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Aliplast (Hera Group) Bolsters Plastic Recycling Leadership Through Strategic Acquisition

Aliplast, a leading company in the field of high-quality plastics recycling, has made a significant move to enhance its market position by acquiring a 70% stake in Kronos Polymer Polska. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Aliplast's commitment to sustainable practices and resource regeneration. The agreement, signed by Aliplast's Polish subsidiary Aliplast Polska, establishes a new entity formed through the spin-off from Kronos Polymer, a Polish operator specializing in the recycling and processing of polyethylene (PE).

With existing facilities across Italy, France, Spain, and Poland, Aliplast has structured an integrated industrial model that manages the entire lifecycle of plastic waste—from collection to transformation into secondary raw materials. The company currently produces an impressive 100,000 tonnes annually of recycled products, including PET and LDPE flakes and granules, along with various film and sheet products, emphasizing its robust commitment to quality recycling processes.

Kronos Polymer operates out of a cutting-edge facility in Gniew, Pomerania, located approximately 300 kilometers from Aliplast Polska's Tuszyn branch. The newly formed company will utilize a fully operational polyethylene sorting, grinding, and washing line with a production capacity of 12,000 tonnes per year, which will not only strengthen Aliplast’s operations but also enhance its ability to cater to local recycling needs.

This acquisition is set against the backdrop of ongoing projects in Italy, including a rigid plastics recycling plant in Modena and a PE-LD recycling facility in Borgolavezzaro (Novara). These initiatives are designed to increase Aliplast's recycling flexibility and capabilities, effectively doubling its overall production capacity to exceed 210,000 tonnes yearly. Aliplast aims to meet the evolving demands of the European market by focusing on the quality and traceability of its recycled materials.

The timeline for the completion of the Kronos Polymer Polska acquisition depends on fulfilling standard contingencies, such as the approval of the demerger and transfer of necessary environmental permits, with completion expected by the end of 2026. Michele Petrone, CEO of Aliplast, highlighted the strategic nature of this transaction, which aligns with the overarching goals of the Hera Group to prioritize resource regeneration as a critical component of their operational strategy.

This partnership not only reflects Aliplast's long-standing history in Poland but also represents a significant opportunity for Kronos Polymer to leverage its industrial expertise and advanced knowledge within the plastics recycling sector. Additionally, the timing of this acquisition is crucial as the newly implemented PPWR Regulation introduces stringent European guidelines for the management and design of packaging waste. This regulation is anticipated to foster a circular economy, necessitating a comprehensive review of the entire packaging supply chain.

Through this acquisition of a majority stake in Kronos Polymer Polska, Aliplast reinforces its position within the European recycling landscape while addressing the growing demand for recycled plastics in Poland. This endeavor exemplifies a collaborative effort to enhance sustainable practices and contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation, with Aliplast poised for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.