With a turnover of 1.8 billion euros, investments totalling 159 million euros and targeted acquisitions, the Belgian VPK Group continued its growth trajectory in 2024. Sustainability and innovation were clearly at the centre of this.
The VPK Group further expanded its international presence in 2024 through several strategic acquisitions. Two Italian packaging manufacturers, IEMME Packaging and Open Imballaggi, were acquired. In addition, the Spanish Arteche Group was successfully integrated into the subsidiary Corex, according to reports. The Europe-wide introduction of Fanfold packaging also contributed to the diversification of the product portfolio.
Investing in sustainability and innovation
Although VPK already offers exclusively recyclable packaging solutions, the company is going even further with regard to its carbon footprint:
- A biomass boiler was installed in Portugal.
- The Alizay site (France) was expanded into a comprehensive circular economy hub.
- A newly developed Product Carbon Footprint Calculator allows customers to calculate the carbon footprint of individual packaging solutions - a step towards greater transparency along the entire supply chain.
Capacity expansion in Poland and Belgium
VPK invested heavily in production technology in order to meet the continuing demand:
- A new corrugator was installed in Poland.
- In Belgium, the packaging division was expanded with additional machines and a new casemaker.
These measures should not only increase the efficiency but also the flexibility of production, according to the company.
Financial figures 2024: Stable despite market pressure
Despite a sluggish recovery in industrial production and weak consumer spending, VPK was able to increase turnover slightly to 1.8 billion euros. EBITDA totalled 217 million euros, while total investments amounted to 159 million euros. The start of production at the Alizay paper site also strengthened the Group's vertical integration, according to reports.
Outlook: Focus on integration & cycle
For the coming years, VPK is focusing on the further integration of its own paper production into corrugated cardboard production - with a clear focus on the circular economy, customer proximity and local roots. The sustainable reorganisation of the business model remains the strategic core.
Source: VPK
