Cabka has reported a solid start to 2026, posting higher sales and improved profitability in the first quarter as the company continues to execute its strategy across reusable transport packaging and recycling-based product lines.
The Amsterdam-listed company reported Q1 sales of €47.3 million, up 7% from €44.1 million in the same period last year. Management pointed to disciplined cost control and steady operational execution as key drivers behind the improvement in profitability.
“Q1 2026 marks a solid start to the year, with a clear improvement in sales and profitability, reflecting the consistent execution of our strategy,” said CEO Alexander Masharov.
European Portfolio Drives Growth
Cabka’s Portfolio segment in Europe led the quarter’s growth, with revenues increasing 10% year over year. The company noted continued strength in its core reusable transport packaging offerings, particularly in pallet and container solutions.
In contrast, Portfolio revenues in the United States declined by 18%, a result that the company described as expected. Cabka indicated that its strengthened US sales organization is building pipeline, with improved momentum anticipated later in the year.
Mixed Performance Across Segments
Pooling and Customized Solutions in Europe remained broadly stable, declining slightly by 1% compared to a strong prior-year quarter. The company emphasized that underlying performance remained steady despite the year-over-year comparison.
Contract Manufacturing emerged as a key growth driver. European operations posted a 32% increase in revenues, while the US business continued shifting toward contract manufacturing to improve capacity utilization. Programs launched in the second half of 2025 contributed to performance in their first full quarter, supporting output at Cabka’s St. Louis facility.
The ECO segment, which includes construction and road safety products made from recycled materials, remained stable overall, with a 1% increase in revenue. Higher product sales were offset by lower recycling fee income during the period.
Outlook Remains Positive
Cabka reported positive order intake trends across its business segments, providing visibility into the second quarter.
The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting both revenue growth and an improved EBITDA margin compared to 2025.
“We remain focused on disciplined execution and cash generation as we navigate the volatile geopolitical environment,” Masharov said.
Positioned Around Circular Materials
Cabka continues to position itself around its integrated model of converting post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste into reusable transport packaging products, including pallets and large container systems.
The company’s approach combines recycling, material formulation, and manufacturing, allowing it to reuse plastics that are typically difficult to process while supporting circular supply chain initiatives.
Cabka’s 2025 Annual Report is scheduled for release on April 29, 2026.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
