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Fachpack 2025 in Nuremberg

AST continues to expand its portfolio and once again demonstrates its innovative strength as a packaging manufacturer at Fachpack

In 2025, AST will once again be showcasing a wide range of innovative new products in the fields of packaging and sustainability at Fachpack. For the first time, the medium-sized packaging manufacturer will also be highlighting its “technology” business segment and presenting a newly developed machine control system, which was also on display live at the trade fair stand in Hall 6. All AST brand blow molding machines will be equipped with this control system in the future to further increase performance and quality in the individual production plants. AST is consistently taking the step toward in-house machine construction in order to guarantee its customers the highest level of production reliability.

But there were also many innovations to marvel at on the AST stand in the company's core business of blow-molded packaging. For example, the leisure and camping goods segment has been significantly expanded to meet growing demand in this area.

AST also has a number of innovations to offer in the field of industrial packaging. Among other things, a foldable IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) with the trade name “Easy Cube” was exhibited for the first time, which is ideal for use in the field of food packaging. AST is very proud to hold a patent for the “Easy Cube.”

Also new to the AST range are coex packaging products (mainly 5–30 liter canisters) with up to six layers, which offer a combination of properties such as tear resistance, protection against moisture and UV radiation, and a barrier function thanks to their multi-layer design. This portfolio expansion was made possible by a cooperation with the Finnish packaging manufacturer Muovi Heljanko.
Sustainability is key. AST has also recognized this and has been highly active in this important segment for several years. Several approaches are being pursued here, which were already presented in a lecture at Fachpack 2024. In the “mechanical recycling” sub-segment, AST now operates eight production facilities in Europe with a total capacity of 2,500 t/a. The “Cipacks” return system introduced a few years ago is paying off here. In addition to IBCs and drums, Cipacks also takes back used canisters, which is unique in the industry. The PCR (post-consumer recyclate) produced in its own plants under the trade name “Asthene” is primarily used for its own production sites. However, AST has recently also started offering its extensive “Asthene portfolio” on the open market. The quality of Asthene products is ensured in a newly built laboratory, and BAM certification for UN-compliant PCRs has also been available for some time.

In addition to PCRs obtained from mechanical recycling, more and more HDPEs from non-fossil sources or chemical recycling are also being processed. This enables AST to offer its customers a wide range of options for reducing their carbon footprint. Last but not least, AST also operates “reuse” programs at some of its plants. Here, packaging is thoroughly cleaned and, after inspection (for leaks, etc.), put back into circulation. This is also a valuable contribution to the circular economy!
Thanks to its high level of diversification, AST considers itself well equipped for the future and aims to further expand its role as a leading packaging manufacturer.

The AST Group acquires P.I.T. Plastic Industrie Twente B.V.

Two well-known family-run companies in the packaging industry, the AST. Group and Plastic Industrie Twente B.V., are pleased to announce a successful takeover. This marks a significant milestone in the development of both companies and strengthens their position as leading suppliers in the plastics industry.

We would like to emphasize that this acquisition will not result in any changes for our customers. We will continue to offer you the same excellent service and quality that you have come to expect from us. The addition to the AST. Group is a perfect complement to our existing portfolio. By combining our strengths, we will be able to expand our production capacities, diversify our product range, and offer our customers even more diverse solutions.

We are convinced that this acquisition will be of great benefit to both the AST. Group and Plastic Industrie Twente B.V. We look forward to a successful collaboration and are confident that this acquisition will have a positive impact on our employees, customers, and partners.

All the familiar faces will remain in both companies.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

Statements:

Jörg Strohmann, managing partner of AST., on the acquisition: “This integration into our group fits perfectly with our philosophy. On the one hand, P.I.T.'s portfolio has enabled us to expand our product range in the right areas, but we have also made friends with the owner family, who will remain with the company and share our vision for a sustainable future.”

Angelique Perik-Looms, Managing Director of P.I.T., is delighted to be part of the AST. Group and adds, “We realized from the very beginning that, thanks to my parents' creation of P.I.T., we are a perfect fit for AST. We can see that AST. was specifically looking for our products and we are excited to move forward together into the future.”

About P.I.T. Plastic Industrie Twente B.V.: P.I.T. is a well-known name in Europe for screw-cap drums up to 220 liters and special products for the food industry. It is known for its high quality standards, which are highlighted by BRC food safety certification.

Website:

Pit Plastics Almelo - Plastic Industrie Twente B.V.