New milestone in IML solutions

Since Verstraete IML was founded in 1974, it has always been led by Verstraete family members. In 2017, the company became part of Multi-Color Corporation (MCC). Along with this changeover, a lot of new market opportunities, challenges and partnerships came up. Now that the company is put on rails within MCC and it is ready for a bright future under the MCC flag, Managing Directors Koen and Griet Verstraete feel the time is right to pass on the torch.

From 1 September 2020, Peter Grugeon has taken rein of the daily operations, supported by a committed management team.  As the new Managing Director, Mr. Grugeon leads the IML business unit within MCC and represents the company in MCC's Global Executive Management. International Plastics News for Asia had the chance to talk to Mr. Grugeon on this new role.

Mr. Peter Grugeon, Managing Director, MCC Verstraete

Your appointment as Managing Director of MCC Verstraete came at a time when there is a pandemic which poses a challenge to your market, how do you feel about this?

Mr. Grugeon: Since we have acquired a strong position both in food and non-food in different markets across the globe, we were able to limit the impact of the pandemic. Our biggest issue has been to absorb the initial peak in our orders and to assure continuity of the supply chain. Of course this is not an ideal time to start in a company and to get to know colleagues and customers. Soon I hope to be able to travel again and visit our customers and partners worldwide. On the other hand we learned that working from home as well as virtual meetings can be efficient too, but of course I prefer face to face meetings. Personal contact cannot be replaced.

What are the major challenges that MCC Verstraete needs to overcome post-pandemic? How will the company move forward post-pandemic?

Mr. Grugeon: We are continuing our growth path worldwide and will take further steps in optimising our footprint. We want to produce close to our markets as much as possible, in order to avoid supply chain disturbances like in the beginning of the pandemic, but also because of our responsibility when it comes to sustainability. The war on plastics is of course another challenge we face but also an opportunity. Looking at all the initiatives, large or small, that the market is now taking, we believe that we will go towards a new way of dealing with plastics and especially that recycling is the way to go. We can offer solutions that facilitate recycling. In specific applications where recycling is not possible we believe in bio degradable solutions.

What other new markets will the company explore in the future? In Asia what are the countries that the company is eyeing?

Mr. Grugeon: Building on the experience we have acquired we will follow our customers and partners in order for them to be successful in their markets. We do not exclude any countries or markets. We believe that in some markets like Asia, Africa and Latin America in-mould label solutions still have huge growth potential and that our experience of more than 30 years can make the difference, from technical guidance during startup, through selecting the correct look and feel options and resulting in a trustworthy partnership.

Is MCC Verstraete planning to launch new products? Please provide an overview.

Mr. Grugeon: I will just pick out two innovations. We launched Interactive IML, which uses digital watermarks to increase efficiency in every step of the packaging journey, from the design to the recycling stage. It also offers huge opportunities when it comes to consumer engagement through AR. Next to this we have developed SealPPeal. A 100% recyclable lidding solution and alternative for aluminium lidding; allowing for vibrant graphics and offset printing quality of course! This makes also that metal detectors can be installed on fillings lines. This solution is also reducing energy consumption, since lower sealing temperatures and shorter sealing times can be used. As you can see sustainability is driving our innovations nowadays!