MAKING
A global leader of metal packaging, Tecnocap supplies infinitely and totally recyclable metal closures, aluminium aerosol cans and bottles, and recently premium self-adhesive labels to a variety of industries. Group Founder and CEO Michelangelo Morlicchio and the Managing Director of Tecnocap’s Aerosol Cans Business Unit, Gerardo Nobile, discussed the company’s growth and sustainable initiatives.
ASa company, Tecnocap has experienced significant and continuous growth, Group CEO Michelangelo Morlicchio said: “Annual revenue of more than €300 million confirms the effectiveness of a growth strategy based on geographic expansion and strategic investments. The planned acquisition of three new companies presents an opportunity to further enhance international market presence and unlock additional growth potential.”
Founded in 1993, Tecnocap has evolved into a leading force in the packaging sector. Headquartered in Italy, the company operates 12 production plants across Europe, the Americas, India, Saudi Arabia, and Africa, along with three state-of-the-art research and development centres. With a global technical assistance network, over 1,100 dedicated workforces, and a presence in more than 100 countries, Tecnocap excels at serving international clients and tailoring solutions to meet diverse market needs.
As a packaging producer for the food, beverage, cosmetic, personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and home hygiene sectors, Tecnocap offers tailored solutions to a range of specialised industries. The company also designs and produces
high-speed capping machines, which are installed at customer sites.
“Thanks to our innovative, sustainable and high-quality solutions, we have established ourselves as a key player in the global packaging industry,” added Mr Morlicchio. “We continuously invest in R&D to develop stateof-the-art packaging solutions, delivering products that meet the highest standards.
Tecnocap is committed to improving product efficiency, reliability and functionality to meet the specific needs of our customers.”
ACQUIRING GROWTH
Tecnocap has quickly secured the position of the second-largest global producer in the Metal Closures for food and beverage sector. This positioning has been mainly achieved through an intensive M&A strategy. Many acquisitions, strategic alliances, and targeted integrations in synergistic industrial sectors represent a cornerstone of this strategy, delivering multiple benefits.
In just two years, Tecnocap acquired and established new production facilities in India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Italy, while also diversifying its range of products to significantly expand its market share in the health & beauty and pharma sectors.
In 2023, Tecnocap acquired ReefCap and MetaGlobe. The former is an expert in the Twist metal closures sector and the latter is a leading distributor of packaging, both with substantial operations in the Middle East and Africa.
“These acquisitions ensure a strong presence and significant production capacity of Metal Closures in key global markets, positioning Tecnocap as a major player in the Middle East, Gulf Countries, and the African Continent,” continued Mr Morlicchio. “These regions are currently experiencing significant economic growth, and we are
focused on seizing the opportunities offered by government development initiatives, such as Saudi Vision 2030. We are confident that Tecnocap can assume a pivotal role in these transformations.”
In 2024, the recent acquisition of Eticpress, a company specializing in the production of self-adhesive labels, allows the Group to further diversify the activities by entering a business that offers synergies with both the metal closures and the aluminium aerosol cans and bottles sectors. “This acquisition represents a step forward in strengthening an integrated and diversified portfolio and significantly expand our market share in the health & beauty sector”, explained Group CEO Michelangelo Morlicchio.
Eticpress holds expertise in advanced personalisation and utilises recycled or low-impact materials for more sustainable labels. Additionally, Eticpress is a leader of smart label production, incorporating Metaverse, NFT, RFID and AR technologies for advanced traceability.
“We are focused on maximising the
labels sector, further enhancing our expertise will allow us to provide consumer brands with outstanding support throughout the packaging process,” said Mr Morlicchio. Placing itself in ambitious regions and expanding upon its range of specialised packaging solutions allows Tecnocap to solidify its position as a global leader. By enhancing its capacity, technologies and network, the company can provide effective solutions to a wide range of specialised industries and meet stringent quality requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
As Tecnocap continues to grow, it is committed to evolving and adapting in terms of environmental sustainability. The company has developed a comprehensive strategy to limit its impact, which includes managing packaging lifecycles, its supply chain and production. Tecnocap constantly seeks solutions that mitigate harmful impacts and promote a more circular economy.
All Tecnocap facilities have implemented
to improve environmental performance and remain compliant with international regulations. Investing in energy-efficient production lines, motion sensors and recyclable packaging materials has enabled the company to significantly minimise its impact.
Tecnocap also monitors emissions, taking the necessary steps to lower its carbon footprint. With regular audits from certified bodies including EcoVadis, Sedex Smeta 4 Pillars and Integrity Next, the company can continuously evolve its sustainability management system.
“Starting from 2021, we have made large investments into decarbonising our facilities,” said Mr Morlicchio. “This includes installing high-efficiency equipment and solar panels, as well as working to achieve the Zero Waste to Landfill target by recycling and reusing where possible. Last year, at our Aerosol Cans plant we started an ambitious a water-optimisation project, using smart devices and sensors to rationalize the use of water. We are committed to the environment and promote sustainability through every layer of the company, offering employee training programmes to raise awareness.”
Additionally, Tecnocap’s products are inherently sustainable. With solutions primarily made from steel or aluminium, which are durable, lightweight and infinitely recyclable, the company contributes to a more circular economy.
The Tecnocap Innovation Hub was launched in 2022 to drive digital transformation and sustainable development, strengthening partnerships to achieve environmental progression.
Gerardo Nobile, Managing Director of Tecnocap TL, Aerosols & Bottles division, proudly commented on the sustainable innovation product line: “Since 2021, we have partnered with a leading European aluminum producer to manufacture a special range of aerosol cans and reusable bottles. These containers are fully recyclable and made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminum, which is tracked and certified.
The new range, called ‘PURE’, has been recognized at the UK Packaging Awards as the ‘Best Metal Packaging’ for its special contribution to a circular economy model
– where packaging can be reused and recycled indefinitely without losing its core qualities, thereby effectively reducing environmental waste.
“Furthermore, at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Tecnocap’s reusable bottle received the highest international acclaim and was selected as the official packaging for the event.”
FUTURE INVESTMENTS
The Group will continue to innovate and collaborate with universities, startups and partners to drive sustainability in metal packaging, solidifying its position as a global leader. Tecnocap has transitioned its portfolio towards presenting smart and sustainable solutions, enabling clients to reach environmental goals.
Currently, the company is investing in new printing lines that are designed to process innovative materials. This includes thinner, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable materials. Tecnocap is also implementing new labelling technologies to reduce plastic and harmful chemicals in printing.
“We recognise the urgency in addressing global warming and its impacts,” said Mr Morlicchio, in conclusion. “By integrating sustainability into our growth strategy, we
can innovate effective solutions whilst benefiting the planet. Responsible sourcing and strategic collaborations across the value chain are enabling us to really make a difference in terms of our impact. We intend to continue this strategy focusing on ESG into the future.”
By 2030, the company plans to reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 50% and to become net zero by 2050. Tecnocap is also working to formalise its commitment to the SBTi, aligning its goals to aluminium and steel industry roadmaps. As the company achieves significant growth and expands into more global markets, it remains committed to positive action that protects the environment. n
