The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
.jpg)
IPL and Schoeller Allibert have announced a landmark merger to form a global leader in reusable plastic packaging, with combined pro forma annual revenue of more than $1.4 billion in 2024.
The new company – yet to be named – will be headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and led by IPL CEO Alan Walsh. With 27 manufacturing facilities across North America, the UK and Europe, the combined business will have a strong international footprint.
IPL, also based in Dublin, focuses on rigid plastic packaging for the food, consumer goods, environmental and agriculture sectors. It operates 16 sites, employs around 2,500 people and reported 2024 revenue of $822 million. Schoeller Allibert, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a European leader in returnable transport packaging. It serves the food, beverage, automotive, pharma and retail sectors through 11 production sites and approximately 1,600 employees, generating €550 million in 2024 revenue.
The merger is set to accelerate the shift to sustainable packaging, driven by tightening regulations, growing consumer awareness and ESG commitments. The combined portfolio will include reusable crates, containers and transport systems designed for high-volume users in key industries.
“The future of packaging lies in sustainability, innovation and adaptability,” said IPL CEO Alan Walsh. “This merger allows IPL and Schoeller Allibert to combine our strengths on both sides of the Atlantic. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we aim to better serve customers and build a resilient foundation for long-term growth.”
Schoeller Allibert's CEO, Alejandro Cabal Uribe, added: “Our combined strength in packaging solutions positions us to meet global sustainability challenges head-on. We’re aligned in our mission to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste and enhance value chains.”
Expected to close in Q3 2025 pending regulatory approval, the merged business will be 55% owned by IPL’s shareholders – investment funds managed by Madison Dearborn Partners and CDPQ – and 45% by Schoeller Allibert’s owners, Brookfield Asset Management’s private equity arm and the Schoeller family.
The deal signals continued consolidation in the packaging sector as companies seek scalable, closed-loop solutions. For food and beverage producers, it means expanded access to eco-friendly packaging infrastructure across key markets.