Toppan Packaging Czech, a Toppan Group company, has held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of a new plant in Most in the Ústí nad Labem region of the Czech Republic. The new plant will manufacture GL Barrier, a global market-leading transparent barrier film developed and manufactured by the Toppan Group for eco-friendly packaging, a focus of increasing demand around the world.

Distinguished guests at the groundbreaking ceremony included Hideo Suzuki, ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic, Czech senator Jan Paparega, and Jan Schiller, governor of the Ústí region. Attendees joined Toppan’s managing executive officer Masahiko Tatewaki and deputy head of global packaging Hiroshi Suzuki in praying for the safe construction of the plant, which is scheduled to launch operations at the end of 2024 as a strategic base catering to intensifying needs for sustainable products in the European market.

Masahiko Tatewaki said, “I would like to express my great appreciation to everyone who has supported our plan for Toppan’s very first Czech site in the city of Most. Establishing a European base for our GL Barrier business has been a long-standing wish. More than 15 years ago, demand for transparent Barrier packaging materials increased in Europe, and our efforts to establish overseas bases began at that time.

“Our Barrier film is not only a sustainable and recyclable product but also uses the most advanced technology in the world. We are very proud and excited to support our customers and consumers by providing products from Most to the European market. I believe that by coming to the Czech Republic, we will be able to make an even bigger leap forward in this business. We are just at the starting line, and your continued support and cooperation will be greatly appreciated. The construction has just started and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2024. I look forward to seeing everyone here again for the opening ceremony.”