Zeus, the Irish-owned global packaging solutions company, today announced its acquisition of Aldar Tissues, the Irish sustainable tissue manufacturer and distributor. The acquisition will double employment at Aldar’s 38,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility over the next 18 months, with the creation of 20 new roles in addition to the company’s existing 20 full-time jobs.

Zeus’ investment will uniquely position Aldar as the leading provider of sustainable Irish-made paper products for large retailers throughout the country. Currently, 100% of all retail kitchen towels and toilet paper sold by supermarket multiples in Ireland are imported from the UK and Europe. As part of the Zeus Group, Aldar will launch a new range of eco-friendly products in 2019, made in Ireland from recycled tissue and packaged with Ireland’s first fully biodegradable and compostable film. 

Speaking on the acquisition of Aldar, Managing Director of Zeus, Brian O’Sullivan said: “At Zeus, innovation and problem-solving drive us. We launched Ireland’s only completely paper-free compostable cup earlier this year, and know how important eco-friendly options are for our customers.

“Our acquisition of Aldar means that this Irish-owned business can double its workforce, ensuring jobs are kept in Ireland, and deliver its products to larger retailers across the country. This will provide an option to multiples, for the first time, to sell Irish-made kitchen towels and tissue products.” 

The acquisition is part of Zeus’ commitment to delivering and expanding its range of sustainable products. Aldar will also launch two new eco-friendly products in 2019, made from sustainable fibres left over from sugar-cane extraction and bamboo.

Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Aldar Tissues, Darren Farrell added: “Since 2013, we have been committed to supplying high-quality sustainable products for the Irish, UK and European markets from our first-class converting facility in Dublin. In the past year, we have invested in innovative machinery, including a €3 million investment in new converting machines; developed the latest in eco-friendly products; and expanded our logistical resources seven-fold. Working with Zeus is the next step in our business growth.”