The merger between IPL and Schoeller Allibert marks a major consolidation in the reusable plastic packaging sector, forming a global powerhouse with a footprint across North America and Europe.
IPL, a leading North American manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging, has announced a strategic merger with Schoeller Allibert, a European-based manufacturer specializing in reusable transport packaging. The combined company will generate more than US$1.4 billion in annual revenue, creating one of the world’s largest players in sustainable packaging.
The merged entity will operate from 27 manufacturing locations across Europe, the UK, and North America, with a consolidated workforce of over 4,000 employees. IPL, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, reported 2024 revenue of US$822 million and maintains 16 production sites, primarily across Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Belgium. Schoeller Allibert, based in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, contributed €550 million in 2024, with 11 facilities and a strong foothold in Continental Europe.
Global Synergies in Reusable Packaging
The merger brings together complementary capabilities in injection-molded and returnable plastic packaging. IPL primarily serves the food, agriculture, environmental, and consumer sectors in North America and the UK. Schoeller Allibert adds significant reach in automotive, pharmaceutical, beverage, and material handling sectors.
Alan Walsh, current CEO of IPL, will lead the newly merged company. “The future of packaging lies in sustainability, innovation and adaptability,” said Walsh. “This merger will allow IPL and Schoeller Allibert to combine our strengths on both sides of the Atlantic to meet that future together. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we’ll not only enhance the way we serve our customers but also optimise the skillsets of both companies to build a strong, resilient foundation for growth.”
Schoeller Allibert CEO Alejandro Cabal Uribe emphasized the growing momentum for sustainable solutions. “Our combined strength in packaging solutions is well positioned to benefit from the tailwinds for the sector, driven by corporate sustainability ambitions and evolving regulations to improve value chains and reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. We look forward to together delivering leading customer service and innovative global solutions.”
Ownership and Strategic Backing
The new business will be headquartered in Dublin, with ownership divided 55% to IPL’s existing shareholders and 45% to Schoeller Allibert’s. IPL is currently backed by Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a Chicago-based private equity firm, and CDPQ, a global investment group managing Canadian pension assets. Schoeller Allibert is jointly owned by Brookfield Asset Management’s private equity arm and the Schoeller family, which has deep roots in the packaging and supply chain services industry dating back to the 18th century.
MDP brings deep experience across basic industries and private equity, with over $31 billion raised since 1992. CDPQ, which manages CAD $473 billion in assets as of December 2024, focuses on long-term sustainable investment. Brookfield, meanwhile, oversees over $1 trillion globally, with $140 billion managed by its private equity division alone.
The new company will aim to leverage these financial backers to accelerate investments in technology, automation, and circular economy solutions.
IPL and Schoeller Allibert Transaction Timeline and Market Outlook
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending standard regulatory approvals.
The merger is seen as a strong response to growing industry demand for more sustainable packaging and a shift away from single-use plastics. With regulatory pressure increasing across Europe and North America, the combined company is well-positioned to provide scalable, reusable packaging systems to sectors looking to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
By integrating product innovation, global reach, and financial strength, the new IPL-Schoeller Allibert company will offer an expanded portfolio of reusable packaging solutions backed by local service and global supply chain expertise.
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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.
