The Austrian family business ALPLA can look back on seven decades of packaging history - from plastics processing in its parents' laundry room to a global group of companies with a clear focus on the circular economy and sustainable packaging solutions.
What is now regarded as a prime example of innovation and sustainability in the plastic packaging industry began in 1955 in a small room in Hard on Lake Constance. It was there that brothers Alwin and Helmuth Lehner founded „AlpenPlastik Heinrich Lehner KG“ - and manufactured their first plastic products in their parents' laundry room. Their goal: to bring the then largely unknown material plastic to series production and make packaging more efficient, safer and cheaper.
At a time when plastic was seen as a technological advancement, the project struck a chord with the economic miracle. Plastic stood for lightness, mouldability and modernity - „plastic is fantastic“ was not just a marketing slogan in the 1950s, but the expression of a genuine promise for the future. ALPLA developed its own tools and machines early on, including the „Alplamat“, one of the first blow moulding machines for hollow bodies - and quickly made a name for itself beyond the region.
From regional provider to global player
In the following decades, the company grew with the increasing demand for plastic packaging. Under Günther Lehner, son of one of the founders, internationalisation began in the 1980s. With plants in Western Europe, and later in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, ALPLA developed into one of the world's leading manufacturers of plastic packaging solutions.
Today, the ALPLA Group employs over 24,000 people at more than 200 locations worldwide and supplies numerous international branded companies - particularly in the food & beverage, cosmetics, household and industrial sectors. The product range extends from bottles, closures and preforms to customised special solutions.
Change in perception: from „miracle substance“ to resource
Society's assessment of plastic has changed significantly over the past few decades. While the material was seen as the epitome of progress in the early years, it is now increasingly criticised - especially in connection with environmental pollution, disposable packaging and microplastics. This change has also led to a rethink at ALPLA.
The company has been investing specifically in recycling technologies and „Design for Recycling“ since the 1990s. Today, ALPLA operates its own recycling plants for PET and HDPE in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. In this way, the company aims to close the plastics cycle - and design packaging in such a way that it becomes a resource rather than waste.
„Plastic is fantastic - if you do it right,“ says CEO Philipp Lehner, a representative of the third generation, summarising the company's attitude. With developments such as the fully recyclable PET wine bottle or paper-based packaging components, ALPLA is trying to harmonise functionality and sustainability.
A look into the future
To mark its 70th anniversary, ALPLA sees itself as a driver of change within the industry. In addition to the expansion of recycled materials, the focus is also on supporting collection systems - especially in regions with a weak disposal infrastructure. In several countries, the company is promoting initiatives in which consumers are rewarded for returning used packaging.
With its clear commitment to a circular future, ALPLA sees itself well positioned. At the same time, it remains true to itself: innovative strength, vertical integration and technological development are still the foundation of its success 70 years after the first injection moulding machine in the laundry room.
