulated Markets Solutions (RMS) division covers areas like packaging systems. The Consumer Market Solutions (CMS) division focuses on products typically found in a supermarket, such as powders, liquids and solids. The Industrial Market Solutions (IMS) division handles automation and includes companies brought together for strategic synergies.

Our aim is to combine expertise across industrial automation, software and process engineering. We have a strong engineering core and a central division that supports all group companies in accelerating solution development, including tools like digital twins for project evaluation. What sets Coesia apart is our ability to integrate specialised know-how across the group. The collaboration between companies acts as a shared platform, enabling the creation of customised and scalable solutions.

We provide packaging systems within fulfilment workflows, while also developing finished products. Our technologies support right-size packaging and efficient shipment composition, which help reduce environmental impact. The result is a smoother process, faster response times and high operational reliability. With our global footprint, we ensure continuous support to customers around the world.

Logistics Business (LB): What are the key product developments?

Sasdelli: We have two big groups: packaging-on-demand, and automation. When required we can also integrate the two. In terms of solutions, this includes carton packaging, box resizing, digital printing on demand, and printing in the box. Then we have all the robotics: palletising, robot picking, and AMRs, plus conveying systems, where we are very strong, and vertical sorters. Right-size boxing means that we do not have standard boxes, but we can customise size, based on random products, creating the right parcel.

LB: I want to go in detail about the Emmeci business and the fit-to-size carton machines.

Sasdelli: Yes, Emmeci offers a range of fit-to-size machines. For example, we can produce custom-sized American boxes that adapt to different product dimensions, from small items up to larger parcels. Each box can be individually adjusted, using data from the warehouse management system (WMS). The system supports both automatic and manual box definition, and the packaging process begins as soon as the product arrives.

The E-BFS is ideal for single or multi-item orders. It creates right-sized clamshell boxes, integrating box making, filling, sealing and labelling. It also supports personalisation, including printed invoices or marketing inserts, based on customer data. Return handling can be built into the design as well. The E-SWL produces right-sized paper bags in various formats. It includes an automated carton erector for minimal manual intervention and precise adjustment of box height. We also offer the Autobagger, a compact modular machine for shipping bags. It fits easily into existing operations and can run up to 1,200 boxes per minute, or less, depending on requirements.

We also provide a vertical bagger and a wide portfolio to cover diverse packaging needs. Few competitors can match this breadth. Our systems are highly customisable and scalable, with options for both automated and semi-automated setups. We tailor our solutions to match different warehouse configurations and customer workflows.

LB: You mentioned a few other products which we can talk about, such as Flexlink’s conveyors, palletizers, robotics, sorters, AMRs as well?

Sasdelli: Flexlink manages all the automation, which affects everything. It is very strong and is used to working with other group companies, connecting different machines and providing direction.

LB: Palletising, particularly robotic palletising, is very much in vogue now, isn’t it? A lot of companies are partnering and automating that part of the outbound process. What palletizer machines do you have? What is it that Coesia manufactures? Everything including the robotic arm? Or are you buying that from a supplier?

Sasdelli: We recognise the growing demand for robotic palletising. At Coesia, our company FlexLink offers smart, space-saving and easy-to-integrate solutions for both inbound and outbound operations. One of our key offerings is the RC12 collaborative palletiser, now in its third generation. It is ideal for end-of-line processes where space is limited, as it uses more than 50 percent less floor space compared to standard industrial robots. It is also very user-friendly. Operators can create pallet patterns without needing any programming skills, thanks to the intuitive software.

The RC12 can handle up to 14 boxes per minute using a double gripper. It meets international safety standards for collaborative robots and works safely without cages or barriers. For larger and faster operations, we also offer the RI20 industrial palletiser. This solution is designed for continuous use and delivers high throughput with great precision.

We also focus on software and system intelligence. Our in-house algorithms manage different box sizes efficiently. For example, we can use scanners to detect incoming boxes, buffer them, and then optimise pallet building. The system ensures fast operation, stable pallet formation and maximum volume use, even when box sizes vary by just a few millimetres. We are flexible when it comes to robotic arms. The RC12 integrates an Omron arm, but we can work with whichever brand the customer prefers. What matters most is providing a reliable and efficient palletising system that fits the customer’s needs.

LB: In terms of right size packaging, not wasting or shipping air has been a trend in recent years. We see this with companies that we report on in the sector like Spark and CMC. Bottom line, what kind of savings have you been able to make customers in recent years with e-commerce in terms of the right size packaging and reducing the amount of packaging waste, space and void in the final package?

