#Italy #Bologna #plastic recycling #Aliplast #Kronos Polymer

Aliplast Strengthens Its Leadership in Plastic Recycling

In a significant move to enhance its position in the plastic recycling industry, Aliplast, part of the Hera Group, has entered into a binding agreement for the acquisition of a 70% stake in Kronos Polymer Polska. This acquisition is part of Aliplast’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its capabilities in high-quality plastic regeneration, specifically targeting the European market's growing demand for recycled materials.

Located in Bologna, Italy, Aliplast operates several production facilities across Europe, including countries like France, Spain, and Poland. The company has developed an integrated industrial model that spans the entire process from collecting plastic waste to transforming it into secondary raw materials. Currently, it has a production capacity of over 100,000 tonnes per year, including a range of recycled products like PET and LDPE flakes, granules, and more.

The newly formed entity, Kronos Polymer Polska, will operate out of a state-of-the-art industrial facility in Gniew, Pomerania, approximately 300 kilometers from Aliplast Polska's branch in Tuszyn. This strategic expansion will enhance local recycling capabilities by utilizing a recently constructed plant equipped with a comprehensive line for sorting, shredding, and washing polyethylene, boasting an annual production capacity of 12,000 tonnes.

By directly managing recycling and regeneration activities at this new plant, Aliplast aims to optimize its operational flow and logistics significantly. The acquisition will not only increase its production flexibility but also double its overall recycling capacity to exceed 210,000 tonnes annually. This flexibility is crucial, especially considering the increasing regulatory pressures for sustainable packaging solutions in Europe.

As the company gears up for the integration of Kronos Polymer, it is simultaneously advancing other projects in Italy, including a rigid plastics recycling facility in Modena and another for PE-LD in Borgolavezzaro (Novara). Through these initiatives, Aliplast is set to strengthen its existing industrial synergies while responding effectively to the evolving demands of the European market.

"This transaction underscores our commitment to expanding Aliplast's production capacity, aligning perfectly with Hera Group's strategy that views resource regeneration as a core pillar of our operations," said Michele Petrone, CEO of Aliplast. He emphasized the importance of this acquisition in line with the business plan, which aims for continuous growth in the waste management value chain and expanding market footprints.

The growing focus on environmentally responsible practices is spurred by recent regulations aimed at improving waste management and encouraging a circular economy across the EU. In this context, the partnership with Kronos Polymer presents a great opportunity for mutual growth, allowing both companies to leverage their strengths—Aliplast’s extensive experience and Kronos’ local industry expertise.

As the acquisition process proceeds, it remains subject to standard preconditions, including the completion of the spin-off of Kronos Polymer and the transfer of necessary environmental permits, anticipated to be concluded by the end of 2026.

In summary, Aliplast’s strategic acquisition of Kronos Polymer Polska marks a pivotal step in enhancing its leadership in the recycled plastics market, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the production and management of recyclable materials within Europe’s changing regulatory landscape.