Adding to its existing investments in Ukraine, which amount to more than EUR 5.3 bn, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD, London / UK; www.ebrd.com) on 19 November extended a EUR 29.8m loan to Ukrplastic (Kiev / Ukraine; www.ukrplastic.com). The family-run flexible plastic packaging manufacturer plans to use the money to improve its energy efficiency and environmental standards, among others.

Specifically, the funds will finance the introduction of a solvent recovery system and provide for new lamination equipment for speciality packaging. In addition, Ukrplastic also is to install a new combined heat and power unit to ensure a reliable electricity supply.

Following a reconstruction in the early 1970s, Ukrplastic increased its nameplate capacity to 25,000 t/y of polyethylene films. Products include three-layer BOPP films as well as multilayer coextruded and combined films.