Austrian packaging group Constantia Flexibles (Vienna; www.cflex.com) says it plans to buy UK flexible packaging specialist FFP Packaging Solutions (Northampton; www.ffppkg.co.uk) to boost its presence in the UK food sector. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

FFP Packaging Solutions was founded in 1967 and currently employs more than 100. It specialises in film on a reel, pouches and bags, recyclable laminates and lidding film, and resealable packaging.

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Pim Vervaat, Constantia Flexibles’ chief executive, said the deal to acquire FFP Packaging Solutions “will expand our overall market position”, adding that “its significant experience and credibility allow for strong relationships across the UK food industry.”

More than three-quarters (80%) of FFP’s sales are in sustainable packaging, a point noted by Vervaat. “Sustainable packaging solutions are no longer a trend. They are a must-have. FFP Packaging Solutions figures already show it.”

According to accounts lodged with the UK companies’ registration service Companies House, the firm generated turnover of GBP 19 mn (EUR 22.5 mn) in the 12 months to 31 January 2021, up 4% year-on-year. However, the impact of Covid-related restrictions resulted in an increase in costs and consequently the group posting a loss before tax of GBP 826,000 (EUR 978,000).