The importance of plastics during the health crisis

The Covid-19 pandemic has not been all bad news for ILIP (ILPA group), a leading manufacturer of thermoformed plastic and bioplastic packaging. In March, the Bologna-based company posted double-digit sales growth in the packaging segment, including a particularly strong increase in exports, driven by the surge in demand for plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables.

“The need for greater protection and hygiene for food products has pushed up demand for plastic packaging,” explains Roberto Zanichelli, Business Development & Marketing Director at ILIP. “In addition, the need to speed up purchases in supermarkets has boosted demand for pre-packaged products.”

Another growth category is that of containers, packaging and accessories for home deliveries of ready-to-eat food, such as polypropylene containers with hinged or separate lids for microwaving food directly in the container or heat-sealable packaging for a safer seal during transport.

A less positive note is the decline in sales of disposable tableware due to the shutdown of the catering industry. This has not discouraged the company’s investment plans, which include the completion of an automated warehouse with a capacity of 60,000 pallet spaces to be installed alongside the production facility.

Image credits: ILIP