22 Jun 2026 Wyda Packaging steps to be SA’s key foil packaging manufacturer

Brazilian multinational group, Wyda Packaging, has acquired key operational assets from Hulamin Containers in a strategic move that positions it as sub-Saharan Africa’s largest aluminium foil container manufacturer…

The acquisition marks a major step forward for the Jo’burg-based business, established in SA in 2016 as part of the global Wyda group.

It strengthens the company’s role in the local aluminium packaging value chain and significantly expands local manufacturing capacity in the food service, retail and catering packaging sectors – while reinforcing supply into a market that has faced disruption in recent years.

Before the transaction, Wyda Packaging operated five presses and around 50 moulds. It has now added 17 presses and more than 200 moulds, taking its total installed base to 22 presses and more than 250 moulds – This significantly extending its range of foil container formats.

Wyda Packaging already converts around 1,000 tonnes of aluminium annually in a local market estimated at around 2,000 tonnes per year.

Strengthening supply reliability

“This is the right step at the right time for our business and for the market,” says Carlos Schutte, MD of Wyda Packaging in South Africa.

“We are stepping into a clear leadership position in the sector. It gives us the scale, manufacturing depth and product range to better serve wholesalers, food producers, retailers and hospitality customers.

“This deepening of local manufacturing capability will stabilise a category that is critical to all these sectors.

“Our ambition is to provide a dependable, service-led local alternative and help grow local manufacturing capacity.”

Hulamin’s container division long supplied rigid aluminium foil containers used in catering, baking and household applications. Wyda Packaging is now consolidating capability in a market where reliable local supply has become increasingly important, by integrating these operations into its own manufacturing footprint,

The deal also supports Wyda Packaging’s broader growth plans. As the business integrates the new assets, it is seeking new premises in Kempton Park to accommodate its enlarged operational footprint and future expansion.

The company is also preserving specialist manufacturing knowledge by retaining technical skills and experience linked to the former Hulamin operation.

An offer beyond foil containers

In addition to growing production capacity, the acquisition strengthens the company’s ability to diversify beyond foil containers. It already offers household foil, cling film, baking paper, wax wrap, pre-packs, lids and paper bowl solutions, enabling it to serve a wider range of customer needs.

Schutte adds that Wyda’s growth strategy is firmly tied to supplying solutions that are both commercially viable and aligned with longer-term sustainability considerations.

“Sustainability is not an add-on for us; it forms part of how we think about long-term value creation. Aluminium is durable, versatile and infinitely recyclable, which makes it an important part of the future packaging mix.”

Wyda Packaging is a member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) and holds certification aligned to internationally recognised standards, including FSSC 22000 for food safety and FSC chain of custody for sustainably sourced paper-based products.

“This acquisition builds a stronger, more responsive packaging partner for South Africa and the continent, while investing in the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the local packaging industry,” he concludes.