In order to further increase productivity and competitiveness in both local and international markets, Plastiksė has taken advantage of the “Digitisation of Industry LT” measure of the Innovation Agency to acquire modern equipment to automate production processes and make the operations even more sustainable.
According to Agnė Vaitkūnienė, Director of the Investment Management Department of the Innovation Agency, the aim of the “Digitisation of Industry LT” measure was to provide domestic companies with an opportunity to more effectively assess the possibilities of digitisation of production processes and to implement new technologies in production processes in accordance with the recommendations of the technological audit. For example, robotics technologies, operational production management systems, smart sensors, artificial intelligence tools, etc. Thus, the company has not only upgraded the existing production facilities, but has also increased productivity.
“With the rapid development of technology, digitisation is becoming an increasingly important part of company operations, by increasing productivity and competitiveness, ensuring business continuity in a dynamic market environment, and helping to solve the problems of the shortage of unskilled labour. The importance of digitisation was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when only those companies that had implemented fully automated processes suffered no or minimal losses. Therefore, today we can clearly see the advantage of sectors that have integrated digital solutions,” says the specialist.
Thanks to investment under the “Eco-innovationLT+” measure, Plastiksė has installed an automated centralised raw material supply system, automated stretch blow moulding machines, and equipment for drying, testing and packaging of raw material pellets at its factory. According to Ms Vaitkūnienė, investing in these technological eco-innovations will not only help the company to reduce the amount of raw materials and energy consumed in the production of the product, reduce the cost of the product and create new jobs. Recycling and reusing plastics will also contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of the negative effects of climate change and the greenhouse effect.
Serving global market leaders
Plastiksė, established in Trakai in 2000, started its business by producing mineral water bottles. Later, the company expanded, moving production to larger premises in Vievis, increasing the number of employees and the range of products offered. Today, just over 20 years later, the company offers a wide range of services to its customers: packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, liquid food products, production of caps, printing of labels on bottles and caps, and application of labels.
The company started from the local market and now it also exports its products abroad. Most of their production goes to Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Israel and North America, while the rest stays in Lithuania, where various factories and farmers buy plastic packaging.
According to Leonidas Sterlinas, Director of Plastiksė, the favourable geographical location of the company allows it to cooperate closely with strategically important countries in both Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
“We have a very wide customer base and supply our products not only to small and medium-sized enterprises, but also to the world’s largest companies. Plastiksė packaging is chosen by producers of soft drinks, mineral water, milk, beer, oil, vinegar, wine, cosmetics, household chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We strive to ensure that every customer, regardless of size, receives a quality product that meets all their expectations, and we work hard to maintain long-term partnerships,” says Mr Sterlinas, adding that the company offers each customer the opportunity to create an individual design or choose from a wide range of available products. For example, there are 500 different bottle shapes available in different capacities and colours.
Investing in sustainability and innovation
Most of the products of the company are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pellets. It is one of the safest and most widely used polymers in the packaging of food and other products. The Head of Plastiksė, which has successfully established itself in the Lithuanian market, says that the company highly focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly production processes.
“Our work is focused on delivering high quality results, leaving as small a footprint on the planet as possible during production, storage, transport, use and recycling. Our bottles are eco-friendly, made from recycled materials, and we use only renewable energy such as wind farms, solar collectors, hydroelectric power plants in our production processes. We are a company with zero CO2 emissions,” he adds.
