InterFlex completes acquisition of Skymark Packaging

Toppan’s subsidiary InterFlex Group, a flexible packaging supplier and converter, has completed the acquisition of European packaging manufacturer Skymark Packaging International.

This transaction will allow both InterFlex and TOPPAN to expand their presence across the UK and EU.

InterFlex managing director Graham Tilley said: “Skymark’s capabilities in film manufacturing and merging of their strength in non-food segments such as personal care, hygiene and medical products complement InterFlex Group’s position in food packaging.

“The combination of Skymark and InterFlex Group will help drive our sustainable packaging ambitions in monopolymer and paper-based packaging and bring both further business development and growth.”

Following the acquisition, Skymark said it will continue to operate as normal to serve its existing and future clients.

It is set to continue delivering packaging solutions, but will now be complemented by TOPPAN and InterFlex’s resources and technologies.

Skymark founder and managing director John Turner said: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Skymark, enabling us to leverage TOPPAN’s extensive resources and technological prowess.

“We remain deeply committed to our current sectors, within personal care, technical films, hygiene and medical; while also being very excited to accelerate our growth within the food sector through the synergies that this acquisition brings.”

Skymark is a Scunthorpe, UK-headquartered company that develops and promotes sustainable packaging solutions.

The British company’s portfolio of sustainable offerings mainly involves a variety of speciality blown, flat cast and embossed polyethylene and polypropylene films.

TOPPAN’s Global Packaging head and managing executive officer Masahiko Tatewaki said: “TOPPAN acquired InterFlex Group in July 2021 and will start production of GL BARRIER [TOPPAN’s proprietary brand of barrier products] in the Czech Republic at the end of 2024.

“This acquisition enables us to maximise synergies in the TOPPAN Group with its global footprint and accelerates expansion of our global packaging business. Skymark’s blown and cast extrusion capabilities also allow us to strengthen vertical integration, our core business strategy.”