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LITHUANIA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is reinforcing Lithuania’s sustainability ambitions and bolstering foreign direct investment (FDI) by financing a new state-of-the-art plastic production facility for Portugal’s IMG Group.

The EBRD has extended a €25 million (US$28.26m) loan to Evertis, a subsidiary of IMG Group, to support the construction of a cutting-edge polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film manufacturing plant in the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone.

The new facility will specialize in producing PET film with up to 50% recycled content—double the European Union’s minimum requirement—while ensuring full recyclability of its products.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste, with annual reductions of up to 13,000 tonnes.

Additionally, the plant will help curb greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 29,000 tonnes per year.

The operation will incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced digital solutions to boost efficiency, traceability, and material optimization.

The new plant will primarily serve the food, beverage, and healthcare industries—key sectors driving demand for recyclable, low-carbon packaging.

The project aligns with the EU Green Deal targets and will contribute to the growth of Lithuania’s green economy, creating at least 50 jobs in its initial phase.

Tomas Kairys, the EBRD’s Head of the Baltic States, praised the venture as a landmark FDI milestone, “We are very proud to be financing IMG Group’s first manufacturing operation in Lithuania, the first Portuguese greenfield investment in the country.

“Our investment not only supports this significant FDI milestone but also responds to growing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging in Europe.”

Frederic Lucenet, EBRD’s Global Head of Manufacturing and Services, added, “This landmark investment fits squarely into our strategy to finance industrial decarbonization and the circular economy.”

IMG Group President Manuel Matos Gil expressed optimism about the strategic expansion, “This investment in our global production footprint will enable us to offer shorter lead times, reduce supply chain risks, and better align with the increasing market demand for packaging solutions that prioritize circularity and environmental responsibility.”

Evertis, active in the polymer industry since 1959, specializes in high-performance barrier films for food and other packaging applications.

A pioneer in PET film extrusion, the company is known for its commitment to circular packaging systems and product safety.

To date, the EBRD has invested over €1.86 billion (US$2.10bn) in Lithuania across 144 projects, strengthening its role as a leading institutional investor in the region.

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