Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging solutions, is marking its 60th anniversary in 2025, celebrating six decades of innovation that have shaped the modern food and consumer goods industries.
Founded in 1965 in Montabaur, Germany, kp has grown into a multinational powerhouse with 30 manufacturing sites across 18 countries, employing around 5,500 people and serving customers in over 60 markets worldwide. The company has built a reputation for pioneering advancements in packaging technology while driving sustainability and circularity in the industry.
A Legacy of Innovation and Future-Focused Vision
“This milestone represents much more than our history—it’s about our vision for the future,” said Thomas Kure Jakobsen, President, Food Packaging at kp. “While we take pride in our heritage, our focus is on the innovations we’re delivering today, such as kp Infinity® food-to-go packaging and our groundbreaking 100% kp Tray2Tray® recycled PET food trays made entirely from recovered tray material.”
kp’s commitment to continuous innovation has ensured it remains at the forefront of evolving packaging trends. The company actively invests in scientific research and embraces experimentation to develop groundbreaking solutions. “We’re always working on the next breakthrough, and this spirit of innovation has kept us leading the industry for 60 years—it’s what will drive us into the future,” Jakobsen added.
Sustainability at the Core
kp’s dedication to sustainability has been recognised with a Gold rating from EcoVadis for four consecutive years, placing the company among the top 1% of plastic product manufacturers globally. The company’s FP sustainability strategy sets ambitious goals, including ensuring that 100% of its packaging solutions have a recyclable alternative by the end of 2025.
The kp Tray2Tray® initiative is a prime example of its commitment to circularity, enabling the recovery and recycling of PET food trays into new, food-safe packaging. Further strengthening its leadership in material traceability, kp has also achieved the world’s first RecyClass Traceability Certification for recycled PET with a closed-loop module, setting new industry benchmarks.
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
In the UK, kp has reinforced its leadership in sustainable packaging through the transformation of its St Helens facility. The multi-million-pound investment has turned the site into the country’s first dedicated manufacturing hub for kp Infinity®, an innovative recyclable EPP-based single-use food packaging solution developed in response to regulatory changes and shifting market demands.
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we remain committed to solving tomorrow’s packaging challenges,” said Ben Elkington, Innovation Director, Food Packaging at kp. “From next-generation materials to revolutionising recycling technologies, our ‘Packaging with Integrity’ vision drives everything we do. We’re proud of our legacy, but even more excited about building a future where packaging plays a vital role in the circular economy.”
kp’s ongoing innovation and sustainability efforts have cemented its status as a trusted partner for leading food brands, packers, wholesalers, foodservice businesses, and retailers. As the industry navigates new regulatory landscapes, including the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), kp remains at the forefront, developing solutions that meet both current and future challenges.
