What Coopbox does

Coopbox Group S.r.l. is an Italian food packaging manufacturer founded in 1972 and headquartered in Bibbiano (Reggio Emilia). The company produces expanded polystyrene (XPS/EPS), polypropylene (PP), and PET packaging solutions for large-scale retail (GDO) and food industry clients across Italy and Slovakia. Its product portfolio is organized into three families: expanded packaging (STANDARDPACK with 50+ models, AERDRY absorbent trays, AERPACK MAP containers), rigid packaging (VISTAFRESH, VISTAPP, VISTADELI), and ice cream packaging (FunnyGel, UniGel, Gel2000, KombyGel). Coopbox claims the #1 position in Italy for takeaway ice cream containers and operates a wholly-owned production site in Nové Mesto nad Váhom, Slovakia (since 2002) under Coopbox Eastern S.R.O., alongside its Bibbiano headquarters.

Technically, Coopbox's differentiation rests on materials science rather than digital innovation. Flagship innovations include R-XPS — an expanded polystyrene tray with an A-B-A structure containing up to 50% recycled PS supplied by Versalis's Revive grade; the NIR-Detectable AERpack, which uses carbon-free black pigment so that NIR optical sorters can identify black plastic packaging; VISTA AM+ rigid trays with super-absorbent bases; and the patented SKIN MOULDING technique that bonds a crystal polystyrene film to Gel2000 containers for waterproofing and hygiene. The company also participates in the EU H2020 GLOpack consortium developing PHA-based 100% biobased, compostable packaging, and has launched a recyclable cardboard line.

Commercially, Coopbox operates a direct, field-based B2B sales model with personalized consulting for retail and food processor customers, emphasizing customization rather than standardized catalog sales. Pricing is quote-based on volume, materials, and customization, with no public pricing. Since 2021, the company has been a subsidiary of Gruppo Happy, a family-owned Italian food packaging group, and in 2023 the former Ferrandina plant was reconverted into Proxima, a separate entity focused on rigid and flexible technical films. Certifications relevant to PE/VC diligence include ISO 9001, D.Lgs. 231/2001, EPD via Pro Food Italia / SGS, and GDPR-compliant data handling.

Name

Coopbox

Legal name

Coopbox Group S.r.l.

Website

https://coopbox.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Coopbox is an Italian food packaging manufacturer founded in 1972, producing XPS/EPS, PP, and PET packaging solutions for large-scale retail (GDO) and food industry clients. It operates from Italy and Slovakia as a subsidiary of Gruppo Happy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Packaging Manufacturing

NAICS

Polystyrene Foam Product Manufacturing (326140), Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing (326112), All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing (326199)

SIC

Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)

akta.pro primary industry

Foodservice/To-Go Packaging (Cups, Clamshells, Cutlery) (IMALAHAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rigid Food Containers (Cups, Trays, Clamshells) (IMALAAAD), Plastic Trays, Clamshells & Blister Packaging Manufacturing (IMANAEAE), Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), PP Jars, Tubs & Containers (IMALAAAC)

Keywords

• Food packaging
• Expanded polystyrene containers
• Rigid plastic containers
• Ice cream packaging
• Sustainable food packaging

Headquarters

HQ city

Bibbiano

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Food Packaging Manufacturing and Distribution: Coopbox generates revenue through the manufacture and distribution of XPS, PP, PET, and recycled plastic packaging solutions to the food industry and large-scale retail trade. Products include expanded packaging, rigid containers, ice cream packaging, and specialty solutions like NIR-detectable and tamper-evident containers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Coopbox manufactures and sells food packaging solutions in expanded polystyrene (XPS/EPS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and recycled (r-XPS, r-PET) materials. The company supplies trays, rigid containers, and ice cream takeaway containers to large-scale retail (GDO) chains and food industry manufacturers across Europe, with production facilities in Italy and Slovakia.

Product overview

Coopbox is a food packaging manufacturer offering three main product lines: Expanded Packaging (XPS/EPS trays with STANDARD PACK, AERDRY, AERPACK variants), Rigid Packaging (VISTAFRESH, VISTAPP, VISTADELI containers), and Ice Cream Packaging (FunnyGel, UniGel, Gel2000, KombyGel). The company is part of Gruppo Happy since 2021. Key innovations include R-XPS (containing up to 50% recycled PS), NIR Detectable AERpack for recyclability, and GLOpack (EU H2020 project using PHA bioplastic). Proxima, a subsidiary for technical films, was spun off from the Ferrandina plant in 2023.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Proxima: Company specializing in the production of rigid and flexible technical films for various applications, born from the reconversion of the Coopbox Ferrandina plant.

