Packaging specialist ALPLA’s pharma division growing

Im Geschäftsbereich ALPLApharma bündelt das international tätige Verpackungsunternehmen ALPLA seit 2019 sämtliche Aktivitäten rund um die Entwicklung und Herstellung von Verpackungen für den Pharmabereich. (Copyright: ALPLA) / The global packaging company ALPLA consolidated all of its activities relating to the development and production of packaging for the pharma sector in the ALPLApharma division in 2019. (Copyright: ALPLA)

Der Verpackungsspezialist ALPLA erschließt mit der Übernahme des polnischen Unternehmens APON den Markt für Pharmaverpackungen in Zentral- und Osteuropa (CEE). (Copyright: ALPLA) / With its acquisition of the Polish company APON, packaging specialist ALPLA is tapping the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) market for pharmaceutical packaging. (Copyright: ALPLA)

The global packaging company ALPLA is boosting the presence of its pharma division in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with the acquisition of the Polish company APON. APON produces plastic packaging for the pharma industry at its site in Żyrardów near Warsaw. The acquisition continues the growth and expansion course of the ALPLApharma business division established in 2019.

Bottles, containers, caps, dosage systems and accessories in certified clean-room quality – ALPLA has been producing plastic packaging for pharma products since 2016. The rapidly growing segment was consolidated under the brand ALPLApharma in 2019 and has been gradually expanded. ALPLA is continuing this expansionary course with the acquisition of the Polish company APON. ‘We are increasing our presence in Central and Eastern Europe and are providing the emerging market in Poland and the Baltic states with high-quality products right there in the region,’ explains Walter Knes, Managing Director, ALPLApharma.

APON was founded as a family business in 1985. Its workforce of approximately 45 at the site in Żyrardów near Warsaw currently produces bottles with fill volumes of 5 to 100 millilitres, containers with screw caps or snap lids and medical accessories with dosage aids. The pharmaceutical primary packaging is produced in a clean room in accordance with ISO 15378.

The company also produces packaging for food supplements and for the e-liquid sector. The plastics used as packaging materials are HDPE, LDPE, PP and PET. It has a total annual production of over 200 million units. Its integration into the ALPLA Group is beneficial for both parties – in addition to the development of new markets, it will allow for access to technological expertise and packaging innovations. All of the APON staff will be kept on.

Pharma, a future market

ALPLApharma has its main sites in Egypt, Greece, Romania, South Africa and Poland as well as production plants in nine other countries. Further expansionary steps are planned in the months and years to come. Its portfolio will also be expanded. In addition to standard products for the pharma industry, it focuses on packaging for over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals and food supplements. ALPLApharma recently added flexible EBM (extrusion blow moulding) technology to its production because of this, making it possible for sustainable, weight-reduced and cost-effective containers to be produced.

‘The Pharma division has huge future potential. As well as above-average market growth, the segment is characterised by strong customer loyalty. With our global capacities and quality standards, we make reliable and long-term partnerships possible,’ emphasises ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner.

The contract partners have agreed not to disclose any details of the acquisition.