In recent years, Lithuania’s industrial sector has faced various challenges – from slowing demand in some markets to rising costs and increasing global competition. Nevertheless, many manufacturing companies remain active and continue to invest strategically in operational efficiency and the search for new export opportunities. The first three quarters of 2025 have shown that, despite overall market moderation, some manufacturers have managed to maintain steady growth by expanding international partnerships, finding new suppliers within the European Union, and strengthening their positions in existing export markets. This demonstrates that even under more challenging economic conditions, Lithuanian industry can adapt and maintain a sustainable growth trajectory.

‘Pack Klaipėda’ Continues Rapid Expansion and Strengthens Its Position in the International Packaging Market

UAB Pack Klaipėda, one of the largest manufacturers of XPS and XPP trays in the Baltic region, achieved an impressive result during the first nine months of 2025 – the company’s turnover was 30% higher than in the same period of 2024.

This growth was driven by new production lines introduced last year, which allowed the company to attract new clients and establish itself in new European markets. Pack Klaipėda specializes in the production of sustainable packaging for the food industry – its products are used in Food to Go, Ready Meals, fresh meat, and other segments. The packaging is designed to ensure food safety, longer shelf life, and reduced food waste.

Over 90% of the company’s production is exported to various European countries. After attending the international trade fairs Fachpack and Anuga this year, the company is negotiating with new potential clients, creating a solid foundation for further growth.

By the end of the year, Pack Klaipėda plans to install another modern production line, which in 2026 will increase production capacity and sales by an additional 15–20%.

This year, the company also installed a solar power plant on the roof of its production building, strengthening its energy independence. Moreover, it is preparing plans for the implementation of robotization and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in 2026 – aimed at optimizing labor costs, improving ergonomic conditions, and further enhancing quality standards.

In 2025, Pack Klaipėda successfully obtained ISO 22000 and ISO 45000 certifications, opening new export opportunities and boosting its competitiveness on the international stage.

‘Hoda’: Order Flow and Advanced Technologies

UAB Hoda “cautiously” shares its good results for the first three quarters of 2025, which have been successful. Orders remain steady, and cooperation with some clients has lasted for around 30 years.

According to Martynas Meironas, the Project Manager, summer was particularly intense: the company installed special press, the only one of their kind in the entire Baltic region – with a clamping force of 2,100 tons. Additionally, a robotic line for automated part removal was introduced, replacing manual work. This significantly increased efficiency and reduced the amount of physical labor.

Exports account for about 70% of total production, and the company plans to maintain this pace until the end of the year. Hoda is also implementing sustainability principles by striving to use recyclable raw materials in production processes. Although this is not technically possible for all products, the company seeks innovative ways to reduce environmental impact, optimize manufacturing, and simultaneously expand export volumes.

‘Doloop’: Challenges in the PET Preform Market but Growth in the Film Segment

UAB Putoksnis, operating under the brand name Doloop, describes this year as dynamic but overall stable. The first quarter was particularly strong, although turnover slightly declined in the second and third quarters. Still, when comparing the first three quarters of 2024 and 2025, the overall results remain similar.

According to S Mindaugas Morkūnas, the Sales Director, demand for PET preforms has not been high this year, but PET film production is growing and compensating for this decline. Additionally, PET bottle production, although a smaller part of total output, exceeded planned results by 5%.

This year, the company installed a new PET film production line, investing €2.5 million. The company is now actively seeking new clients for this line by participating in trade fairs, conferences, and direct meetings with potential customers.

Doloop primarily exports to Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, and the Baltic States, with only about 10% of total production remaining in Lithuania.

Lithuanian Manufacturing Sector – A Model of Innovation and Resilience

The examples of Pack Klaipėda, Hoda, and Doloop demonstrate that Lithuanian industrial companies are not only able to maintain stability but also confidently invest in advanced technologies and sustainability. Robotization, artificial intelligence solutions, green energy, and high quality standards form the foundation of these companies’ strategies, ensuring their competitiveness in European markets.

DOLOOP is one of the leading PET packaging manufacturers in Northern Europe, focused on environmentally friendly solutions. For nearly three decades, the company has been collaborating with the beverage and food industries, offering innovative and high-quality packaging alternatives.

In 2024, DOLOOP achieved significant success in international trade by presenting eco-friendly packaging solutions at prestigious trade shows such as BrauBeviale and FachPack in Germany, as well as NPE in the United States. The participation in these events allowed the company to introduce its products to the global market and establish new business contacts.

Currently, DOLOOP exports its products to more than 25 countries, including Germany, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. In 2024, the company successfully expanded its operations to new markets, including Italy, Malta, and New Zealand, further strengthening its position on the global stage.

In-2024, DOLOOP achieved sales revenue of approximately €78.7 million. Approximately 90% of the company’s sales were generated through exports. This demonstrates that by utilizing all sales channels-such as participation in international trade shows, direct visits to potential• clients, and more-DOLOOP’s expansion into EU-countries is progressing steadily and confidently. With the growing workload, new jobs have also been created.

DOLOOP is an active member of the Lithuanian Plastics Cluster and works closely with fellow cluster member FLEXBLOW. This partnership contributes to increasing the operational efficiency of the Lithuanian plastics industry cluster. FlexBlow uses PET preforms supplied by DOLOOP in its manufacturing processes, while DOLOOP orders molds for PET bottle production from FlexBlow. This collaboration results in jointly producing products for foreign markets.

DOLOOP constantly improves operational efficiency, paying special attention to digitization processes and the development of production planning systems. Additionally, the company actively implements energy efficiency projects funded under the EVE for industry initiative, aiming to minimize the environmental impact.

In 2024, DOLOOP successfully underwent audits for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards and received new certifications confirming high standards in quality, environmental care, and employee safety. In the same year, the company was once again awarded the gold EcoVadis medal for its sustainability achievements. Furthermore, DOLOOP became the first small and medium-sized enterprise in Lithuania to join the international initiative, committing to adhere to SBTi goals.

The company is actively expanding in the international market, successfully presenting its eco-friendly packaging at prestigious trade shows in and increasing exports to more than 25 countries.

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!

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.