The world's third-largest manufacturer of flexible packaging is investing more than 80 million euros in its Constantia Teich plant in Austria. Core elements are a new rolling mill and an additional paint line, which will enable the group to take advantage of growth opportunities in the aluminium market while securing the supply chain. Likewise, the company scores on the topic of sustainability: further reduction of the CO2 footprint and climate-friendly rolling with green electricity and a photovoltaic system.
"We continue to pursue our successful course and invest in new state-of-the-art technology at our Constantia Teich plant," says Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles. With the new rolling capacity, Constantia Teich will in future produce a total of 90,000 tonnes (+ 30%) of aluminium foil in Austria, making it the largest integrated producer in Europe. Due to the in-house production of the foils, the CO2 balance is significantly lower compared to purchased foils from outside Europe. The company thus avoids more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2. In addition to the positive impact on the eco-balance, the company can also secure the supply chain through in-house production. "We are more independent and thus more crisis-proof," emphasises Dr. Gerald Hummer, Executive Vice President of the Aluminum Division. The foils are produced with high-end primary material from renowned European partners. A continuously increasing share of the material is processed from recycled secondary aluminium, as the company is paying more attention to a closed loop.
The investment in foil production comprises a complete expansion package, including structural and infrastructural measures. The investment will add a rolling mill and ancillary equipment, a slitting line, annealing furnaces and expansion of the high-bay warehouse to Constantia Flexibles' largest plant. The project will start in autumn 2022 and the first commercial production is planned for spring 2025. Production will be primarily for high-end packaging in the pet food, food, pharmaceutical and coffee segments.
In addition, Constantia Flexibles wants to increase capacities in strategic growth areas, such as coffee capsules, and therefore invested in another coating machine and additional equipment. A photovoltaic system covering several thousand square metres is being built on the roofs of the expanded hall modules.
www.cflex.com
