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.

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.

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.

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.