Ireland has a diverse packaging industry, with manufacturers producing flexible food films, printed pouches, recyclable plastic trays, folding cartons and corrugated packaging. These products support chocolate makers, sweet manufacturers, bakery businesses and wider FMCG brands.
The market includes established family-owned manufacturers as well as international packaging groups with Irish production facilities. Companies such as Alert Packaging, Boran Packaging and Foxpak specialise in flexible packaging, while Xtrupak supplies food-grade plastic sheets used to manufacture confectionery and pastry containers. Larger businesses, including Smurfit Westrock, also provide secondary packaging and retail-ready solutions.
This ranking examines 10 companies with relevant manufacturing or supply capabilities in Ireland. It considers company history, product suitability, manufacturing locations, recent developments, revenue and employee numbers. The ranking reflects packaging relevance and operational capabilities, rather than an unverified market-share ranking.
At a glance
- Flexible packaging: Alert Packaging, Boran Packaging, Foxpak Flexibles and ProAmpac.
- Confectionery and pastry containers: Xtrupak.
- Thermoformed food packaging: Weyland Europe, formerly Waddington Europe.
- Printed cartons and sleeves: Dollard Packaging.
- Corrugated packaging and retail displays: Smurfit Westrock and Packaging Holdings’ businesses.
- Packaging labels: Boylan Labels.
- Financial transparency: Boran Packaging reports €31.1 million turnover for 2024, while several privately owned companies do not publish reliable standalone revenue figures.
What is confectionery packaging?
Confectionery packaging protects chocolate, sweets, biscuits, chewing gum and other sugar-based products during production, storage, transportation and retail display. It includes primary packaging such as flexible films, pouches and trays, as well as secondary packaging such as cartons, gift boxes, labels and corrugated cases.
The choice of material depends on product protection, shelf-life requirements, presentation, food-contact compliance and recyclability.
Top 10 confectionery packaging companies in Ireland
1. Alert Packaging
Established food packaging manufacturer
Headquarters: Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
Established: 1975
Specialisation: Flexible food packaging, printed films, pouches, bags and laminates.
Alert Packaging is one of Ireland’s established flexible packaging manufacturers. The family-owned company has been producing packaging for the food and food ingredient industries since 1975.
Its manufacturing capabilities make it relevant to confectionery businesses looking for printed packaging films, product protection and customised packaging formats.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
The company operates an integrated manufacturing process covering:
- Eight-colour high-definition flexographic printing.
- Flexible film laminating.
- Slitting and converting.
- Printed bags, pouches and sheets.
- High-barrier packaging films.
- Tray-lidding and form-fill-and-seal films.
- Stand-up, flat and gusseted pouches.
Its material capabilities include PE, OPP, aluminium, PP, PET, PA and paper-based structures. These materials can support different food-packaging requirements, depending on the product and technical specification.
History and Irish locations
Alert Packaging was founded in 1975. It began operations on Rathmines Road in Dublin, moved to a purpose-built premises in Sandyford Industrial Estate in 1985 and subsequently established its current operation in Bray, County Wicklow.
The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2025. Its current manufacturing and business operation is based at Bray Business Park.
Revenue and employees
Alert Packaging is privately owned and does not prominently disclose a verified annual turnover figure in its public corporate information.
Its LinkedIn company profile places its workforce in the 11–50 employee range. This is an indicative company-size category, not a verified payroll figure.
Recent news and developments
In 2025, Alert Packaging marked five decades in flexible packaging manufacturing. In 2026, the company also highlighted its involvement in Blas na hÉireann, where it sponsored the Sweet Pantry category.
The involvement is relevant to Ireland’s confectionery and speciality food manufacturing community.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Alert Packaging’s printed flexible films, laminates and pouch-making capabilities make it a strong candidate for chocolate, sweets, snack products and other food brands requiring customised packaging. Its food-sector experience and printing capabilities are particularly relevant to product presentation and packaging performance.
Official website: Alert Packaging.
2. Boran Packaging
Major Irish flexible packaging manufacturer
Headquarters: Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
Established: 1972
Specialisation: Flexible plastic packaging, extrusion, printing, laminating and film conversion.
Boran Packaging is one of Ireland’s established manufacturers of printed flexible packaging. It has developed its production capabilities over five decades and supplies food businesses requiring customised packaging materials.
Its manufacturing processes are relevant to confectionery and snack producers needing printed film structures, bags and other flexible packaging formats.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
Boran’s production capabilities include:
- Blown-film extrusion.
- Flexographic printing.
- Flexible packaging lamination.
- Film slitting and conversion.
- Printed and plain bags.
- Laminated base webs and top webs.
- Lidding and peel-and-reseal films.
- Specialised food packaging films.
The company combines these processes to manufacture different packaging specifications for food and other industries.
History and Irish locations
Boran Packaging was founded in 1972 by Martin Boran under the name Modern Packaging Ltd. Manufacturing began in 1974 with the conversion of film into polythene bags.
The business expanded its production capabilities through the introduction of extrusion lines in 1980 and flexographic printing equipment in 1976.
A major development came in 2003 when Boran acquired Mopack Systems Limited, a business originally established in Strabane in 1981. The acquisition expanded the group across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Its current locations include:
- Naas, County Kildare: Manufacturing facility.
- Naas, County Kildare: Boran Innovation Centre and sales and administration headquarters.
- Johnstown, Naas: Storage and distribution.
- Strabane, County Tyrone: Boran-Mopack manufacturing operation.
The company remains family-owned.
