Expansions: Borealis to invest EUR100 mn in compounding line in Austria; Walki adds printing capacity to meet demand for flexible packaging

Polymers firm Borealis is pumping in an investment of EUR100 million at its production location in Schwechat, Austria to expand and upgrade its compounding operations. The new PP compounding line is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2026. 

Polymer compounding is the process of blending plastic resins, such as polypropylene, with additives, fibreglass, and recycled materials to create specialty compounds with tailored properties. These materials are designed for applications that require durability, heat resistance, or lightweight performance. 

“This is our third significant investment this year, following the expansion our energy business and the increase in capacity for our recyclable, lightweight polymer foam solutions,” said Borealis CEO Stefan Doboczky.

Advanced PP compounds are used in a wide range of industries, including: 

In other news, Finnish packaging specialist Walki Westpak says it has made sizable investments to meet the rising demand for recyclable flexible packaging. The company is expanding its production capacity by acquiring a new printing press and constructing a new post-processing hall.

 During the last years, Walki Westpak has experienced rapid growth, driven by growing customer demand for high-quality, sustainable flexible packaging solutions for food products such as sausages, cheese, chocolate and fish. To maintain flexographic print quality Walki Westpak says it was essential to invest in additional production capacity.

“Our customers expect short lead times and the highest print quality, even for short-run campaigns, which are often driven by fast-changing consumer trends and retail demands,” says Jonas Skuthälla, Head of Sales, Flexible Packaging.

The investment entails two parts. The first is a flexographic printing line, prepared for printing with both water-based and solvent-based inks. The new line enhances both sustainability and efficiency by enabling environmentally friendly printing with less waste and energy use.

The second is a new post-processing hall, which will improve workflow and material logistics while also enhancing workplace safety by streamlining traffic and separating operational zones more effectively. The relocation of finishing operations will free up space for all printing machines to be centralised in one area, boosting overall productivity. A new prepress mounting unit is being installed, and renovation work has been made to office spaces to accommodate the changes.

Recyclable flexible packaging, including lightweight monomaterial solutions for polymer-based products, is becoming increasingly important in response to new legislation, changing consumer expectations and sustainability requirements.

 The investment will also have a positive impact on employment in the Säkylä region, Finland, as ten new employees have been hired to support the expanded operations.

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