Saturday, 04 October 2025
Zeus Acquires Simpac Ltd in €28.6 Million Deal Cork-based packaging company Zeus has acquired Simpac Ltd, the UK’s longest-established paper sack and packaging manufacturer, in a deal valued at approximately £25 million (€28.6 million). Founded in 1903, Simpac Ltd is a well-established supplier in the packaging sector, specialising in paper sacks, mailers, branded carrier bags, […]
Cork-based packaging company Zeus has acquired Simpac Ltd, the UK’s longest-established paper sack and packaging manufacturer, in a deal valued at approximately £25 million (€28.6 million).
Founded in 1903, Simpac Ltd is a well-established supplier in the packaging sector, specialising in paper sacks, mailers, branded carrier bags, and food wraps. The company has earned a strong reputation for developing sustainable packaging solutions across the retail, ecommerce, and agricultural sectors.
This acquisition further strengthens Zeus’s position in the European packaging market and supports its ongoing focus on expanding its sustainable product offerings.
The acquisition of Simpac Ltd by Zeus comes at a time when governments and industries across Europe are responding to environmental legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and similar UK policies have accelerated demand for paper-based alternatives, particularly in sectors such as retail, foodservice, and ecommerce.
Simpac’s focus on paper mailers and sacks places Zeus in a strategic position to benefit from this shift, as retailers look to phase out plastic packaging in favor of recyclable or compostable materials. Zeus’s acquisition effectively doubles down on a material category that is increasingly seen as a viable replacement for plastic packaging in logistics and consumer-facing sectors.
Although paper packaging is often perceived as more environmentally friendly, it’s important to note that not all paper products have the same footprint. Simpac’s reputation for offering responsibly sourced and recyclable paper-based solutions aligns with best practices in sustainable forestry and supply chain management.
According to life-cycle assessments, paper products typically have a lower environmental persistence than plastics (i.e., they biodegrade faster and more completely). However, they also tend to have higher water and energy inputs during production, making source sustainability and manufacturing efficiency critical factors in reducing total environmental impact.
Simpac’s experience in producing sustainable wraps and bags suggests that Zeus has acquired not just market share, but also valuable institutional knowledge in optimizing paper products for both performance and sustainability.
Zeus is a Cork-headquartered packaging group with operations across several markets. The company provides a broad range of packaging solutions for industries such as retail, foodservice, and industrial manufacturing. In recent years, Zeus has pursued strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in key markets and to align with growing customer demand for environmentally responsible packaging.
Established over 120 years ago, Simpac Ltd holds the distinction of being the longest-operating paper sack and packaging manufacturer in the UK. With a history of consistent innovation and reliability, the company has built lasting partnerships with clients who require sustainable, branded, and functional packaging.
The company’s products are widely used across multiple sectors, including grocery retail, ecommerce fulfillment, and farming, reflecting a versatile product lineup tailored to evolving market needs.
This acquisition gives Zeus access to Simpac’s established customer base and manufacturing capabilities in the UK. It also aligns with Zeus’s broader strategy to grow its presence in sustainable paper-based packaging, an area of increasing importance due to consumer and regulatory shifts toward more eco-friendly materials.
With Simpac’s product expertise and long-standing reputation, Zeus is positioned to expand its offering in paper packaging, particularly in segments where plastic reduction is a key priority.
While financial and strategic outcomes are immediate priorities, industry watchers will also be looking at how Zeus integrates Simpac into its broader operations. Areas of focus could include:
R&D collaboration to develop new coatings or additives that improve the moisture resistance of paper without compromising recyclability.
Leveraging Simpac’s century-old brand credibility to attract large retail clients moving away from plastic.
Sharing best practices in energy-efficient manufacturing across the group.
Zeus may also explore certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or Cradle to Cradle for Simpac’s product lines to further validate their environmental credentials.
The acquisition of Simpac Ltd by Zeus for approximately £25 million marks a significant step in Zeus’s continued growth in the packaging sector. It brings together two companies with shared values around quality, sustainability, and customer service. As consumer and industry demand for eco-friendly packaging continues to rise, this acquisition enhances Zeus’s capabilities to meet those expectations while deepening its footprint in the UK market.
At All-Ireland Sustainability, we’re committed to building a greener, fairer island, together. Stay informed on the latest environmental initiatives, community action, and policy developments shaping sustainability across Ireland, North and South.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to hear about upcoming events, expert insights, and ways to get involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your journey, new members are always welcome.
Subscribe now and be part of the All-Ireland Sustainability Membership.