September 8, 2026 13:21

French packaging group Sphere, one of the leading producers of compostable biobased materials for films and bags, has announced the acquisition of fellow French company Polyex, which specialises in polyethylene film extrusion and the production of tubular films, hoods, bags and packaging products, mainly for industrial customers.

The transaction strengthens Sphere’s presence in the industrial film market, where it was already active in the UK through its subsidiary Alfaplas.

Founded in 1991 and based in Lunéville, near Nancy, Polyex extrudes polyethylene to produce shrink films, sheets, tubular films, hoods and bags for sectors including construction, automotive, food, distribution and logistics. The plant operates eight extrusion lines, eight cutting and sealing lines and seven in-line printing units, with a stated production capacity of more than 10,000 tonnes per year. In 2025, the company generated revenue of €15 million and employed 45 people.

“The acquisition of Polyex allows us to strengthen our position as a European industrial manufacturer in a promising sector and to diversify the markets served by our group, which is currently mainly active in the professional, local authority and mass retail segments,” explains Jean-François Gallet, President of the French group. “Our strategy to diversify our activities is fully reflected in Polyex’s complementary expertise, which adds to that of our subsidiary Alfaplas.”

Sphere operates a total of 18 production sites in Europe, seven of them in France, with an annual production capacity of 235,000 tonnes of films and bags. In 2025, the group reported revenue of around €814 million and employed more than 1,800 people.

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