Celebrating 30 years of Innovation and Sustainability at Vinipack

This year Vinipack, one of Grupo Plastilene’s brands, celebrated its 30th anniversary. The last 30 years has been a period characterized by constant growth and an important commitment to sustainability. Vinipack started manufacturing PVC rigid films, and has shifted into the production of rigid PET films. Showcasing a spirit of innovation and market adaptability, as well as evolving according to environmental concerns. Today we look back at its history and the key achievements that have allowed the evolution of a specialized brand that today is a leader in sustainable packaging.

First steps: From PVC to PET

In the beginning, Vinipack was a Grupo Plastilene brand that focused on the production of PVC, with an extruder dedicated to the material. In approximately 2003 production started moving towards PET, a transition that was not entirely simple. “This shift was complicated, since PVC was more aesthetically appealing compared to PET, and many clients pushed back” says Yolanda Roncancio, who oversaw quality at Vinipack’s for 10 years, and is today Programming Engineer for Plastilene.

Diego López, who joined Vinipack in 2008 and has since been the Production Director, shares his perspective on this transition: “the PVC pharmaceutical sector is very strict. Our goal was to understand other sectors of the industry where we identified an important business opportunity, including the flower industry, that also eventually transitioned to PET”. Diego notes that the shift was necessary in equal parts due to the market requirements and a strategic sustainability vision from the owners and shareholders from the company.

Sustainability, an ongoing commitment

Throughout Vinipack’s history, sustainability has been an important consideration. Yolanda notes that though during her first few years sustainability was not front of mind, there was always an effort to recycle material and ensure internal waste was exploited as much as possible. With time the company engaged increasingly with more sustainable practices in its production processes

Diego highlights also the importance of sustainability in Vinipack by saying that “the market started asking for more sustainable solutions, and PET fulfilled these requests. We carried out important developments like switching from printed corrugated white cardboard to printed white PET for the flower industry, and eventually into more simplified transparent PET”. This focus has allowed Vinipack to provide more sustainable and efficient solutions for their clients, decreasing the carbon footprint, and promoting recyclability.

In 2021, Vinipack SA fused with Plastilene and entered the rigid plastics business line of the Company but retained its specialized brand known as Vinipack. Allowing the expansion of the Plastilene’s vast films portfolio currently headed by Rodrigo Restrepo acting as General Manager. Rodrigo is proud of representing a brand that provides packaging solutions that consider the environment.

A company with shared vision and values

Vinipack as a business line is described by their employees as a business known for its experience and always future leaning. These strengths have not only allowed for adaptability to what the market requires, but made it possible to excel in the implementation of sustainable practices.

Our human factor is fundamental. “At the factory we come across so many challenges that every day is different, but we’re always able to push through,” says Yolanda. Diego adds that “he has always had an excellent team without which [he] could not bring out most projects. We have had clients with very high expectations that have forced us to improve”.

In the last 30 years the company has proven that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand and create a positive impact without compromising the environment.

Looking Forward

With 30 years, Vinipack is proud of its history and its achievements. Today it contributes to food preservation through its wide range of tailor-made products. And has protected Colombian flowers for exportation packaged in PET films made from 100% recycled PET.

As part of the Grupo Plastilene, Vinipack honors its commitment to constant improvement, sustainability, and taking care of their employees. With a multidisciplinary team of experts and excellent projections. The rigid plastic line is prepared to continue being a leader of plastic films and sustainable packaging, as well as facing challenges head on in the coming years with the same dedication and passion as the day Vinipack started.

Congratulations Vinipack on 30 years! We thank our employees, clients, suppliers, and everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.

To many more years of success and sustainability!