Austrian packaging manufacturer ALPLA has been recognized as the country’s most innovative company by Trend magazine and Statista, acknowledging its advancements in sustainable packaging solutions and groundbreaking technologies.
Known for its pioneering efforts, ALPLA has developed innovations such as paper bottles, lightweight designs, mono-material pumps, PET wine bottles, and bio-based plastics. Several of these projects have transitioned to series production, with others set to enter the market.
Christian Zmölnig, Director of Corporate Research, Development & Innovation at ALPLA, expressed pride in the recognition. “Our commitment is seen and appreciated, which is a great honor! The number of patents wasn’t the only decisive factor; others own more. This award motivates us further,” he said.
The company’s innovation process spans idea discovery, development, and commercialization. According to Zmölnig, ALPLA focuses on solutions within the framework of the circular economy’s principles—Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, and Replace—while balancing safety, affordability, and sustainability.
Chief Executive Officer Philipp Lehner highlighted the company’s culture of innovation. “Innovation is part of our DNA. As a family-owned business, we can invest long-term and act with agility, enabling us to stay ahead in the industry,” he stated.
Notable Innovations
- Paboco Paper Bottle: Ready for market launch in 2025, this fiber-based bottle incorporates a thin plastic barrier and is recyclable within the paper stream.
- Bio-Based Materials: ALPLA is testing biogenic polymers like Bio-PET and Bio-PE, which integrate seamlessly into recycling systems.
- PET Wine Bottle: This lightweight alternative to glass reduces emissions by up to 50% while maintaining visual similarity.
- Mono-Material Pump: Made entirely of recyclable polypropylene, this customizable dispenser is available as a complete system.
- Thin-Wall Injection Molding: A collaborative innovation enabling fully recyclable rPET packaging for dairy products and spreads.
- SafePha Technology: Anti-counterfeiting packaging with holographic elements and QR codes for secure authentication and improved patient communication.
ALPLA’s advancements reflect its enduring commitment to shaping sustainable and efficient packaging solutions for the future.