Products and services

• Espanso (Expanded Packaging) Expanded polystyrene trays with excellent mechanical resistance, sealability to films, and barrier properties. Used by large-scale retail and food industry for fresh produce, meats, poultry, and prepared foods.
• Rigido (Rigid Packaging) Rigid plastic containers for modified atmosphere packaging of meats, cured meats, cheeses, and gastronomy/takeaway applications. Targeted at food processors, delis, and retail food service.
• Gelateria (Ice Cream Packaging) Ice cream takeaway containers in expanded polystyrene with thermal resistance and aesthetic designs. Sold to artisanal and industrial ice cream parlours; Coopbox holds the number one position in Italy for takeaway ice cream containers.
• R-XPS Tray Recycled-content expanded polystyrene tray combining virgin XPS outer layers with a recycled polystyrene middle layer, suitable for food contact. Reduces virgin plastic use and carbon footprint while maintaining food safety.
• VISTA AM+ Rigid Tray Rigid plastic tray with a super-absorbent base designed for fresh food packaging with high liquid content. Targeted at meat, poultry, and prepared foods applications.
• GLOpack PHA Packaging 100% bio-based and compostable food packaging produced from PHA bioplastic derived from agricultural waste. Developed under the EU-funded Horizon 2020 GLOpack project.
• Cardboard Packaging Recyclable cardboard food packaging line for the GDO and food industry. Made from renewable vegetable sources with customizable design for freezer, microwave, and takeaway use.
• Tamper Evident Container Fresh food container with a unique tamper-evident opening mechanism and 90% recycled PET (r-PET) construction. Targeted at dried fruit and cut fruit applications; available in square (250/350/500cc) and rectangular (750/1000cc) formats.
• NIR Detectable AERpack Black-colored packaging produced with a non-carbon-black pigment that reflects near-infrared (NIR) waves, enabling optical sorting systems to identify and recycle the black plastic containers.
• Proxima (Rigid and Flexible Technical Films) Production of rigid and flexible technical plastic films for various industrial applications. Spun off from Coopbox's Ferrandina plant in 2023 and operated as a separate subsidiary focused on eco-design.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 50% recycled PS content in R-XPS packaging reduces virgin plastic usage
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and supporting.

• Gruppo HappyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021In 2021, Coopbox became part of Gruppo Happy, an all-Italian family-owned company and national/international reference point in food packaging. Gruppo Happy shares a strategy of continuous growth, development, and sustainability research with Coopbox.
• VersaliscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Versalis supplies Revive recycled PS material derived from differentiated domestic collection for R-XPS packaging production. R-XPS contains 75% recycled PS from household collection, resulting in up to 50% total recycled content.
• Pro Food Italia (Unionplast)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoopbox participates in Pro Food Italia's EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) program for PP, PET and XPS products. EPD certified by third-party SGS evaluates LCA including GWP, acidification, energy consumption, eutrophication, and other environmental impacts.
• COREPLAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOREPLA (Italian Plastic Packaging Consortium) partnered with Coopbox for rXPS technology development and plastic recycling initiatives. Coopbox participates in COREPLA-organized events like Ecomondo to promote plastic recycling.
• FOREVER PLASTsupportingTechnology or IntegrationExternal partner supporting Coopbox's rXPS technology development for sustainable packaging solutions for poultry and meat industry.
• GLOpack Consortium (EU H2020)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded Horizon 2020 project led by Professor Valérie Guillard of University of Montpellier. Coopbox participates alongside universities and research centers to develop 100% green PHA-based packaging derived from agricultural waste (manure), featuring antimicrobial properties and compostability.
• University of MontpelliercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in GLOpack H2020 project. Optimizes and transforms PHA pellets from Verona facility into packaging materials. Manages experimental production chain for 100% green food packaging.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Huhtamaki Oyj: Finland-based global food packaging manufacturer with rigid and molded fiber solutions across Europe; directly comparable given Coopbox's focus on foodservice-to-go, GDO and ice cream containers across EPS, PP and PET formats.
• Sirap Group: Italian-headquartered rigid plastic food packaging producer with XPS/EPS trays and MAP containers for meat, produce and dairy — one of Coopbox's closest domestic competitors in the Italian GDO and food industry channels.
• Coveris Holdings S.A. European flexible and rigid plastic packaging manufacturer serving food, retail and foodservice end-markets; comparable given shared focus on trays, containers and sustainability-led product innovation for GDO and food processors.
• Færch Plast A/S: Danish rigid food packaging specialist producing CPET, APET, PP and EPS trays for ready meals, meat and dairy — direct overlap with Coopbox's rigid VISTAFRESH/VISTAPP range and food-industry customer base.
• LINPAC Packaging (subsidiary of Faerch): UK-based rigid plastic food packaging producer (now part of Faerch Plast) serving retail, foodservice and protein processors; comparable product portfolio and channel overlap with Coopbox in European food-contact trays.
• Klöckner Pentaplast Group: European rigid and flexible plastic packaging producer with strong food-contact film and PET/PP capability — comparable to Coopbox's rigid food packaging lines and to spin-off Proxima's technical film focus.

Broad incumbents

• Sealed Air Corporation: US-listed food packaging incumbent with broad protective and food-contact packaging portfolios; comparable at the food-packaging / modified atmosphere level though much larger and more diversified than Coopbox.
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc. North-American foodservice and food packaging major producing foam, plastic and paper cartons — competes with Coopbox's expanded (XPS/EPS) tray and rigid container lines into supermarket and foodservice channels.
• Berry Global Group, Inc. Global rigid plastics giant with food, beverage and consumer packaging segments; overlapping portfolio of rigid food containers and trays where Coopbox competes in Europe.

Emerging players

• Sabert Corporation: US-headquartered foodservice packaging manufacturer with growing presence in sustainable ready-meal and takeout containers; relevant emerging comparable as it pushes fiber-based alternatives that may substitute Coopbox's foam offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coopbox-group-spa

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Coopbox