Hera Group strengthens its European plastics recycling network through a strategic acquisition that boosts polyethylene recycling capacity and supports circular economy growth.
Aliplast, part of Italy’s Hera Group, has signed a binding agreement through its subsidiary Aliplast Polska to acquire a 70% stake in Kronos Polymer Polska, a new company that will be created through the spin-off of Polish polyethylene recycler Kronos Polymer. The acquisition strengthens Aliplast’s position as one of Europe’s leading plastics recycling companies and expands its presence in the growing Polish recycling market.
The transaction includes a newly built recycling facility in Gniew, Poland, equipped with a complete polyethylene (PE) sorting, grinding, and washing line capable of processing 12,000 tonnes per year. The facility will enable Aliplast to perform recycling and plastics regeneration directly within Poland, improving operational efficiency while reducing transportation and logistics requirements.
The acquisition forms part of Hera Group’s long-term strategy to expand its circular economy business. Together with new recycling projects already under development in Modena and Borgolavezzaro (Novara), the investment will allow Aliplast to double its total plastics recycling capacity to more than 210,000 tonnes annually, significantly increasing its ability to supply high-quality recycled polymers across Europe.
Aliplast has developed an integrated recycling model that covers the entire value chain—from plastic waste collection and processing to the production of recycled raw materials and finished products. The company manufactures recycled PET, LDPE, PP, and HDPE materials for use in packaging and industrial applications, with a strong focus on traceability, quality, and compliance with European sustainability standards.
The investment also aligns with the implementation of the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which encourages greater use of recycled materials and supports the development of a circular plastics economy. Expanding local recycling infrastructure will help manufacturers secure reliable supplies of recycled polyethylene while meeting increasingly stringent recycled-content requirements.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including completion of the corporate demerger and regulatory approvals. Once finalized, the deal will strengthen Aliplast’s European recycling network and reinforce Hera Group’s commitment to sustainable resource regeneration and advanced plastics recycling.