A significant development in the packaging industry has taken place with IPL and Schoeller Allibert announcing their merger to create a leading global entity specializing in reusable plastic packaging. This newly formed company, which remains unnamed as of now, is projected to generate over $1.4 billion in annual revenue for 2024. Positioned in Dublin, Ireland, the organization will be headed by IPL's CEO Alan Walsh. The merged enterprise boasts an impressive network of 27 manufacturing locations spanning North America, the UK, and Europe, reflecting its robust international presence.

Headquartered in Dublin, IPL specializes in rigid plastic packaging solutions catering to sectors such as food, consumer goods, environmental, and agriculture. Operating through 16 sites with approximately 2,500 employees, IPL reported revenues of $822 million in 2024. On the other hand, Schoeller Allibert, based in the Netherlands, leads in returnable transport packaging within Europe. It serves industries like food, beverages, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and retail via 11 production facilities employing roughly 1,600 individuals, achieving €550 million in revenue for 2024.

This alliance aims to propel the transition towards sustainable packaging options, driven by increasing regulatory pressures, heightened consumer consciousness, and ESG commitments. Their combined product range encompasses reusable crates, containers, and transport systems tailored for high-volume users across crucial industries.

According to IPL CEO Alan Walsh, "The evolution of packaging hinges on sustainability, innovation, and flexibility. By merging our capabilities across the Atlantic, we can enhance our service offerings while establishing a strong foundation for enduring growth." Echoing this sentiment, Schoeller Allibert’s CEO Alejandro Cabal Uribe noted that their unified strength positions them advantageously to address global sustainability challenges effectively.

Anticipated to finalize during Q3 of 2025 contingent upon regulatory clearances, the consolidated business will see ownership distributed at 55% among IPL shareholders—investment funds managed by Madison Dearborn Partners and CDPQ—and 45% held by Schoeller Allibert's proprietors, Brookfield Asset Management's private equity segment and the Schoeller family.

The agreement marks ongoing consolidation trends within the packaging sector as businesses strive for scalable, closed-loop resolutions. For manufacturers in the food and beverage domains, it signifies enhanced access to environmentally friendly packaging infrastructures across critical markets.

With the integration of these two prominent entities, the packaging industry anticipates a transformative shift towards more sustainable practices. As they combine resources and expertise, the resulting synergy promises not only to meet current market demands but also to pave the way for future innovations in eco-conscious packaging solutions.