FlexBlow: exclusive opportunities in 2024

FlexBlow, the Lithuanian plastics manufacturing company better known as UAB Terekas in Lithuania, faced the year 2024 filled not only with challenges but also with exclusive opportunities. FlexBlow specializes in manufacturing flexible PET blow molding machines. FlexBlow machines are known for their adaptability, enabling manufacturers to switch between different bottle designs with minimal downtime.

“We would describe 2024 as a year full of challenges for our company. The collaborations and equipment sales processes initiated in 2023 delivered results in 2024, allowing us to continue growing and strengthening our export volumes”, says Laura Klimienė, the Head of Marketing and Communications at FlexBlow (UAB Terekas).

In 2024, 88% of FlexBlow’s production was exported, compared to 85% in 2023. This growth reflects steady expansion into international markets and increasing global trust in its products. „By maintaining a high level of exports, we have once again demonstrated our strong position in the global market,” says Juozas Maksvytis, the CEO of UAB Terekas.

The majority of FlexBlow’s exports go to European countries and the U.S., which have remained its primary markets for years. A significant achievement in 2024 was the successful expansion into new sales channels in Japan, Latin America, Fiji, and the Philippines. „We are especially proud of our sales in Japan – a leader in technological advancement. This is not only a business success for us but also significant recognition that our equipment meets the highest global quality and technological standards,” says the CEO.

Coca-Cola Europacific and FlexBlow

Coca-Cola Europacific first discovered FlexBlow technology at the Drinktec exhibition. The company was impressed by FlexBlow’s unmatched flexibility, cutting-edge innovations, and the fastest format changeover in the market. Additionally, FlexBlow’s presence in the Oceania region provided extra confidence in the reliability of the equipment.

A decisive step toward local hot-fill bottle production was taken in July 2024 with the installation of the FlexBlow 4machine. This equipment began producing a full range of hot-fill bottles, from 20 milliliters to 6 liters in capacity.

As one of the world’s largest beverage bottling companies, Coca-Cola Europacific sets high standards for quality and safety. FlexBlow’s ability to ensure precision, flexibility, and efficiency made it the ideal partner for this project. Moreover, the technology was specifically adapted to Fiji’s tropical conditions, ensuring smooth and reliable production.

Participation in Key Industry Exhibitions

In 2024, FlexBlow participated in several major industry exhibitions, including Anuga in Germany, NPE: The Plastics Show in the USA, PlasticsLive UK in the United Kingdom, FachPack in Germany, Eurasia Packaging in Turkey, and PACK EXPO International in the USA.

FlexBlow’s success is driven by a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses participation in international exhibitions, direct visits to potential clients, active digital marketing efforts, partnerships within the industry, technical support and production optimization consultations, and speaking engagements at conferences.

A strong focus is placed on post-sales relationships, offering continuous technical support and consultations to ensure that FlexBlow solutions consistently meet evolving customer needs. This hands-on approach helps clients achieve optimal results and fosters word-of-mouth recommendations, strengthening FlexBlow’s global market position.

Collaboration in the Lithuanian Plastics Industry

FlexBlow is an active member of the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster, collaborating closely with PET preform manufacturer UAB Doloop. This partnership strengthens the efficiency of Lithuania’s plastics industry cluster. FlexBlow purchases PET preforms from Doloop for its production processes. Doloop orders molds for PET bottle manufacturing from FlexBlow.

Sustainability and Future Outlook

Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead, Juozas Maksvytis emphasizes the importance of sustainability: „Sustainability and environmental conservation are becoming increasingly prominent in the plastics industry, both in Lithuania and globally. Major international brands have set ambitious goals to reduce CO₂ emissions, increase the use of recycled materials, and implement eco-friendly manufacturing processes. These commitments impact the entire supply chain – from raw material producers to equipment suppliers like FlexBlow.”

More companies are investing in technologies that optimize raw material use, reduce energy consumption, and transition to rPET (recycled PET) solutions. Sustainability is no longer just a trend—it is a necessity to meet both market demands and regulatory requirements.

FlexBlow actively contributes to these changes by offering innovative solutions that enable more efficient production, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the highest quality standards. FlexBlow’s equipment minimizes energy consumption, optimizes raw material usage, and adapts to evolving market demands, ensuring its continued success in the international market.

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The meeting at Visaginas Technology and Business Vocational Training Center

This week, the Visaginas Technology and Business Vocational Training Center hosted the first Lithuanian Plastics Cluster members’ meeting of the year.

The Lithuanian Plastics Cluster is a hub and dynamic space for industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions about strategic goals, efficiency, and the biggest challenges shaping the future of the plastics sector.

