Austrian packaging giant Alpla has announced ambitious plans to double its plastic recycling capacity to 700,000 tonnes per year by 2030, further solidifying its commitment to the circular economy. This announcement follows a successful 2024, during which the company reported a turnover of €4.9 billion, up 4% from €4.7 billion in 2023. Alpla credits its dedication to sustainable practices for these robust financial results.

The company invests a minimum of €50 million annually into plastic recycling initiatives, with operations spanning 13 facilities across nine countries. In October 2024, Alpla inaugurated its first PET recycling plant in South Africa, adding to its network of PET mechanical recycling facilities in Germany, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Romania, Thailand, and Mexico. Alpla’s recycling division focuses on producing high-quality recycled HDPE and PET materials to meet increasing global demand.

CEO Philipp Lehner highlighted that the company’s growth was particularly strong in South America, Africa, and the Middle East, while demand in North and Central America also recovered. In Europe, despite challenging market conditions, Alpla is witnessing an upward trend. However, Lehner pointed out that increasing EU regulations, high labor costs, and declining competitiveness pose significant challenges. “We are addressing these issues through enhanced efficiency, innovative products, and maintaining our leadership in recycling,” Lehner stated.

The European plastics market has faced headwinds, with production of virgin and recycled plastics falling for the first time in 2023. EU plastics production dropped 8.3% to 54 million tonnes, while recycled post-consumer plastics production decreased by 7.8% to 7.1 million tonnes. In contrast, global plastics production grew by 3.4%, causing Europe’s market share to shrink to 12%. Despite maintaining a trade surplus in value, Europe became a net importer of plastic resins and finished goods, with resin exports plummeting 25.4% from 2020 to 2023.

To offset challenges in Europe, Alpla is expanding into more cost-effective markets. The company plans to open a new recycling facility in Thailand in 2025, targeting the Asia-Pacific region's vast potential, lower labor costs, and energy savings.

Across its global operations, Alpla reached a milestone of 200 plants and created 1,000 new jobs in 2024 through acquisitions, new ventures, and training programs. With 24,350 employees, including 365 apprentices, Alpla continues to lead in sustainability and innovation within the packaging industry.

ALPLA Group, based in Hard, Austria, is an international plastics manufacturer and recycler specializing in blow-moulded bottles and caps, injection-moulded components, preforms, and tubes. In early 2021, ALPLA Group revealed plans to invest an average of €50 million annually through 2025 to further expand its recycling operations.