Smurfit Kappa is investing €54 million to double the capacity of its Ibi Bag-in-Box plant in Alicante and enhance the energy efficiency of its operations.
The investment is expected to lead to ‘significant’ reductions in energy consumption, as well as a general improvement in the sustainability of Smurfit Kappa’s product portfolio.
According to the company, Bag-in-Box Ibi runs multiple state-of-the-art systems that identify and separate waste products, which gives it a ‘strong track record’ where recycling is concerned.
The plant produces a range of packaging for dairy products, liquid eggs, cooking oils, wine, and water.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the Bag-in-Box division and forms part of our multi-country expansion plan,” explained Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe. “We have invested €90 million in the Ibi plant throughout the last decade which has significantly enhanced our offering.
“Our customers know that when they choose us, they will get everything they need for their product, invariably resulting in a beautifully designed bag-in-box with a reduced carbon footprint.”
Pascual Martínez, general manager of the Smurfit Kappa Ibi plant, added: “We are proud to be taking Ibi to the next level through this investment and creating a further 200 jobs for the local economy.
“We have a talented and very skilled team here that can solve even the most complex challenge. I am excited about embarking on the next chapter for Ibi.”
It comes after Smurfit Kappa acquired Pusa Pack, a bag-in-box packaging plant located in Onda, Castellón, in 2022.
The company has also developed a recyclable polyethylene film for use in bag-in-box packaging in a move expected to replace nylon alternatives.
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