The meeting was filled with valuable insights as plastics industry experts explored market trends, tackled emerging challenges, and navigated key regulations. A highlight of the event was the exchange of best practices on hiring third-country workers, offering fresh perspectives and practical solutions.

A heartfelt thanks to the Visaginas Technology and Business Vocational Training Center for their warm hospitality — we couldn’t have asked for a better host. And, of course, a huge thank you to all the cluster members for their contributions, feedback, and innovative ideas!

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The Lithuanian Plastics Cluster joins the Swiss Plastics Cluster

Exciting News! The Lithuanian Plastics Cluster, coordinated by LINPRA – Engineering and Technology Industries Association of Lithuania, joins the Swiss Plastics Cluster!

This partnership marks an exciting step forward for both clusters — uniting knowledge, resources, and opportunities to drive innovation and growth in the plastics industry.

Since its founding in 2005, the Swiss Plastics Cluster has been a driving force in connecting industry leaders and fostering innovation within the global plastics sector. With over 100 members from Switzerland and beyond, the cluster is a hub for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technological advancement.

Main objectives of the Swiss Plastics Cluster:

  • Actively promote plastics processing technologies
  • Encourage public-private partnerships
  • Offer continuous training adapted to staff
  • Create networking and business opportunities between members
  • Provide high added-value services.

We believe that our collaboration will be successful for both parties!

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Encouraging results of UAB Pack Klaipėda and UAB Plastara in 2024

In 2024, the European plastics industry faced significant challenges due to strict regulations, high energy prices, and competition from cheaper foreign products. By the end of the year, the latest European plastics production data revealed a greater-than-expected decline in both European plastics manufacturing and recycled plastics production.

According to Plastics – The Fast Facts 2024, EU plastics production decreased by 8.3% in 2023, while mechanically recycled plastic volumes fell by 7.8%. Meanwhile, global plastics production increased by 3.4%, leaving Europe with only a 12% share of the global market. It is important to note that Europe’s share of global plastics production had already declined from 22% in 2006 to 14% in 2022. As of now, statistical data on the plastics industry for 2024 has not yet been published, but trends in EU countries are not particularly promising.

While plastics companies operating in the EU are experiencing varying degrees of decline, Lithuanian Plastics Cluster companies UAB Plastara and UAB Pack Klaipėda are currently enjoying strong results in 2024.

UAB Plastara specialises in the production of LDPE virgin and recycled films:  bags on roll with tube, loose bags, garbage bags, blocked bags,thermo shrinking films, films on roll, freezer bags, bags with print – 1 colour, running print, 2 layers Coex bags, 3 layers Coex bags, fire resistant bags, bags with macro and micro perforation ant etc. UAB Pack Klaipėda is one of the largest companies in the Baltic region specializing in sustainable plastic packaging for the food industry, ensuring food safety and extending product shelf life (takeaway food containers, packaging for fresh and frozen meat, etc.).

UAB Plastara closed the previous year with an 18% growth, while UAB Pack Klaipėda achieved a 10% increase (with a 9% growth in production volume). In 2024, UAB Plastara expanded its sales channels to Greenland, Iceland, and Romania, with exports accounting for 80% of its total production. Meanwhile, UAB Pack Klaipėda expanded its client network in the Netherlands, Spain and France, with exports making up more than 90% of its production to EU countries. Andrius Kruševičius, Commercial Director of UAB Pack Klaipėda, is pleased to report that the company has yet to experience any downturn in any segment, and the order volume is steadily growing.

Both companies are members of the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster and actively engage in visits to potential clients across the EU. According to Jurgita Stumbrevičienė, Head of Sales development of UAB Plastara, direct visits to potential customers significantly increase order volumes. On the other hand, participation in international trade fairs such as Fachpack, Scanpack, and Interpack helps establish new connections that later evolve into successful partnerships. In 2024, both companies took part in Fachpack, one of the biggest packaging sector trade shows in Europe, held in Nuremberg, Germany. The companies shared a joint stand and received significant attention as well as new orders.

At the moment, UAB Pack Klaipėda nd UAB Plastara share a significant number of clients and a steady flow of orders since they operate in the HORECA sector (food packaging boxes, films on roll, garbage bags, etc.).

Both companies operate based on circular economy principles and are already recycling production waste. Andrius Kruševičius and Jurgita Stumbrevičienė, when asked about the general outlook for the European plastics industry, expressed concerns about excessive regulations, which could significantly impact production, sales, and further expansion. To avoid further industry decline and promote sustainability, it is crucial to review policy measures, invest in recycling technologies, and encourage the use of recycled plastics. Only through these efforts can Europe maintain its competitiveness and leadership in the sustainable industry sector.

