2_DiscoverBenelux_Issue21_Sep_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 28/08/2015 20:47 Page 84
Discover Benelux | Packaging Solutions | Wipak
Packaging’s international leader For close to half a century, companies in the food industry and medical/healthcare sector have been turning to Wipak for their unsurpassed knowledge in creating innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. The multinational company prides itself on being a leading provider of high-quality films and packaging materials and is constantly working towards increasing their expertise in development and technology. TEXT: PAOLA WESTBEEK | PHOTOS: WIPAK
Although active in ten locations across Europe, Wipak, which recently ventured to China, is part of the Wihuri Group, a global yet family-run Finnish company employing approximately 5,000 individuals and operating since 1901 in packaging, retail, technical trade and aviation. Antti Aarnio-Wihuri has been Wihuri’s chairman since 1988. Proof that, when it comes to a family industry, stability and long-term thinking are a reality. Together with Winpak, its sister company spread out over ten locations in North America and Canada, Wipak accounts for half of the multinational enterprise’s total revenue (currently, close to two billion euros). Wihuri’s packaging business stands at
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the top as a worldwide leader, with Wipak focusing primarily on developing packaging solutions for foods in the protein, cheese and bake-off bread industries as well as for the healthcare industry.
Added values According to general director for Wipak Benelux, Peter Cuypers, the company’s global reach is indispensable when it comes to best serving their target markets: “In order to cater to these segments, it is of the utmost important to have a good network of factories close to your clients. Having factories all over Europe and being able to help our clients locally in their own language is one of Wipak’s unique added values.”
Another factor that makes Wipak unparalleled in its field is that they have the ability to self-sufficiently produce most of their co-extruded films. Take lidding films for example, which typically consists of two or three different layers and of which the sealing layer is the most critical element. “Yet another of our added values is that we make this layer ourselves, allowing us to tailor-make solutions and innovate constantly,” comments Cuypers.
Development through client collaboration In order for Wipak to keep developing new products, essential components are updated with the latest state-of-the-art technological innovations, while thoroughly