Sasdelli: It depends on the application. There are cases where we used to have a standard size, where we have seen a lot of cases where they put inside 1:10 and 1:00. Just one book and 99% of the volume is fully empty! Like this we can save packaging by using the right size that can help in this way. When you are used to having a standard box and you have volumes that can change a lot, I think that you can really save a huge amount.

LB: Sustainability and automation. What would you say would be another big issue that you’re focusing on with customers?

Sasdelli: Sustainability is a major focus for us. We’re investing significant resources into programmes that directly influence the design and efficiency of our machines. We help customers reduce energy and material consumption, and our solutions often include tailored automation that meets specific sustainability goals.

Another key strength is our engineering capability. The Coesia group has built deep synergies across its companies, which allows us to offer flexible and highly customised solutions. We also have a strong environmental certification department that supports customers with compliance and optimisation. Ultimately, our aim is to design systems that reduce waste, minimise packaging volume and lower the overall environmental impact.

LB: I was talking to Jo Bradley at Spark Technologies about a year ago and I asked what’s your biggest competition? Expecting her to name other companies, she said actually, it’s the unavailability of manual labour. Lots of customers are buying automated packaging machines because they simply cannot get the staff to do the manual process. So most of their wins are actually replacing manual operations, rather than directly going head-to-head with another automation supplier. Do you find the same in most of your markets now?

Sasdelli: Yes, we see that trend in many markets, especially in Germany. Finding skilled labour is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly during peak periods or when companies scale quickly. Automation becomes the only practical solution to maintain efficiency and reliability. It’s not just about reducing manual effort, but also about ensuring consistent performance where labour simply isn’t available.

LB: Are there any typical packaging products that you don’t manufacture yourselves? I’m thinking of stretch wrap or shrink-wrapping machines, do you do you provide those as well or do you buy those in?

Sasdelli: In most cases, we can provide what the customer needs. When specific packaging products like stretch or shrink-wrapping machines are not part of our standard portfolio, we collaborate with trusted suppliers. We are always open to integration partnerships to deliver a complete solution. FlexLink, part of the Coesia group, has over 40 years of experience as a systems integrator. They are experts in designing complex automation setups and often work alongside both internal companies and external partners, including market companions. This flexibility allows us to choose the best technology for each project and ensure it fits the customer’s requirements perfectly.

LB: What would be the largest scale e-commerce projects that you’ve worked on recently, in terms of the implementation, number of machines or facilities?

Sasdelli: In our largest e-commerce projects, we typically combine two or three core machines with a full automation setup. End-of-line palletizing is almost always included. One of our key strengths is delivering both the packaging systems and the automation that connects everything into a complete solution. Depending on the project, we might integrate labelling units, palletizers, and robotic or manual workstations. For larger operations, we have deployed up to ten robots. We also create a digital twin of the entire system, allowing us to fine-tune performance together with the customer and ensure the solution is exactly right.

LB: You’re using a lot of simulation while you’re consulting for projects?

Sasdelli: Yes, we have dedicated staff who support simulation activities and can assist in creating complete models for each project. It is not just about visualising the flow, dimensions or footprint, but also about accurately sizing the system’s capacity. This includes determining how many workstations are needed to handle different scenarios. We evaluate various possibilities, verify the most effective solution and design the integration accordingly.

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The joint solution, which connects Loftware Cloud with SATO’s cloud-connected printers, eliminates printer driver dependencies, allowing IT teams to avoid installation, troubleshooting, updates, and management. This significantly reduces maintenance and support costs, while enabling businesses to print from any PC browser, providing flexibility to scale or adapt operations without technical constraints. Additionally, users can access the latest approved label templates from anywhere, at any time, through a secure browser and seamlessly print from their SATO printer. The platform also streamlines user management, enabling administrators to quickly add and approve new users in minutes without the need for license keys, reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.

The Loftware/SATO partnership supports a range of industry applications. This includes supplier compliance to ensure accurate, timely labeling and RFID tagging – eliminating relabelling and improving supply chain efficiency. It also enhances in-plant labelling for better process control within factories, ensures retail labelling consistency with industry standards, and streamlines third-party logistics (3PL) labelling for seamless integration with logistics providers.

Hayato Shindo, Group Business Officer at SATO Corporation, commented: “In today’s fast-paced business environment, manufacturers face many challenges, such as changing customer, legal and regulatory requirements; remote working and collaboration; rapid scaling up of operations; and improving productivity while reducing operating costs. Traditional desktop label design applications, while effective in the past, are no longer sufficient to manage these complexities. The solution provided by SATO and Loftware addresses these challenges head-on by offering a centralized and secure platform for label design and printing.”