 

 

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The Membership in European Tooling Platform

We are thrilled and proud to announce that the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster, coordinated by LINPRA – the Engineering and Technology Industries Association of Lithuania, has officially become a member of the European Tooling Platform!

The European Tooling Platform is the driving force behind Research and Development (R&D) for the tooling sector across Europe.

It unites top industry leaders and key stakeholders to propose, develop, and implement cutting-edge R&D initiatives.

Through these joint efforts, the platform drives innovation, boosts competitiveness, and strengthens Europe’s leadership in high-value engineering and manufacturing. The members of the Platform build a more competitive, forward-thinking, and globally recognized European industry!

A proud step forward for Lithuania’s engineering and manufacturing sector—let’s shape the future of European tooling together!

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The membership at ITC

LINPRA and the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster which is an important branch of this organisation, joins the Prestigious Internation Trade Council (ITC) !
By joining the ITC, our organisation becomes part of a global network of business leaders and government officials spanning across 179 countries.

The International Trade Council is a prestigious organisation that fosters international trade and economic development.
The council is renowned for:
– Providing its members with valuable resources
– Networking opportunities
– Professional support to help them thrive in an increasingly competitive global market
As a member, our organisation will have access to a wide range of opportunities and services, including:
– Introductions to government ministries
– Business incubation support for entering the US market
– Access to new international trade opportunities
Furthermore, we will be able to participate in live web conferences, attend the annual Go Global Awards conference, and gain exposure through the ITC’s extensive promotional channels.

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Two Plastics Cluster’s companies at Fachpack

UAB Pack Klaipėda and UAB Plastara, member of the Pasteksus Group, took part in Fachpack, one of the biggest packaging sector trade shows in Europe, held in Nuremberg, Germany. The companies shared a joint stand.

Throughout the Event, two Lithuanian Plastics’ industry companies engaged with their  current clients from across Europe. Additionally, they established numerous new contacts, which they believe will result in new profitable contracts in various countries, including Germany, France, Croatia, the Netherlands, and beyond.

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UAB Hoda – the expansion and growth

For the company UAB Hoda, 2024 is rich with new clients and active expansion!

According to the company’s project manager Martynas Meironas, this year they have begun working with clients from Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Finland, Poland, and other European countries. The company has actively exported its products — plastic parts produced by injection moulding, sub-assembled components, and final assembled and packed products which could go directly to the end user.

Hoda, UAB operates in the fields of plastic injection moulding, manufacturing of moulds, assembling plastic and component parts into finished products. This year, the company replaced 4 injection moulding machines and has an approved plan for 2025 to replace 10 more machines.

The company actively participates in international Plastic Industry exhibitions – Hannover Messe, IAA Mobility, Elmia where they present their products and services, consistently increasing the number of clients.

In 2023, the company’s revenue reached €21,341,158. This year the company expects ~2% growth.

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The Membership in Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster

We are thrilled to announce that the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster, coordinated by LINPRA, has officially joined the Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley. This marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering collaboration and innovation in the plastics industry.

Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley, known as the industrial hub of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland, has emerged as a leader in various sectors including toolmaking, plastics processing, electro-machinery, and more. It’s a region that boasts around 900 companies dedicated to polymer materials processing and about 50 toolmakers.

Our membership in the Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley opens up new avenues for cooperation among our now 130-strong member base and the extensive network in Bydgoszcz. We look forward to leveraging these opportunities to drive innovation and growth within our industries.

Join us in celebrating this achievement and stay tuned for more updates on our collaborative projects and initiatives!

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The Lithuanian Plastics Cluster became a member of AIMPLAS

The Lithuanian Plastics Cluster, whose coordinator is LINPRA – Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association, became a member of AIMPLAS! Congratulations!

AIMPLAS is Technological Center with more than 30 years of experience in the plastics industry. AIMPLAS provide solutions to companies across the entire value chain, from raw material manufacturers to transformers and end-users. The organisation works to solve the challenges facing the use of plastic in today’s society in order to improve people’s quality of life and ensure environmental sustainability.

The partnership between two organisations will help strengthen and grow the companies in the Plastics Cluster, deepen technological capabilities, conduct product testing and research, execute R&D, create and implement innovative solutions.

The most important facts about AIMPLAS, a new partner of the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster:

  • More than 12,000 m2 of cutting-edge facilities
  • Pilot plants (6,500 m2)
  • Laboratories (4,500 m2)
  • Training (1,000 m2)
  • 3,300 + clients
  • 840 + members companies
  • EUR 21.3M revenue.
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