Krones expands recycling, can handling capabilities through acquisitions

GERMANY – Krones AG, a leading provider of filling and packaging solutions, has made two key moves to broaden its offerings in sustainable processing and beverage equipment. 

In July, the company took a 60% stake in GHS Separationstechnik GmbH, a German firm specializing in solid-liquid separation tools. 

This deal brings decanter centrifuges into Krones’ lineup, enabling better handling of PET recycling streams alongside applications in vegetable oils and juices.

GHS, located in Landshut with a production site in Pfeffenhausen, supports 25 full-time workers and posted revenues of about US$11.8 million last year. 

According to a company announcement, these centrifuges process waste materials more effectively, turning them into reusable inputs for packaging production.

This month, Krones completed the full purchase of Can Systems Worldwide (CSW), a Dutch supplier of machinery for can ends used in beer and food cans. 

Based in Deventer, CSW employs 35 staff and recorded US$23.6 million in 2024 sales, serving clients across Europe and beyond.

In a statement, Krones CEO Christoph Köllner said, “These acquisitions add proven technologies that support our clients in creating more efficient lines.” 

He noted that CSW would run independently to preserve its service standards.

The deals come amid rising demand for eco-friendly packaging, driven by regulations like extended producer responsibility laws in states such as Maryland. 

A report by industry analysts at Deloitte highlights how such laws push companies toward recyclable materials, with AI tools now aiding sorting of food-grade plastics at recovery facilities.

At the Drinktec 2025 trade fair here in Munich, Krones unveiled its LinaFlex eSync pasteurizer for cans, designed to cut energy use in beverage lines. 

A company engineer explained that the unit synchronizes with fillers to minimize water and heat waste. Krones also displayed AI-driven automation systems that track data for lower costs and steadier operations.

Krones, with over 20,000 employees and US$6.3 billion in 2024 revenue, plans to integrate GHS tech into its recycling modules soon. 

As tariffs ease and private equity eyes sustainable niches, more such consolidations could reshape supply chains by year’s end.

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