StePac supplies atmosphere and humidity-controlled packaging via roll goods, lidding and pre-made bags and pouches for bulk and retail applications
PPC Flexible has acquired StePac, MAPfresh Holdings. (Credit: StePac)
US-based custom flexible packaging provider PPC Flexible Packaging has snapped up Israel-based StePac, MAPfresh Holdings for an undisclosed sum.
Established in 1992 as a nylon film extruder providing sterilisable packaging for medical and healthcare markets, StePac now uses new technologies to develop packaging for fresh produce markets.
The firm develops packaging for post-harvest shelf-life extension of high-value agricultural produce such as blueberries, cherries, pomegranates, melons, and various speciality vegetables.
Leveraging its material science experience, the firm uses patented technologies to create atmosphere and humidity-controlled packaging via roll goods, lidding and pre-made bags and pouches for bulk and retail applications.
According to PPC, these capacities result in environmentally friendly packaging options that save supply chain costs while minimising food waste and product spoilage.
StePac operates through a network serving customers in more than 40 countries from its corporate headquarters and R&D facility in Tefen, Israel.
StePac CEO Asaf Shachnai said: “Over the years our team and I have built StePac to be a global leader in vertically integrated sustainable packaging for many speciality fresh produce items.
“Our technologies help deliver produce to customers worldwide through best-in-class, sustainable shelf life extension and preservation. We believe this combination with PPC will provide greater financial and operational resources to support our brand in this rapidly growing market segment.”
Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, PPC offers printing and converting flexible films, pouches, and other advanced packaging designs, including prototypes. StePac brings the company’s total number of manufacturing plants up to 14.
The flexible packaging firm is known for cleanroom packaging for healthcare and medical applications, consumer snacks and organic brands, and speciality produce, pet, nutraceutical, bakery, and horticulture markets. Its facilities are AIB, SQF level II and ISO-9001 certified.
PPC president and CEO Kevin Keneally said: “StePac has been a recognised technology leader in the boutique produce market for many years.
“Through combining PPC’s existing portfolio of produce packaging, this acquisition will bring our mutual customers a much more diverse selection of options ultimately delivering industry-leading sustainable solutions.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Asaf and his highly talented team of leaders and engineers join the PPC family.”