Renowned beverage companies, Kofola and Mattoni 1873, have made significant progress by acquiring a one-third stake in General Plastic, a leading producer of preforms used in PET bottle manufacturing in Slovakia. This strategic move was announced through an addendum to the agreement with GP Alliance, with the remaining shares held by GP Alliance itself. The collaboration aims to strengthen the PET bottle recycling process and supports the companies’ commitment to sustainability.

Partnership Details:

The financial details of the transaction between the companies have been kept confidential, as confirmed by Jana Ptačinská Jirátová, spokesperson for Kofola. The signing of the addendum on May 16 marks the completion of the transaction, solidifying the partnership between Kofola, Mattoni 1873, and General Plastic. The shared vision and ambition of all parties involved are reflected in this strategic collaboration.

Investment in General Plastic:

The three partners have agreed to invest in the production facilities of General Plastic in Kolárovo. The investment aims to enhance the PET bottle recycling process, encompassing the entire lifecycle from collection to the production of new recycled bottles. Previously, General Plastic’s recycling capabilities were limited to grinding plastic bottles into primary recycling products. However, with this new investment, they can now produce final recycled granules, which are crucial components in manufacturing new PET bottles. The acquisition, valued at several million euros, is pending final approval.

Sustainability Goals and Circular Economy:

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

Progress in Beverage Packaging Recycling:

Alessandro Pasquale, the 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. Additionally, he highlighted the positive development 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 dedication to embracing circularity and highlight the role of acquisitions, such as the partnership with General Plastic, in realizing these sustainability goals.

Conclusion:

The acquisition of a stake in General Plastic by Kofola and Mattoni 1873 signifies a significant step toward strengthening PET bottle recycling. The investment in General Plastic’s production facilities will enhance the recycling process, allowing the production of final recycled granules for new PET bottles. This partnership aligns with the companies’ sustainability goals and commitment to a circular economy. The progress made in Slovakia’s implementation of a deposit system for beverage packaging, coupled with positive developments in the Czech Republic, further demonstrates the industry’s commitment to promoting recycling and sustainability in the packaging sector.

Article by Prague Forum