STI Group invests €8m in pioneering laminating technology
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STI Group has proactively developed its packaging business in recent years and has been rewarded with sustainable growth. To elevate its offering further, the Group is now investing heavily in its packaging plants. Its latest €8 million investment in energy- and resource-efficient laminating technology will significantly advance the company’s delivery of CO2-saving lightweight packaging.
As early as November 2024, the most advanced high-speed laminating machine on the market will be installed at its Lauterbach packaging site. Uniquely configured, the machine will maximise packaging sustainability and minimise carbon footprint by utilizing significantly lower grammage papers and finer flutes.
One of STI Group's largest single investments in recent years, the technology will be customised for STI Group by Quantum Corrugated (part of the Fosber Group) and Stock Maschinenbau. Papers from 50 to 300g/m2 and cardboard from 80 to 400g/m2 will be used to produce E, F and G as well as B flute.
Innovative features minimise CO2 footprint
The customised modules in the laminator are all oriented towards maximum resource efficiency. The system can convert super-lightweight paper and cardboard materials into ultra-flat corrugated board of the highest quality, thanks to an innovative glue application process. Requiring significantly less energy than today's laminating machines, it also minimises process waste through its advanced sensor-controlled technology.
‘This investment supports our focus on developing and producing super-efficient, resource-optimised packaging. Innovative material and flute combinations play a big role in significantly reducing the CO2 emissions of packaging,’ explains Jakob Rinninger, CEO of STI Group. ‘In turn, this helps us to support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.’
The capital investment is fully aligned with STI Group's long-term strategic goals and makes a positive contribution to lowering its carbon footprint. As a member of the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) since 2023, the company is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
Focus on packaging
STI Group is investing heavily in expanding its packaging capacity and improving its production sites with the latest technology. In 2024, a new folding carton plant in the Czech Republic was commissioned by the Group.
‘We are delighted to have returned STI Group to a dynamic growth trajectory over the past few years. Our strategic realignment to the packaging sector forms the basis for this growth, which we are now consolidating through investment in innovation and sustainability,’ explains Rinninger.
