Local plastic-packaging firm to expand, add jobs

A 60-year-old company that makes plastic packaging from renewable and sustainable sources will add 20 jobs as part of an expansion in Columbus.

Plastic Suppliers makes thin-gauge films that are used in food, beverage, medical, personal care and other industries. The company markets products in more than 50 countries.

It has 160 workers in Columbus and 40 at its operations in Ghent, Belgium.

The expansion is tied to a new film that the company introduced in October called EarthFirst UL. It is made from sugar cane, corn and tapioca roots.

The new film replaces the petrochemical-based films used today. It reduces the amount of film used in flexible packaging by as much as 40 percent, is less expensive to produce and has a lower carbon footprint.

Plastic Supplier has obtained $35 million in financing to fund the expansion. The company plans to add two high-speed production lines and increase the capacity of a third line over the next 18 months.

“It reduces packaging volume entering the waste stream, lowers packagingto-product ratios, makes the entire supply chain more cost-effective, and is compostable,” said George Thomas, the company’s CEO, in a statement.

“We have a pipeline of new sustainable products that build on this technical platform. The capital will be used to expand our capabilities, enhance our quality and R&D processes, and meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging in the future.”

The company also is expanding its plant in Belgium, where it will add 10 jobs.