Driving Sustainability and Innovation
Wipak Group announces a series of significant multi-million-euro investments aimed at enhancing operations and strengthening the company’s commitment to sustainability. These strategic investments, planned for implementation across various Wipak sites in the coming years, mark a major milestone in the company’s ongoing pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Aligned with Wipak’s decarbonization strategy, the company has taken decisive steps to effectively manage and control scope 1 and 2 emissions under Wipak’s direct authority. Since embarking on its carbon zero journey in 2019, Wipak has achieved a remarkable 70 % reduction in its operational carbon footprint (scope 1 and 2 emissions) compared to the baseline.
Investments in Finland ensure transition to future products in Health and Food segments
Wipak Oy, based in Finland, is making significant investments to strengthen its operations within the Wipak Group. A new state-of-the-art extrusion production line was recently completed at Wipak Nastola, boosting the company’s annual capacity, and expanding its portfolio in recycle-ready and healthcare packaging. This investment in advanced equipment empowers Wipak to introduce a new range of PE-based films for Flowpack applications, as well as innovative PE-based lidding films. These films are specifically designed for recycling and are suitable for food industry applications. Additionally, the cleanroom facilities for Wipak Steriking® products at this site will undergo updates and expansion over the next three years. This investment will focus on modern machinery and increasing the production capacity to ensure the continued high level of quality and safety for Steriking® hospital sterilization packaging solutions, resulting in improved patient safety.
Tuija Suur-Hamari, Managing Director at Wipak Oy and Wipak Health Business, emphasizes that responsibility and sustainability are reflected not only in the products but also in the operations of Wipak’s factories. With a holistic approach, the company’s vision extends beyond individual investments. Wipak aims to be the world’s most responsible plastic packaging manufacturer, achieving a zero-carbon company footprint by 2025 by tightly controlling and minimizing emissions from all scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 sources under the company’s direct responsibility, offsetting only the least unavoidable emissions.
The Transition Toward Sustainable Solutions Continues Across Continental Europe Sites
To further boost the capability to produce recycling ready products, significant growth investments will soon commence at the Wipak Walsrode and Iberica sites. Wipak Walsrode in Germany will witness a substantial multi-million-euro investment over the next three years including cutting-edge converting machinery and optimized material flows to improve manufacturing processes and enhance logistics efficiency. Wipak customers will also benefit from an investment of several million euros at the Wipak Iberica site in Spain.
Furthermore, Wipak Gryspeert in France is making remarkable progress with the implementation of a new advanced cast line called “Greencast.” This line strengthens the group’s capabilities to provide co-extruded mono-material solutions for thermoforming applications, further supporting the commercialization of recyclable packaging solutions in Europe.
These investments not only support the growth of sustainable packaging at Wipak but also ensure compliance with the latest European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). They will enable Wipak to continue providing customers with high-quality and innovative solutions while supporting the company’s sustainability targets. The success stories from these products in the food and health packaging divisions demonstrate the market’s readiness to embrace sustainable alternatives. By upgrading facilities and enhancing capabilities, Wipak is ready to address customer and market challenges, creating new opportunities for sustainable flexible packaging solutions, and expanding its market reach.
Karri Koskela, CEO of Wipak Group, highlighted the significance of these strategic investments: “These investments show that Wipak is all in on growth, innovation, and sustainability. We are proud that these steps not only align with our values and are the right thing to do, but they also reflect the right course of action – a path that ensures growth, secures future success, and strengthens our partnerships with customers who share our vision for a sustainable future.”
For more information and enquiries, please contact:
Josefina Pönkkä – Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, Wipak Group
Email: josefina.ponkka@wipak.com
Wipak is a leading provider of flexible packaging solutions for global markets, with a compelling reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability in flexible packaging solutions for Food products and Medical Instruments and Devices. Wipak operates eleven facilities and a network of sales offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia and it is part of the family owned Wihuri business conglomerate. www.wipak.com/about-us/
