Sustainable growth in packaging

STI Group expands its premium folding carton capacity with strategic investments in both Germany and Hungary.

In Greven, Germany, STI Group is installing the latest hybrid offset printing technology – the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106X-7+L press. Meanwhile in Kecskemét, Hungary, it has commissioned a new diecutting press, the Heidelberg MK Powermatrix 106 CSB, with a second identical press joining it in early 2022.

‘These investments significantly expand our premium folding box capacities in sites where we are demonstrating consistent growth,’ says STI Group CEO Jakob Rinninger. ‘We want to support our customers in developing their businesses while consolidating our strategic orientation. It also enables us to make an important contribution to greater sustainability, by helping to position premium fibre-based solutions as a viable alternative to plastic packaging.’

The importance of this segment to STI Group is reflected in the group's re-entry into the Fachverband Faltschachtelindustrie (German Packaging Federation). ‘The FFI network offers a valuable exchange of ideas,’ explains Rinninger. ‘When it comes to working out political, legal and technical framework conditions in particular, we want to fulfil our corporate responsibility and actively participate.’ Rinninger is looking to play a greater role in helping to shape industry developments through various FFI committees, particularly those with a focus on sustainability.

‘We are very pleased to welcome STI Group, one of the most innovative packaging manufacturers and a founding member of the FFI, back into our circle of members. We are convinced that the exchange at association level will be of great added value for all parties,’ comments Christian Schiffers, Managing Director of the FFI.

Increased productivity in Hungary
The folding carton segment is benefiting from the increasing customer appetite for sustainable packaging solutions. In recent years, STI Group's Hungarian site has significantly increased production volumes and now generates a total output of over 80 million euros, making it one of the largest folding carton locations in Europe. Many well-known brands already source finished folding cartons and pharmaceutical packaging from this plant, and the two new die-cutting machines will further extend the group’s capacities in Kecskemét.

Premium printing technology in Greven
STI Group's Greven plant also specialises in folding cartons. The first packaging to be printed on the new Rapida 106X-7+L is expected in late November, when customers will start to benefit from even more creative finishing options. This state of the art hybrid press sports 7 inking units and a coater, allowing it to print with both conventional and UV inks and coatings, as well as metallic coatings using a special kit. It can also print directly onto silver foil-laminated material and natural surfaces with high quality results.

‘These investments strengthen our strategic focus on packaging, and enable us to meet customer demand for sustainable yet highly refined fibre-based solutions even better and more efficiently,’ says STI Group CEO Jakob Rinninger.