US-based packaging solutions provider Sealed Air has acquired AFP, a privately-held fabricator of foam, corrugated, molded pulp and wood packaging solutions, for an undisclosed amount.

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The acquisition of AFP further expands Sealed Air’s solutions portfolio and design capabilities including protective packaging solutions in key markets.

US-based AFP is engaged in providing custom-engineered protective packaging for retail, e-commerce and direct shipping applications. It employs 260 people.

Sealed Air said that the acquisition will allow it to better position its fabricated foam innovations such as EcoPure, a sustainable solution made from plant-based resin.

AFP, which generated $125m in net sales in 2017, currently operates six facilities across the US and has further presence in Asia and Mexico.

Sealed Air’s Product Care division President Kenneth Chrisman said: “With the acquisition of AFP, coupled with our 2017 acquisition of Fagerdala, Sealed Air will further expand its capability to provide fabricated designs directly to customers in markets such as electronics and transportation.

Sealed Air will also continue to leverage its established network of strategic fabricator partners, which remains an integral part of the company’s strategy to deliver custom high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions.”

Sealed Air noted that the acquisition expands its protective packaging solutions in the electronics, transportation and industrial markets with custom-engineered applications.

Separately, Sealed Air has reported increased net sales by 8% in the second quarter 2018 compared to second quarter 2017 results.

Sealed Air president and CEO Ted Doheny said: “In the second quarter, Net Sales and Adjusted EBITDA increased 8% and 11%, respectively.

“Our differentiated and innovative solutions portfolio allows us to capitalize on the rapidly growing fresh food and e-commerce markets. This solid top line performance combined with our efforts to reduce costs and drive operational excellence resulted in improved operating leverage for the second consecutive quarter compared to the same period last year.”

Sealed Air provides food packaging solutions under Cryovac brand and cushioning solutions under Bubble Wrap brand.

With around 15,000 employees, the company carries out operations in 122 countries. It generated $4.5bn in sales in 2017.