14 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Paper, packaging, and visual communications provider, Antalis, has announced the purchase of a multi-million-pound UK packaging company. The business, aptly named The Packaging Company, was purchased by Antalis as part of its strategic aim to expand its presence, product offerings, and service capabilities within the UK packaging market. Established in 1994 in the Midlands, The Packaging Company has grown to a calculated annual revenue of £3.2m with a team of 24. It’s product portfolio includes a wide range of packaging tapes, tools, dispensers, and protective packaging solutions. In a statement about the acquisition, Antalis has highlighted The Packaging Company’s creativity and customer-focused approach as factors behind the purchase. Antalis has already begun what it describes as a “smooth transition process” aiming to ensure uninterrupted service for all of The Packaging Company’s current customers and partners. Hervé Poncin, chief executive officer of Antalis, says: “We are delighted to welcome The Packaging Company (Midlands) into the Antalis family. “Its expertise in bespoke packaging and manufacturing complements our dedication to delivering innovative and tailored solutions. This acquisition embodies our commitment to developing high-performance, sustainable, and reusable packaging options, empowering us to meet evolving market demands effectively.” Nicholas Thompson, managing director UK and Ireland for Antalis, adds: "The talented and dedicated team at The Packaging Company (Midlands) is known for their creativity, exceptional service, and customer-focused approach. “We will unlock new opportunities together, delivering even more innovative, sustainable, and customised packaging solutions to delight our customers." Antalis expands UK packaging presence with major purchase Antalis’ UK head office is situated in Coalville, Leicestershire New initiative launched to promote creative brand packaging The Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) has announced the launch of a new initiative designed to promote the use of packaging as a vital consumer engagement channel. The Interactive Brand Packaging Network (IBPN) aims to serve as an authoritative body for establishing measurement standards, best practices, and developing ROI frameworks for brands to utilise connected packaging within media and marketing strategies. The stated goal of the network is to “create an industry-wide ecosystem that elevates packaging from purely a product container into a strategic media asset for brands.” The IBPN will launch with a dedicated stream at the AIPIA’s upcoming World Congress in Amsterdam on June 23rd and 24th. The stream will be headlined by Patrick Collister, former executive creative director of Ogilvy & Mather. By Jonathan Pert ACTEGA partners with Fujifilm to integrate ECOLEAF technology Saica Group creates UK jobs with multi-millionpound investments Saica Group has announced multiple major investments in the UK arms of its flexible and corrugated packaging divisions, building new facilities, upgrading equipment, and creating new jobs in local areas. Saica Flex, the flexible packaging division of Saica Group, has received a multi-million-pound investment, designed to strengthen Saica Flex’s position in the competitive flexible packaging market and support rapid growth. The €7.1m (£5.9m) investment includes an array of new technology, namely a new printing press as well as updated conversion equipment including specialised perforation units, an advanced hole-punching system, and a high-speed slitting machine. The investment in Saica Flex is also predicted to create up to 20 new local jobs in the Wigan area, with 11 recruits reportedly already hired. Packaging Innovations reports record number of visitors Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 received the highest ever visitor numbers in its history according to organisers, Easyfairs. The UK packaging trade show, which took place at the NEC Birmingham on February 12th and 13th, saw a reported 7,424 unique visitors this year, higher than any previous year. The annual event featured over 450 exhibitors showcasing their latest packaging solutions as well as 96 expert speakers across three stages, multiple dedicated zones, and an awards show. The 2026 edition of the event has already been announced, with the trade show set to take place on February 11th and 12th next year. ACTEGA, chemical manufacturer for the print and packaging industry, has announced a new partnership with Fujifilm to integrate ACTEGA’s ECOLEAF solution to Fujifilm products. The ECOLEAF solution enables the production of metallic label embellishments and is designed to have a significantly improved environmental profile and intricacy in comparison to traditional foiling methods. By moving from traditional foiling techniques to ECOLEAF metallisation, printers and converters remove the need for PET carrier film and foil reels. This can significantly reduce waste and plastic consumption and cut CO2 emissions. With ACTEGA’s new partnership with FUJIFILM Integrated Inkjet Solutions, All ECOLEAF units can now be equipped along with the FUJIFILM 46kUV Inkjet Printbar to print a higher resolution trigger image consistently. This year’s winners of the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards PACKAGING / NEWS By Jonathan Pert
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