Kofola and Mattoni 1873, two prominent beverage companies, have taken significant steps in their collaboration with General Plastic, a leading Slovak firm specializing in preforms used in PET bottle manufacturing. The companies recently signed an addendum to the agreement with GP Alliance, securing a one-third stake in General Plastic. The remaining shares will continue to be held by GP Alliance, led by entrepreneur Ján Sabol. The announcement of this strategic move was made through a press release by Kofola, emphasizing the shared commitment of the companies.

The financial details of the transaction have been kept confidential, according to Jana Ptačinská Jirátová, a spokesperson for Kofola. The signing of the addendum on May 16 marks the completion of the transaction, officially solidifying the partnership. This collaboration underscores the common vision and ambition of all parties involved.

The three partners, Kofola, Mattoni 1873, and General Plastic, have already agreed to invest in General Plastic’s production facilities in Kolárovo. The aim of this investment is to enhance the entire PET bottle recycling process, from collection to the production of new recycled bottles.

Robert Spišák from GP Alliance explained that the previous recycling capabilities were limited to grinding plastic bottles into primary recycling products, such as flakes. However, with the new investment, General Plastic can now produce final recycled granules, a crucial component in the manufacturing of new PET bottles. The acquisition, which amounts to several million euros, is pending final approval.

Daniel Buryš, CEO of Kofola in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, highlighted the strategic importance of this venture in achieving their packaging sustainability goals, particularly in the utilization of PET bottle recyclate (rPET). The collaboration with General Plastic aligns with their commitment to a sustainable approach and supports the overall objective of creating a circular economy.

Alessandro Pasquale, Executive President of the Mattoni 1873 group, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in Slovakia’s implementation of a comprehensive deposit system for beverage PET bottles and cans. He also noted positive developments in the Czech Republic, where the Ministry of the Environment presented an initial proposal for a similar deposit system.

These initiatives demonstrate the beverage industry’s commitment to embracing circularity, and the acquisition of General Plastic plays a vital role in realizing these goals. Slovakia has already implemented a deposit system for disposable plastic bottles since January of this year, further emphasizing the industry’s dedication to sustainability,