WA-based composite packaging specialist SOTA Packaging has announced its name change to Zipform Packaging and a new leadership structure as part of a strategic move to align more closely the packaging side of the business with the well-established business of Zipform, its holding company.
Zipform Packaging is to be led by John Bigley who has been recruited as CEO to drive the growth of the business. Bigley, whose most recent role was as MD for metal packaging company Jamestrong, has broad experience in packaging having worked for a number of years in senior operational and business roles in Europe, Australasia and Asia.
David Kilpatrick, SOTA's previous MD, will lead the new company's product development program as research, development and quality director.
General manager Eddy Pahor will continue in his role, assisting both Bigley and Kilpatrick with the development of Zipform Packaging’s composite packaging offering and go-to-market strategy.
Bigley told PKN he joined the business following a recent consulting role for the company in which he reviewed the product and the market.
"It wasn't just a desktop exercise, I spent time not only with the management team but also with some potential customers. I am really excited by the potential the product has and I would not have joined the business if I felt otherwise.
"The linear draw composite technology has some real positive attributes. In particular, its consumer facing potential versus spiral composites is a plus, as is its strength, and versus other packaging substrates the product has really good sustainability credentials (economic, environment and social), " he said.
"It's a pack with a huge variety of market applications due to its flexibility in format (cylindrical and non cylindrical)," Bigley adds.
"The growth sectors for us are clearly where other substrates face some challenges; we are looking at ready-meals, fresh & frozen dairy and dried products."
Bigley says Zipform Packaging has an interesting development pipeline already and the company will be accelerating this as it realigns resources.
"We see Zipform's composite packaging technology as leading the field and we anticipate it developing a strong market position given the various pressures and focus on other packaging materials in terms of cost and recyclability."
Zipform Packaging will showcase its product range at the Australian Institute of Packaging national conference at the Gold Coast, on 2 & 3 May.
