PET powerhouse

Amcor buys world leader in PET containers

Australian packaging company Amcor Limited is expanding its market position in PET containers by purchasing the PET business of the world leader in that segment, Schmalbach-Lubeca. Schmalbach’s operations will complement Amcor’s existing PET container operations in Canada and the Americas. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, but was expected to close this month.

“The increased exposure to the high value-added custom bottle market is a major advantage, as this is the fastest growing and most technically demanding segment of the market,” says Amcor’s managing director Russell Jones.

Amcor and Schmalbach’s PET businesses had combined sales of $3.3 billion in 2001.

Amcor is also buying Schmalbach’s closures operation, White Cap. It has three plastic closure plants in the U.S. and Mexico and has particularly strong positions in metal closure applications for food and beverages.

Schmalbach-Lubeca’s PET business, soon to be owned by Amcor, created this PET bottle for Hiram Walker’s premium Rich & Rare Canadian whisky.