ITALY – SK Capital Partners, through its affiliates, has signed a strategic investment to acquire a majority interest in Italian water-soluble and biodegradable films manufacturer Ecopol.
SK Capital is a US-based private investment company that focuses on the speciality materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors.
Following this deal, Ecopol CEO and controlling shareholder Mauro Carbone will continue to retain a significant stake in his company and will continue to serve as the CEO and largest individual shareholder of Ecopol.
The existing minority investor, global alternative asset management group Tikehau Capital, will also retain its minority stake.
The completion of this transaction is now subject to the fulfillment of certain customary regulatory conditions and approvals.
SK Capital’s senior director Daniele Ferrari said: “We see tremendous opportunity for Ecopol to expand within its existing end markets and leverage its core competencies in biodegradable films to enter new applications, which will experience significant tailwinds as brand owners and consumers seek more sustainable solutions.”
Carbone added: “SK Capital is the perfect partner for Ecopol given its differentiated industry expertise, strong experience in the North American market and track record of successful partnerships with entrepreneur-led businesses.”
Ecopol specializes in manufacturing biodegradable films and delivery systems. It has production facilities in both the US and Italy.
In addition, Ecopol’s mission is to create sustainable delivery systems that help safeguard the planet for future generations.
The Company’s rapid growth in recent years is expected to accelerate due to strong demand for its innovative films, which enable the world’s leading consumer goods companies to offer more convenient home detergent products to consumers while significantly reducing carbon emissions, plastic packaging, and water usage across their supply chains.
Ecopol has invested over €70 million since 2019 to add new capacity and capabilities, including the largest solution-cast polyvinyl alcohol (“PVOH”) film line in the world to serve laundry applications and a new production facility in Griffin, Georgia (USA) to better serve its global customer base.
Last year in April, Ecopol announced a key investment for developing its first North American facility in Spalding County, Georgia.
Prospective positions included maintenance, production, management, and administration. According to the company, hiring would take place prior to the conclusion of construction.
The site will be at The Lakes at Green Valley eco-industrial park in the city of Griffin. Any projects at The Lakes must receive a certain “eco” rating from the Griffin-Spalding Development Authority.
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