AST Kunststoffverarbeitung

What AST Kunststoffverarbeitung does

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH is a family-owned German manufacturer of blow-molded plastic industrial packaging, founded in 1977 by Albrecht Strohmann and headquartered in Erndtebrück, North Rhine-Westphalia. The company produces plastic jerrycans (3–60L across the AM, CK, EST, ST, AS, CKK, SQR, and CPK series), plastic drums (Deckelfass 120–220L, POD 120–135L, Spundfass 220L), and plastic bottles (via subsidiaries EuroMouldings and Joh. Sieben from 15ml up to 30L). All products carry UN/ADR dangerous goods approval and relevant food-safety certifications including HALAL, Kosher, BRC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001. Technology centers on extrusion blow molding with proprietary multi-layer coextrusion (up to 6 layers), a patented foldable IBC (Easy Cube), and an internally developed AST Machine Control System.

The business operates an integrated pan-European network of 11 production facilities and 16 total locations across Germany (Erndtebrück, Gemmingen, Heinsberg, Ovelgönne, Lützel), the United Kingdom (Wrexham), Belgium (Hoogstraten), the Netherlands (Nijverdal, Hengelo, Almelo), and Poland (Sulęcin), employing more than 750 people. AST monetizes primarily through direct B2B sales of certified industrial packaging with volume-and-spec-based unit pricing and multi-year contracts, supplemented by channel partners in France, Switzerland, Denmark, and Benelux. Customer segments are diversified across chemicals (dangerous goods), food and beverage, lubricants/automotive, AdBlue/DEF, and cleaning products. In recent years, AST has extended into a circular-economy vertical via the CIPACKS take-back system, AST Recycling & Rekonditionierung GmbH, and the Asthene PCR/PIR recycled-resin brand (BAM-certified, up to 2,500 t/a capacity across 8 facilities). Additional revenue streams include closures, taps, and dosing-pump accessories sold alongside containers.

Ownership remains in the Strohmann family across three generations; the founder's sons Dirk and Jörg Strohmann serve as managing partners, with Erik Strohmann taking group leadership in 2025 at age 20. AST has financed growth entirely through organic cash flow and acquisitions (five transactions since 2016), with no disclosed external equity or debt financing and no public listing.

Name

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung

Legal name

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH

Website

https://ast-kanister.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH is a family-owned German blow-molder manufacturing UN-certified plastic jerrycans (3–60L), drums (120–220L), and bottles for chemical, food, lubricant, and AdBlue industries across 16 European sites, with growing circular-economy services through CIPACKS and Asthene PCR.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Plastic Packaging

NAICS

All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing (326199), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191)

SIC

Plastics Products, Nec (3089), Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)

akta.pro primary industry

Blow-Molded Drums, Barrels & IBC Components (IMANAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Blow-Molded Food & Beverage Packaging (IMANAGAK), Extrusion Blow-Molded Containers (HDPE/PET Bottles & Jugs) (IMANAGAA), Blow-Molded Packaging Closures & Dispensing Components (Caps, Nozzles) (IMANAGAH)

Keywords

• Plastic blow molding
• Industrial plastic packaging
• Dangerous goods containers
• Jerrycan manufacturing
• Plastic drum production

