Huhtamaki expands molded fiber footprint with US$18M acquisition of Zellwin Farms Company

USA – Huhtamaki, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has completed the acquisition of Zellwin Farms Company, a privately-owned molded fiber packaging business based in Zellwood, Florida, USA.

 The US$18 million enterprise value transaction strengthens Huhtamaki’s position in the North American molded fiber market, particularly in the egg carton and egg flat segment.

With a longstanding presence in the Southeastern U.S., Zellwin Farms has served regional egg producers for over two decades from its single-site operation.

The company generates annual net sales of approximately US$20 million and brings manufacturing expertise and an established customer base.

The acquisition is expected to bolster Huhtamaki’s capacity and technical capabilities in molded fiber packaging, enabling it to better serve the growing demand for renewable and recyclable packaging alternatives.

“This acquisition is attractive for us as legislation in North America continues to shift packaging choices in the egg industry toward more renewable and recyclable options, such as molded fiber,” said Ann O’Hara, President, Huhtamaki North America.

“It supports our aspiration to be a leader in this category, delivers installed capacity to strengthen our manufacturing footprint, and helps grow our excellent customer relationships.”

The acquisition aligns with Huhtamaki’s ongoing strategy to lead the transition toward sustainable packaging and follows earlier investments to modernize and expand its molded fiber operations.

 In recent years, Huhtamaki has invested in automation, advanced fiber-forming technology, and increased production capacity across several sites in North America and Europe.

These efforts are part of a broader commitment to replace rigid plastics with fiber-based packaging wherever possible.

Huhtamaki has invested over US$100 million in its molded fiber operations globally to meet rising demand for eco-conscious alternatives.

This includes facility upgrades and equipment enhancements to improve production efficiency, product quality, and the recyclability of molded fiber products.

The addition of Zellwin Farms complements these earlier initiatives. It provides Huhtamaki with a strategic foothold in the Southeastern U.S., a region with high egg production and an evolving regulatory landscape favouring sustainable packaging materials.

As retailers and food producers continue to seek environmentally friendly solutions, moulded fibre products such as egg cartons are gaining traction for their biodegradability and recyclability.

 With this acquisition, Huhtamaki is well-positioned to respond to market shifts while advancing its sustainability goals and strengthening its supply chain resilience.

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