Following yesterday's announcement that Zeus has acquired Irish sustainable tissue manufacturer and distributor, Aldar Tissues, the group said it is planning to launch new eco-friendly products in 2019.
"The new range of eco-friendly products will made in Ireland from recycled tissue and packaged with Ireland’s first fully biodegradable and compostable film," the Irish-owned global packaging solutions company said in a statement.
Two other products planned for the new year include, tissue products made from both sustainable fibres left over from sugar-cane extraction and also bamboo.
Currently, 100% of all retail kitchen towels and toilet paper sold by supermarket multiples in Ireland are imported from the UK and Europe, the group highlighted.
“At Zeus, innovation and problem-solving drive us," said Brian O’Sullivan, managing director of Zeus.
"We launched Ireland’s only completely paper-free compostable cup earlier this year, and know how important eco-friendly options are for our customers."
Jobs Creation
In the statement the group said, that the move will double employment at Aldar’s 38,000 sq. ft. facility over the next 18 months and will see the creation of 20 new roles in addition to the company’s existing 20 full-time jobs.
“Our acquisition of Aldar means that this Irish-owned business can double its workforce, ensuring jobs are kept in Ireland, and deliver its products to larger retailers across the country," O'Sullivan added.
"This will provide an option to multiples, for the first time, to sell Irish-made kitchen towels and tissue products.”
Looking Ahead
Darren Farrell, managing director of Aldar Tissues, added that since 2013, the have been committed to supplying high-quality sustainable products for the Irish, UK and European markets from its first-class converting facility in Dublin.
"In the past year, we have invested in innovative machinery, including a €3 million investment in new converting machines; developed the latest in eco-friendly products; and expanded our logistical resources seven-fold," Farrell said.
"Working with Zeus is the next step in our business growth.”
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
