Corrugated packaging suppliers VPK Group and IEMME Packaging have announced a joint venture with a united strategy for for sustainable growth and expansion.
IEMME Packaging is based in Gambolò, near Milan. It will join VPK Group’s four divisions, which include VPK Packaging, VPK Paper, Corex, and Smart Packaging Solutions.
In 2023, IEMME’s central plant in Italy reportedly produced 70 million m² of cardboard, employed 100 people and generated a revenue of €40m that same year.
Belgium-based VPK will join IEMME’s capital to further lead and develop the organisation, while also enabling VPK to offer a range of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions in Italy, including printed Fanfold, digitally printed packaging, American and die-cut boxes, and sheet cardboard.
The Italian packaging market is anticipated to register a CAGR of more than 1% by 2027.
IEMME Packaging CEO Andrea Toso commented: "We are honoured to welcome VPK as an ideal partner in IEMME, alongside our family. This partnership will allow us to face future challenges with determination and efficiency."
This joint venture follows VPK’s acquisition of a majority stake in Italian corrugated cardboard company Zetacarton, further strengthening its foothold in the country. It also has a majority stake in UK-based corrugated sheets supplier CorrBoard.
GlobalData reports that global business leaders expect a higher demand for cardboard than any other packaging material, due to its sustainability.