Loftware Cloud expands labelling capabilities across internal stakeholders, external suppliers, co-manufacturers, and co-packers, who all play a role in the complex supply chain process. With seamless integration into both on-premise and cloud-based business applications such as ERP, WMS, and PLM, Loftware Cloud optimizes workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy.

SATO’s cloud-connected printers further enhance this solution with effortless installation and mobility. Simply connecting a LAN cable ensures the printer is ready for immediate use. This plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to relocate printers as needed, giving businesses the flexibility to adapt to changing operational demands.

Denis Stojanoski, Loftware Senior Alliance Program Manager, added: “Loftware and SATO have a long-standing partnership built on a shared commitment to innovation. Together, we continue to develop cutting-edge supply chain solutions that empower businesses to operate more efficiently, adapt to evolving industry demands, and future-proof their operations. By combining our expertise, we’re driving the future of labeling to deliver greater agility, scalability, and value for our customers.”

Loftware and SATO’s global partnership extends over a quarter century. In recent years, the two have developed an advanced RFID encoding and logging solution to help businesses meet stringent traceability standards. The partnership between Loftware and SATO represents a strategic shift toward addressing specific use cases to better meet modern business needs.

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This year’s theme, LIMITLESS, served as the guiding thread for a day filled with insights, visionary thinking, and innovations that are reshaping the future of right-sized packaging. The morning conference featured presentations from international customers, system integrators, and industry leaders who shared real-world case studies and emerging market trends. Logistics Business will bring you the full story in our next issue.

Among the speakers were DHL – who presented its project with Adidas; Avantor and Element Logic – who highlighted their joint project in Germany and the crucial role of CMC Genesys integration with AutoStore; and eMAG – the largest eCommerce player in Eastern Europe, who presented its packaging automation project developed in partnership with CMC. Exotec offered insight on the importance of right-sized packaging in complementing the new Skypod system.

In the afternoon, guests visited CMC’s production facility for exclusive demonstrations of the full range of on-demand packaging solutions and two of 2025’s key technological innovations:

• CMC Super Vertical: an ultra-compact machine capable of producing right-sized boxes and mailers, specifically designed for small to mid-sized distribution centers. It is ideal for retrofit projects and for maximizing space without compromising productivity.

• New CMC Genesys Concept and Genesys PRIMA: a scalable and modular machine, able to operate either as a stand-alone box-first solution or integrated within warehouse workflows. With the integration of CMC’s patented Vary-Tote technology, the system can handle irregularly shaped products within advanced pick-to-pack processes.

The event also saw a strong presence of system integrators from across the globe, eager to explore the flexibility and scalability of CMC’s solutions for end-to-end project implementations.
Underscoring the event’s success and rising international demand, CMC announced that, for the first time, Innovation Day will also be held at its Tech Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 16th. Already functioning as a training hub and testing lab for clients and technology partners, the U.S. site will host the second edition of CID25 to offer an immersive experience to the North American market.

“Integration is no longer optional — it’s essential. At CMC, we believe that innovation must start with listening. Since 1980, we’ve helped companies improve their fulfillment processes and achieve their sustainability goals through high-speed, high-performance technology. In recent years, market demand has shifted: businesses now need scalable solutions that can be deployed in existing, space-constrained environments. This is what has driven our R&D efforts. The result is a new generation of ultra-compact, intelligent systems that can handle a wide variety of items without compromising on package integrity or throughput. With CID25, we wanted to demonstrate that when innovation is driven by vision and passion, there are no limits,” said Francesco Ponti, CMC Executive Chairman and CEO.

Tania Torcolacci, Head of Global Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at CMC, added: “The excitement we received during the event encouraged us to extend Innovation Day to the U.S., where we aim to replicate the energy, dialogue, and value generated here in Italy.”

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The contract extension until the end of 2026 builds on the two brands’ strong partnership which began in 2016 and marks a decade of collaboration.

As part of this collaboration, Wincanton will continue to provide warehouse operations management at Coca-Cola HBC’s dedicated facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, which handles over 52 million cases of popular brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta and Monster per year.

Wincanton is also responsible for delivering operational efficiencies, incorporating volumes driven by the Deposit Return Scheme in the Republic of Ireland whilst also bringing logistics expertise to the facility to support the company’s ongoing growth.

