VPK Group expands in Italy with acquisition of Open Imballaggi

ITALY — Belgian-based VPK Group has strengthened its presence in the Italian packaging market by acquiring Open Imballaggi, a corrugated cardboard packaging manufacturer based in Calcinate, near Bergamo in the Lombardy region.

The acquisition is part of VPK’s broader strategic push to expand its footprint across key European markets and enhance its integrated packaging capabilities.

Open Imballaggi joins VPK’s existing Italian operations, which include Zetacarton and IEMME. This latest acquisition is expected to bring synergies to VPK’s production network in Italy, increasing efficiency and reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in sustainable paper-based packaging.

Open Imballaggi has a rich history that traces its origins to 1908 under the Marsetti family, with its formal establishment by Guido Marsetti in 1988.

Over the years, the company has evolved into a modern and competitive packaging provider. Its 22,000m² production site recently underwent a €7 million (US$7.9 million) upgrade, which included the installation of a high-performance six-colour rotary die cutter.

This investment significantly enhances the company’s printing and converting capabilities, aligning with VPK’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Currently generating an annual revenue of €30 million (US$34.13m), Open Imballaggi has a production capacity of 40 million square metres of corrugated packaging.

The company serves a diverse client base of 700 customers across sectors such as food and beverage, cosmetics, e-commerce, and automotive. It employs approximately 70 people, all of whom will now become part of the VPK family.

VPK Group emphasized its intent to retain the customer-centric, family-oriented culture that Open Imballaggi is known for.

The acquisition will also allow VPK to further implement its vertically integrated business model, linking recycled paper production, corrugated board manufacturing, and custom packaging solutions in a single, cohesive supply chain.

Pierre Macharis, CEO of VPK Group, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “The acquisition of Open Imballaggi aligns perfectly with our strategy to strengthen our presence in key European markets.

“Their strong reputation for quality and service complements our existing Italian operations, and we are excited to welcome their experienced team into the VPK family.”

This move follows VPK’s recent joint venture in December with McLaren Packaging in the UK. The partnership, called McLaren Corrugate, merged VPK’s East Kilbride operations with McLaren’s Port Glasgow facility, reinforcing VPK’s growth trajectory in Western Europe.

Through such strategic expansions, VPK Group continues to position itself as a key player in the sustainable packaging sector, committed to operational excellence, innovation, and long-term customer value.

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