Estiko invests 2.4 million euros in packaging innovation and the purchase of new machines, of which 700,000 euros are financed in cooperation with Norway Grants “Green ICT” programme and Enterprise Estonia (EAS). During the project, a new printing machine, an additional plastic regeneration device to increase recycling and a laser cleaning device for environmentally friendly cleaning of anilox used in printing machines were installed in Estikos’ production site. What is more, the existing afterburner will also be expanded, and further developments will be made in resource planning software.
In addition to the project supported by foreign funding, Estiko has also made additional investments in post-processing and extrusion to increase delivery precision and the security of its supply. In 2021, a new seven-layer extruder was purchased, which enables the production of new and existing products more sustainably than before. To alleviate the significantly increased demand for packaging materials, Estiko also invested in state-of-the-art laminator and cutting machine. New pouch welding and capping machines were purchased as well, allowing the supplier to expand its portfolio with a popular stand-up pouch solution suitable for several product categories.
To accommodate new equipment and added possibilities under one roof, the production building was also expanded, which allows Estiko to produce packaging from granules to finished products and transportation on 8,600 square meters.
According to Meelis Jürgens, CEO at Estiko, the investments made will have a positive impact on the company and its customers, as well as on society at large. “As a packaging supplier, Estiko has always strived for more environmentally friendly and sustainable production. In addition, consumers are increasingly moving towards greener solutions, and we must lead the way. Thanks to the investments made, we can meet the demand significantly more resource-efficiently than before, thereby reducing the CO2 footprint of both our customers and the company itself,” said Jürgens.
By 2030, all packaging on the European Union market must be reusable or recyclable. Therefore, there are plenty of challenges for the packaging industry.
Thanks to the project, additional 12 new job positions will be created in Estiko’s production site. What is more, the company has also actively trained the existing workforce and recruited additional people throughout the year to ensure a stable production and supply of packaging. “Despite turbulent times, the demand for packaging is consistently high, especially in the food industry. This has been our strategic choice. The entire development process and new state-of-the-art machines will help Estiko to achieve better digitalisation to monitor and manage processes in order to maintain its level and continue to be a valued and worthy partner among its customers,” said Jürgens.
The entire volume of investments made during the two years is 5.7 million euros.
The project is financed in cooperation with Norway Grants “Green ICT” programme and Enterprise Estonia (EAS). The programme “Green ICT” objective is increased value creation and sustainable growth in Estonia’s private sector. Green ICT aims to stimulate and develop innovation-led long-term business cooperation between Estonia and Norway. For this bilateral cooperation projects are supported to enhance joint business ambitions and innovation. For more information about the project, please click here.