Joanna Sneddon, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Supply Chain Director said:

“Delivering high-quality products and service to our customers is our priority. We are pleased to grow our partnership with Wincanton on our journey to develop world class logistics service over the coming years.”

James Hurrell, MD for Grocery & Consumer at Wincanton, added:

“With its vision to be the world’s leading 24/7 beverage partner, we’re delighted to be supporting Coca-Cola HBC and its unique portfolio on its journey to exponential growth. 

“We look forward to continuing our work together and celebrating a decade of growth, innovation, and automation together.” 

The extended partnership also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Both companies are actively investing in greener supply chain practices, with Wincanton introducing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and Coca-Cola HBC advancing its World Without Waste goals. This continued alignment on responsible logistics and environmental stewardship ensures that the partnership not only delivers operational excellence but also supports broader sustainability objectives.

Alongside its extended partnership with Coca-Cola HBC, Wincanton is undergoing significant transformation as it strengthens its market position through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In early 2024, the company was acquired by GXO Logistics in a £762 million deal, which is currently under review by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While the regulatory process continues, Wincanton remains focused on innovation and operational excellence. In a move to advance its automation capabilities, Wincanton also acquired inteq, a UK-based specialist in warehouse execution software and robotics integration. This acquisition brings inteq’s proprietary technology and expertise into Wincanton’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to deliver cutting-edge, efficient logistics solutions across its network.

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IPL, a manufacturer of rigid-plastic products is merging with Schoeller Allibert, a manufacturer of reusable transport packaging. The proposed merger creates an international sustainable packaging producer with a manufacturing footprint in 27 locations across Europe and North America, and a combined proforma annual revenue of over US $1.4 billion in 2024.

IPL manufactures sustainable, rigid-plastic products for the food, consumer, environmental and agriculture sectors, largely in North America, with significant manufacturing operations in the UK. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, it has approximately 2,500 employees across 16 manufacturing sites and reported revenue of US$822 million in 2024.

Multiple Acquisitions

Schoeller Allibert manufactures returnable transport packaging and provides related services, serving customers across sectors such as automotive, beverage, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, retail, and material handling, primarily in Continental Europe. The company is the amalgamation of eight different plastic pallet and container companies brought together over the last couple of decades.

Arca Systems of Sweden were acquired by Schoeller in 2005. Interestingly there is now a Romanian company with the same name. Perstorp Plastic Systems was another Swedish company acquired, leaving Perstorp to focus on its chemicals business. Wavin Systems was a Dutch business that Schoeller bought prior to that.

The big merger was in 2013 with French plastics manufacturer Allibert. Allibert merged with British manufacturer, Linpac Materials Handling in 2007, becoming Linpac Alibert. Linpac had already acquired Paxton of the UK. American manufacturer Buckhorn (containers and pallets) merged with Allibert prior to the Linpac deal. Today Buckhorn Inc. is a division of Myers Industries in Ohio.

Schoeller is a family-owned company that developed out of traditional roots from Gebrüder Schoeller in Düren, founded in 1799 and Alexander Schoeller & Co, Jülich, founded in 1880 and is now held by Martin and Christoph Schoeller and their families in the 7th generation.

The merged company will be headquartered in Dublin and led by current IPL CEO Alan Walsh (above). The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Walsh said: “The future of packaging lies in sustainability, innovation and adaptability. This merger will allow IPL and Schoeller Allibert to combine our strengths on both sides of the Atlantic to meet that future together. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we will not only enhance the way we serve our customers but also optimise the skillsets of both companies to build a strong, resilient foundation for growth.”

Schoeller Allibert CEO Alejandro Cabal Uribe (right) added: “Our combined strength in packaging solutions is well positioned to benefit

from the tailwinds for the sector, driven by corporate sustainability ambitions and evolving regulations to improve value chains and reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. We look forward to together delivering leading customer service and innovative global solutions.”

Advisors & Investors

IPL is owned by investment funds managed by Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity investment firm based in Chicago, and CDPQ, a global investment group. Schoeller Allibert is owned by Brookfield Asset Management’s private equity business and the Schoeller family. The new company will be 55% owned by the existing IPL shareholders and 45% owned by the existing Schoeller Allibert shareholders.

As a European market leader with a legacy spanning 65 years, Schoeller Allibert has led the charge in revolutionizing supply chains with returnable transport packaging solutions that are both efficient by design and circular by nature. Headquartered in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, Schoeller Allibert has a worldwide presence in over 50 countries, with approximately 1,600 employees, 11 production locations producing more than 30m products annually. Its global turnover in 2024 was €550m.

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