27.5 per cent increase due to growth and rise in costs

Hard – The ALPLA Group can look back on a successful financial year 2022 in spite of the crisis. Sales of 5.1 billion euros exceeded the previous year’s figure by 27.5 per cent. In addition to the company’s growth strategy, the record turnover reflects the significantly higher costs for energy, materials, staff and transport. In 2023, the packaging and recycling specialist will focus on expanding its injection moulding capacities, investing in recycling, expanding its Pharma division and researching alternative materials.

ALPLA continued its international growth trajectory in 2022, expanding production capacities, increasing staff numbers and posting sales growth of 27.5 per cent. The international specialist for packaging solutions and recycling therefore achieved a positive annual result despite massive increases in energy prices and a shortage of raw materials. Newly opened sites, acquisitions and expansions resulted in more than 1,000 additional employees. The number of plants increased from 177 to 190.

‘The packaging industry will be dealing with high costs, changes in demand and changing consumer behaviour for a long time to come. We use efficiency, innovation and recycling expertise to realise safe, affordable and sustainable plastic solutions in times of crisis too,’ emphasises ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner. In addition to targeted acquisitions, the key factors contributing to the success were close and long-standing partnerships, strong regional roots and the expedited expansion of recycling capacities.

Growth markets, injection moulding and recycling
The long-term aim is for the company to grow by four to five per cent annually. In addition to capacity expansions in its core business, ALPLA is also planning strategic investments in injection moulding, increased involvement in the pharmaceutical sector and the expansion of the global circular economy. At the same time, there will be research into alternative, bio-based and biodegradable materials. ‘We are striving for long-term sustainable growth, strengthening our global presence, promoting recyclable products, minimising the use of resources and energy consumption, and expanding our portfolio,’ announces Lehner.

The focus is primarily on the growth markets of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and North America. In the area of recycling, ALPLA has been investing more than 50 million euros annually in capacity expansions and technology development since 2021. For there to be more packaging which is both recyclable and affordable, closed loops and sufficient materials are needed. ALPLA is therefore planning to double the annual production of recycled materials at its own plants by 2026 and is supporting the development and optimisation of local collection systems around the world.