Headquarters

HQ city

Erndtebrück

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Plastic Packaging Sales: Sale of blow-molded plastic containers including jerrycans (various series: AM, CK, EST, ST, AS, CKK, CPK, SQR), drums (deckelfass, POD, spundfass), and plastic bottles through the EuroMouldings subsidiary.
2. Closure and Accessory Sales: Sale of closures (PE, PVC, Napf, HF, child-proof), dispensing taps, seals, and related accessories for plastic packaging.
3. Recycling and Reconditioning Services: Take-back, cleaning, and reconditioning of used industrial packaging through CIPACKS system and AST Recycling & Rekonditionierung GmbH. Production and sale of PCR (Post Consumer Rezyklat) under Asthene brand.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung manufactures and supplies blow-molded plastic containers — jerrycans from 3L to 60L across multiple product series (AM, CK, EST, ST, AS, CKK, SQR, CPK), drums from 120L to 220L (Deckelfass, POD, Spundfass), and plastic bottles from 15ml to 30L via EuroMouldings and Joh. Sieben subsidiaries. All products carry UN/ADR dangerous goods certification along with food-safety certifications (HALAL, Kosher, BRC). The company complements container manufacturing with closures, taps, dosing pumps, drum plugs, a circular take-back service (CIPACKS), and Asthene PCR/PIR recycled material produced at its own recycling facilities.

Product overview

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH is a family-owned manufacturer of blow-molded plastic packaging with nearly 50 years of experience. The company produces a comprehensive portfolio of plastic jerrycans (3-60L across AM, CK, EST, ST, AS, CKK, SQR, CPK, and KK series), plastic drums/barrels (120-220L including Deckelfass lid drums, POD pallet drums, and Spundfass tight-head drums), and plastic bottles through subsidiaries EuroMouldings and Joh. Sieben. All products carry UN/dangerous goods approval and food safety certifications. The product ecosystem is supported by extensive accessories (closures, taps, dosing pumps) and complemented by circular economy services through CIPACKS, which handles take-back, cleaning/reconditioning, and recycling into Asthene PCR materials. Recent innovations include the patented Easy Cube foldable IBC, multi-layer Coex packaging, and proprietary machine control systems for AST blow molding machines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CIPACKS (CIrcular PACKaging Solutions): Circular take-back and recycling system for used plastic packaging including IBCs, drums, and jerrycans. Handles cleaning, reuse, and recycling of returned containers.
• Asthene
• Easy Cube

