Aliplast, a subsidiary of the Hera Group and specialist in plastics recycling, has taken over the PET recycling site from Gurit Italia. The new production line expands capacity by 15,000 tonnes per year and supports the implementation of current EU requirements.
The European plastics recycling market is developing dynamically - also due to stricter regulatory requirements. In this environment, Aliplast, a subsidiary of the Italian Hera Group, has further strengthened its position: the company has taken over Gurit Italia's PET recycling site in Carmignano di Brenta. The integration gives Aliplast additional production capacity of around 15,000 tonnes per year - a strategic step towards securing the supply of raw materials and the circular economy.
Strategic investment in a growing market
The acquisition is part of Aliplast's long-term growth strategy, which is particularly focussed on the area of recycled PET (rPET). The site in the province of Padua processes PET waste from households, which is collected via the take-back systems of the Italian consortia Corepla and Coripet. The plant includes grinding, washing and extrusion lines that process PET for direct food contact and for industrial applications - for example for further processing into textile fibres or vehicle components.
Response to stricter legal requirements
In addition to the ecological claim, Aliplast is also pursuing a clear business objective with the takeover: the increased demand for recycled plastic is not least the result of new legal requirements. Since 1 January, the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP Directive) has been in force in Italy, which, among other things, stipulates a minimum proportion of 25 % recycled material in plastic containers for liquid foodstuffs. At the same time, the new European Packaging Ordinance (PPWR) is increasingly focussing on recyclability and the use of recyclates.
Expansion of infrastructure and logistics
In addition to the expansion of production, Aliplast will also benefit logistically from the takeover: Gurit's storage capacities will be integrated into the existing goods flow organisation in future. This will not only allow the company to react more quickly to market developments, but will also improve the traceability of its products - an important aspect in ensuring product safety and transparency along the supply chain.
Focus on quality and sustainable growth
Michele Petrone, CEO of Aliplast, emphasises the strategic importance of the acquisition: „This acquisition is a central component of our business plan, which focuses on the recovery and reuse of resources.“ In addition to expanding capacity, the main aim is to raise quality standards in order to meet the growing demands of the industry and legislators. Aliplast was already able to expand its customer base by more than nine per cent in 2024 - a development that is to be further supported by the current investment.
Source: Hera Group
