Hoffmann Neopac: Overcoming Challenges
Hoffmann Neopac, a Swiss family-owned company founded in 1890, specializes in the manufacture of packaging tubes for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and dental sectors, employs some 980 people, generates revenue of approximately 160 million euros, and has a production capacity of 1.3 billion tubes, including Polyfoil® barrier tubes, polyethylene tubes, and co-extruded PE tubes. The company has developed a number of specialty tubes, such as SpringTube™ tubes and, more recently, PaperX paper-based tubes. It operates four production sites located in Switzerland (Oberdiessbach), Hungary (Debrecen), the United States (Wilson, North Carolina), and India (Silvassa). Exports account for more than 80% of its business. The Group has set four priorities for 2026, including, on the one hand, commissioning new extrusion capacity and optimizing production efficiency; continuing the industrialization of its brand-new PaperX FiberTop product; accelerating growth in the beauty and cosmeceuticals segment; and strengthening collaborations with major global brands on sustainable packaging. An update with Catherine Bismuth, Head of Sales Cosmetics.
What have been the most significant developments at Neopac over the past two years?
Catherine Bismuth: We have implemented a strategy focused on innovation, sustainability, and the expansion of our industrial capabilities. To this end, we have made a number of investments in new production capacity, notably a new extruded tube manufacturing line at our Hungarian site. We have also expanded our flexographic printing capabilities. At the same time, we have made significant strides in sustainable innovation, particularly with the development of our PaperX FiberTop tube. Sustainability is a central pillar of Neopac’s strategy and innovation roadmap. Our environmental positioning is based on several key strengths, including the development of recyclable, low-carbon-footprint solutions such as our Polyfoil® EcoPro tube, as well as our range of recycled PE tubes and our renowned PaperX, which helps reduce plastic consumption and CO₂ emissions. I would like to remind you that our Polyfoil® EcoPro tube reduces CO2 emissions by 40% compared to standard extruded tubes, is made from up to 60% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, is food-contact compliant, offers improved barrier properties for sensitive products, is available with detailed, high-resolution decoration options, and has a wall thickness of 0.35 mm, which reduces plastic consumption compared to standard extruded tubes.
We have also set ambitious industrial goals (100% renewable energy at the Swiss site, zero waste sent to landfills at major plants, extensive use of solar energy, and energy optimization). For example, in Hungary, the installation of additional solar panels has increased the share of the factory’s electricity supplied by solar energy from approximately 12% to nearly 21%.
As for our certifications and standards, they are recognized (ISO 14001, ISCC PLUS, EcoVadis, EN 15343). We participate in CDP reports and sustainability assessments and support our customers not only with products but also with guidelines, CO₂ calculations, and recyclability assessments.
Can you remind us of the general context surrounding the tubes you produce?
Catherine Bismuth: It is clear that the increase in plastic waste is a major concern in Europe. Between 80% and 90% of Europeans are concerned about the impact of plastic waste on the environment. To drive change, the European Union has set specific targets. By 2030, all plastic packaging must be recyclable, and 55% will actually be recycled by 2030. I would like to point out that the tube is a hybrid packaging: it consists of a flexible part (body) and a rigid part (shoulder and cap). Remarkably, tubes account for only 2 to 4% of the plastic weight in the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rigid packaging stream! Another important fact: of the 15 to 20 million tons of plastic packaging produced annually in Europe, multi-material products account for 1 million tons. These include multi-layer tubes containing aluminum, such as standard Polyfoil® tubes, which are not yet subject to separate collection in Europe. However, the presence of multiple layers containing different types of materials is often problematic for the recycling process.
That is why we have developed new high-performance single-material structures that can be recycled in existing streams, certified by RecyClass in Europe and APR in the United States. We have 70 years of experience in the development of high-performance laminated tubes. Since 2019, we have been collaborating with film manufacturers and experts in thin-film barrier technologies for the strategic development of our Polyfoil® MMB high-protection barrier laminated tube, which is single-material and fully recyclable. Our tubes are made from PE or PP and contain less than 5% other materials to avoid any disruption in the recycling process, in line with industry design guidelines. Our new high-performance, single-material, recyclable Polyfoil® MMB barrier tube ensures optimal product protection thanks to food- and pharmaceutical-grade materials.
Our next goal is to manufacture more and more PE caps so that we can offer the entire product as a single-material solution.
Over the past few months, you have launched a number of new products, particularly in the beauty and dermo-cosmetics segment. Which ones?
Catherine Bismuth: Generally speaking, our current development priorities include both the development of multiple single-material—and therefore recyclable—tube and applicator solutions manufactured in Europe, the industrialization and scaling up of PaperX solutions, and the continuous improvement of barrier technologies and sustainable materials. As for new products, we can highlight the “Sensation” range (a line of single-material tubes and applicators). This range was designed to combine high-end aesthetics with improved recyclability, thereby meeting the growing demand for packaging that balances design performance and sustainability. Polyfoil® Sensation uses 100% PP materials, offering robust protection while remaining recyclable in the PP stream. It allows customers to maintain a premium look and feel while meeting increasingly demanding environmental expectations.
Another example is “NeoDose™ Solo,” a new airless tube solution. This is an innovative airless tube designed for precise and clean dispensing. It is a single-material tube equipped with a PE pump to facilitate recycling. This concept is particularly well-suited for dermo-cosmetic and skincare applications, offering several benefits (hygiene, enhanced product protection, and controlled dispensing).
And then, of course, there is the launch of our PaperX FiberTop tube, a revolutionary solution with the skirt, shoulder, and cap made from a paper-based material that enables recyclability (24% reduction in CO2 emissions, Contains 87% less plastic compared to standard COEX tubes, made with over 80% FSC-certified paper, excellent sealing with standard equipment, and a smooth texture and tactile properties that offer an exceptional experience).
It’s not always easy being a plastic packaging manufacturer these days! What are your thoughts?
Catherine Bismuth: It is clear that the packaging industry is currently facing several major pressures, including rising raw material costs on the one hand, stricter regulatory requirements (e.g., recyclability, PPWR) on the other, and higher expectations from brands and consumers. For us, this means continuously investing in innovation and compliance, meeting increased demand for solutions that are both cost-competitive and sustainable, and addressing a growing need for specific regulatory information—which is time-consuming and resource-intensive. Despite these challenges, we view this as an opportunity to stand out through innovation, quality, and our leadership in sustainable packaging.
Of course, the volatility of tariffs introduced in recent months has made it more difficult to implement certain strategies, particularly those concerning North America.
But we are supported by several structural strengths, notably a multi-site production footprint (Europe, the United States, India) that enables true regional flexibility. And although cost management and supply chain planning have become more demanding, ensuring a reliable supply to customers worldwide remains the Group’s top priority.