Products and services

• AM-Series Jerrycans (3-6L) Stackable blow-molded HDPE jerrycans (3-6L) with UN dangerous goods approval, available in opening sizes 45 and 51, suitable for chemicals and food applications.
• EST-Series Jerrycans (5-60L) Established standard jerrycan line with distinctive design available in 5-6L, 10-15L, 15-30L, 30-40L, and 60L sizes — the company's most versatile product range with UN approval.
• AS-Series Jerrycans (10-25L) High-performance HDPE jerrycans (10-25L) developed with a major raw material producer for superior chemical resistance and stress crack resistance at reduced weight, with UN dangerous goods approval.
• CKK-Series Container-Optimized Jerrycans (17.5-30L) Container-optimized jerrycans (17.5-30L) designed for gap-free packing in 20ft and 40ft sea containers, achieving 10-15% freight cost savings for price-sensitive industries.
• AdBlue Jerrycans (5-10L) Specialized jerrycans for AdBlue/DEF solution (5-10L) with optional integrated pour spout, protected venting system for fast emptying, and complete drainage.
• Deckelfass Lid Drums (120-220L) Open-top lid drums in 120L, 150L, and 220L capacities with solid-substance approval and nestable design for efficient empty transport.
• POD Pallet Drums (120-135L) Pallet drums (120-135L) combining wide-mouth opening with pallet optimization, load securing, and uniform stacking-stress distribution; optimized for sea-container height.
• Spundfass Tight-Head Drums (220L) 220L tight-head drum for liquid dangerous goods with special approval for various dosing systems, circumferential plastic ring for comfortable handling, and superior drainage.
• EuroMouldings Plastic Bottles (250ml-30L) Plastic bottles from 250ml to 30L produced by subsidiary EuroMouldings B.V. for lubricants, chemicals, and food industries, including 3D packaging design and mold-making capabilities.
• Joh. Sieben Custom Plastic Bottles (15ml-2000ml) Custom plastic bottles and containers (15ml-2000ml) produced by subsidiary Joh. Sieben GmbH for cosmetics, cleaning products, chemical-technical products, and food industries.
• Easy Cube Collapsible IBC Patented foldable Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) for food packaging applications, introduced at FachPack 2025.
• Coex Multi-Layer Packaging (5-30L jerrycans) Multi-layer coextrusion jerrycans (5-30L) with up to 6 layers combining tear resistance, moisture protection, UV protection, and barrier function.
• Closures and Caps (PE, PVC, Napf, HF, child-resistant, sealing, dust caps) Comprehensive closure solutions for jerrycans and drums: PE, PVC, and cone (napf) seals, vented closures, HF closures, child-resistant caps, sealing caps, dust caps, and opening keys.
• Taps and Pouring Systems (Turbo Tap, internal tap, Speedvent, pour spouts) Taps, drain cocks, Turbo Tap (3x faster emptying), integrated internal tap, Speedvent anti-glug system, flexible and rigid pour spouts.
• Dosage Pumps (30ml/stroke) Dosage pumps with 30ml per stroke capacity for precise liquid dispensing from jerrycans and drums.
• Drum Plugs (Spundstopfen) Drum plugs for bung holes including standard, vented, with 3/4 inch opening, and with integrated tap — suitable for spund sizes 56x4 and 70x6.
• CIPACKS Circular Packaging Solutions (Take-Back & Reconditioning) Take-back and circular economy service for used IBCs, drums, and jerrycans: collection, cleaning, reconditioning for reuse, and recycling into new Asthene PCR/PIR raw material.
• Asthene PCR/PIR Recycled Material Post-Consumer Rezyklat (PCR) and Post-Industrial Rezyklat (PIR) recycled plastic material with up to 100% recycled content, available on the open market and used in-house by AST.
• AST Recycling & Rekonditionierung Services Recycling and reconditioning facility for used plastic containers offering cleaning, inspection, and conversion into PCR/PIR materials, with 98% process water recycling.
• Sanderman Cleaning Services (IBC, drums, jerrycans, tankers) Professional interior and exterior cleaning services for plastic and metal packaging, tankers, and tank containers, including EFTCO Food-certified food-tanker washing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Logistics cost savings of 10-15% achievable with CKK series optimized for sea containers
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Muovi HeljankocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Cooperation with Finnish packaging manufacturer Muovi Heljanko enabled AST to expand into Coex multi-layer packaging (5-30L jerrycans) with up to 6 layers combining tear resistance, moisture protection, UV protection, and barrier function.
• P.I.T. Plastic Industrie Twente B.V. (Pit Plastics)coreOthers · 1 January 2024Acquired 2024 in Almelo (NL). Known in Europe for screw-top drums up to 220L and specialty products for food industry. BRC food safety certified. Expansion of AST portfolio with complementary products.
• LyondellBasellcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Cooperation in mechanical recycling area announced 2023. LyondellBasell, a major petrochemical company, partners with AST for recycled polymer materials supporting the circular economy initiative.
• Joh. Sieben GmbHminorOthers · 1 January 2022Acquired 2022 in Heinsberg, Germany. Founded 1875, family business in fourth generation. Produces individual plastic bottles and containers from 15ml to 2000ml for cosmetics, cleaning products, and food.
• Packaging Solutions North GmbHminorOthers · 1 January 2021Founded 2021 in Ovelgönne, Germany. Part of AST Group. Provides cleaning of used containers, rebottling, and compression services for recycling.
• Sanderman Cleaning GroupcoreOthers · 1 January 2019Acquired in 2019, Hengelo (NL). Specializes in interior and exterior cleaning of tankers and packaging. Provides cleaning services for IBC, drums, and jerrycans with food-grade EFTCO certification.
• EuroMouldings B.V.coreOthers · 1 January 2017Acquired 2017 in Nijverdal (NL). Founded 1995 as EURO bv. Provides packaging development, 3D design, mold making, and production of jerrycans and bottles for lubricants, chemical, and food industries.
• AMO-PlastcoreOthers · 1 January 2016Acquired 2016 in Eppingen, Germany. Added to portfolio: lightweight stackable jerrycans and AdBlue containers. Led to establishment of new facility in Gemmingen.
• Harcotom B.V.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch sales partner located in Purmerend, Netherlands. Distributes AST products in the Dutch market.
• Berlin PackagingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustrial packaging distributor with office in Eerbeek, Netherlands. Distributes AST products in Benelux.
• CVPminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPackaging distributor based in Wambrechies, France. Distributes AST products in the French market.
• EUROPLASTEXminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPackaging distributor based in La Varenne St. Maur, France. Distributes AST products in the French market.
• Packstar GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss packaging distributor based in Nidau. Distributes AST products in the Swiss market.
• Schack Industriemballage ApSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanish packaging distributor based in Vedbaek. Distributes AST products in the Danish market.
• Adriaansen VerpakkingenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBelgian packaging distributor based in Schelle. Distributes AST products in the Belgian market.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Werit Kunststoffwerke GmbH: Werit is a German blow-molded plastic container manufacturer producing IBCs, drums, jerrycans, and storage tanks with UN certification. Direct competitor in the same European industrial packaging market with similar regulatory certifications and product overlap.
• ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH: ALPLA is one of Europe's largest blow-molded plastic packaging specialists producing bottles, jerrycans, and containers for food, beverage, home care, and industrial customers. Comparable in blow-molding depth, certified packaging, and pan-European plant network.
• Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG: Kautex Textron specializes in extrusion blow molding for industrial containers (jerrycans, drums up to 220L, IBC liners) and automotive fuel systems. Direct competitor in HDPE/UN-certified industrial containers and complementary blow-molding technology partner/competitor.
• Mauser Packaging Solutions: Mauser is a major global supplier of industrial packaging (plastic and steel drums, IBCs, jerrycans) with strong reuse/reconditioning and PCR (Life Cycle Services) capabilities—closely mirroring AST's container-plus-CIPACKS circular offering for chemical customers.
• CurTec Holdings B.V. CurTec is a Dutch manufacturer of high-quality plastic drums, pails, and UN-certified industrial containers with strong pharmaceutical, chemical, and food-ingredient focus. Direct comparable on UN-certified HDPE containers and pan-European B2B sales approach.
• SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA: SCHÜTZ is the world's leading manufacturer of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and plastic/steel drums, directly competing with AST's jerrycan, drum (120-220L), and Easy Cube IBC lines, particularly in food and chemical applications across Europe.

