In August 2021, the time had come. The Alpla Group took over Wolf Plastics, which is based in Kammern in Styria. The globally active Austrian group thus closed a product gap and entered the previously unserved market of large-volume plastic packaging. In May 2023, the launch of the newly established Alpla Industrial division marked the completion of the full integration. Alpla wants to be even more strongly represented in this product area, according to company sources. The restructuring of Wolf Plastics has been very successful despite the challenging market environment. In the course of the year, the logo and design will be changed from Wolf Plastics to Alpla Industrial. This process has already been completed at some locations. On the website, for example, Wolf Plastics no longer appears.
Entry into the Large-Volume Packaging Market
In the new company division, the group combines all activities in the segment of large-volume plastic packaging, which also includes the complete marketing of this product segment. This affects customers and partners from industry and commerce, large companies and medium-sized businesses.
The canisters come in different shapes, sizes, weights, and hazard classes. “Wolf Plastics has decades of experience in the production of plastic buckets and canisters, in which we as Alpla wanted to be even more strongly represented in order to expand our portfolio and grow further in Central and Southeastern Europe,” says Alpla Managing Director Central and Eastern Europe Rainer Widmar, naming the two focal points. The young division of the company, which emerged from the 45-year-old family business, will intensify its commitment, while Alpla will contribute its experience in product design and recycling. Alpla Industrial’s product portfolio comprises around 400 products, which can be individually designed according to customers’ ideas through in-mould labeling.
Building a Recycling Line Made from up to 100 Percent PCR
One element for linking the group of companies with the specialist is a recycling line with up to 100 percent post-consumer recyclate (PCR). This will provide customers with a sustainable alternative in the field of high-volume plastic packaging. Widmar calls the establishment of a PCR product portfolio “another big step in the field of sustainability.” Customers from industry and commerce received a climate-friendly alternative witb the recycling line v. “Circular economy, sustainability, and safety are key criteria for packaging solutions of the future in all industries,” explains Widmar.
“Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in the market segments covered by Wolf Plastics. This is precisely where we were able to contribute our expertise and market position.” Roland Baumann, General Manager Alpla Industrial, announces new closed-loop solutions in this area, including for the industrial packaging sector.
Consolidation of the Brand in Central and Southeastern Europe
For Widmar, the consolidation of the subsidiary under the new brand in Central and Southeastern Europe is complete. Wolf Plastics has a strong position in these regions with three production plants in Austria, Hungary and Romania, he says. The Styrian-based company classifies itself as the market leader, with market researchers and consultants Owler citing sales of around twelve million US dollars and Interpack, Shalam Packaging and Auer Packaging as its strongest competitors. The basis for further growth in these geographic markets has been created for Alpla Industrial as one of the leading producers, Widmar believes.