Others

• Berlin Packaging: Berlin Packaging is a hybrid packaging supplier and distributor of rigid containers (including jerrycans, bottles, and drums) that is also a listed AST channel partner in Benelux. Comparable as a broader packaging distributor that competes indirectly via supply-chain integration and house brands.

Broad incumbents

• Greif Inc. Greif is a large US-listed industrial packaging manufacturer producing plastic and steel drums, IBCs, and containerboard with global reach. While broader and more diversified, it directly competes with AST in rigid industrial plastic containers for the chemicals sector.
• Berry Global Group: Berry Global is a major global plastic packaging producer with a broad portfolio including rigid containers, blow-molded bottles, and engineered materials, with recent European footprint expansion through RPC. Overlaps with AST on HDPE bottles (via EuroMouldings/Joh. Sieben equivalents) and jerrycans.

Regional players

• Rupp + Brach GmbH: Rupp + Brach is a mid-sized German blow-molder of jerrycans, pails, and cans with strong dangerous goods certifications, serving chemical and food-grade customers primarily in Germany and Austria—closely competing with AST in the DACH jerrycan segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ast-plastic-packaging-benelux
• Instagraminstagram.com/ast.kunststoffverarbeitung
• Facebookfacebook.com/astkanister

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries11 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 AST Kunststoffverarbeitung