Revenue and employees
Boran Packaging’s consolidated group accounts for the year ended December 2024 report:
| Financial indicator | FY2024 |
|---|---|
| Turnover | €31.1 million |
| Profit after tax | €6.35 million |
| Average employees | 85 |
| Net assets | €36.9 million |
These figures provide a useful indication of the company’s manufacturing scale. The revenue figure relates to the consolidated accounts, rather than its individual confectionery packaging activities.
Recent news and developments
One of Boran’s significant recent projects is the expansion of its Naas production operation.
In April 2025, the company reported that construction was progressing on a new 60,000 sq. ft. production facility, adding capacity to its existing site.
This investment is important because additional manufacturing space can support increased production requirements and future packaging development.
Boran Packaging
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Boran’s flexible film extrusion, printing and lamination capabilities are relevant to confectionery manufacturers seeking customised wrappers, bags and flexible packaging structures. Its food packaging experience and production infrastructure make it one of the stronger Irish manufacturers to consider.
Official website: Boran Packaging.
3. Foxpak Flexibles
Recent Irish ownership change
Headquarters: Collon, County Louth, Ireland
Established: 2001
Specialisation: Digital flexible packaging, printed roll stock, pouches and recyclable food packaging.
Foxpak Flexibles is an Irish flexible packaging manufacturer serving food, nutrition and speciality product brands. The company has developed a reputation for digital printing and customised packaging solutions.
Its product range includes flexible pouches and roll stock, which are used by brands requiring printed packaging in different production quantities.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
Foxpak’s product offering includes:
- Printed flexible packaging.
- Stand-up and other customised pouches.
- Printed roll stock.
- Short-run digital packaging.
- Food-grade packaging materials.
- Recyclable packaging alternatives.
- Packaging design and development.
Its digital production capabilities make it particularly relevant to smaller confectionery businesses and developing brands looking for shorter production runs.
Foxpak also has experience with confectionery packaging, as identified in an Irish Government announcement about its manufacturing operations.
History and Irish locations
Founded in 2001, Foxpak developed its flexible packaging business around digital printing and food packaging innovation.
In 2008, it became the first company in the world to print flexible food packaging using HP digital print technology, according to industry publication Labels & Labeling.
A major expansion followed in March 2019, when the company officially opened a new manufacturing plant in Collon.
The facility received an investment of approximately €3 million in equipment and manufacturing infrastructure. At the time, Foxpak reported employing 35 people and exporting around 65% of its production to Northern Ireland, the UK, Europe and the United States.
Revenue and employees
Foxpak does not publish a reliable current standalone annual turnover figure.
Its most recent ownership announcement confirmed that all 19 jobs at its Collon manufacturing plant were secured following the October 2026 acquisition.
This is the latest reported site workforce, rather than an independently verified consolidated employee figure.
Recent news and developments
Foxpak experienced a significant ownership change in 2026.
US packaging group Sealed Air had planned to close the Collon operation earlier in the year. However, Irish entrepreneur Mick Heavey completed the acquisition of Foxpak Flexibles on 1 October 2026.
The development returned the company to independent Irish ownership and secured all 19 jobs at the site.
The acquisition was reported by the Flexible Packaging Association and Labels & Labeling on 5 November 2026.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Foxpak is particularly relevant to confectionery brands looking for digitally printed flexible packaging, customised pouches and roll stock. Its experience in food packaging and shorter production runs can be useful for businesses introducing new products or testing different packaging designs.
Official website: Foxpak.
4. Xtrupak
Direct confectionery container relevance
Headquarters: Gowna, County Cavan, Ireland
Established: 2012
Specialisation: APET and RPET plastic sheet, food packaging materials and thermoforming applications.
Xtrupak is an Irish family-owned plastic extrusion company specialising in manufacturing thermoplastic sheets for packaging, printing and display applications.
Its products are particularly interesting for confectionery packaging because its food-grade sheet materials can be used to produce containers for confectionery and pastries.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
The company’s Xtruform product range includes:
- APET plastic sheet rolls.
- RPET plastic sheet rolls.
- Food packaging sheets.
- Thermoforming materials.
- Form-fill-and-seal films.
- Food containers and trays.
- Packaging for confectionery and pastries.
- Catering and convenience packaging.
Its website states that Xtruform products comply with EU and UK food-contact requirements.
The company also offers recyclable polyester packaging materials, giving manufacturers options when developing new food packaging formats.
History and Irish locations
Xtrupak is a family-owned Irish company established in 2012.
It operates from its manufacturing facility in Gowna, County Cavan, where its production activities focus on extruded thermoplastic materials.
The company’s background includes more than three decades of experience in plastic extrusion among its team, according to its corporate information. That wider experience should not be confused with the company’s incorporation date.
Revenue and employees
Xtrupak does not publish a verified annual turnover or a precise current employee figure in the company information reviewed.
Its corporate website identifies its management and operational team, but does not provide a formal workforce total.
The business is registered as an active Irish company, with its financial information available through company filings rather than a published corporate revenue profile.
Recent news and developments
No major acquisition or expansion announcement was identified in the recent public information reviewed.
However, its APET and RPET product range gives the company a relevant position in food packaging, particularly as manufacturers look for recyclable thermoforming materials.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Xtrupak is one of the clearest matches for confectionery packaging in this ranking. Its own product information specifically identifies containers for confectionery and pastries.
Its materials can be used in the manufacture of clear trays, containers and other packaging formats designed to display and protect food products.
Official website: Xtrupak.
5. ProAmpac Ireland
Irish operations: Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal; Carnew, County Wicklow (subject to relocation developments)
Irish business history: Irish Flexible Packaging dates to 1991; Fispak has separate operating history.
Specialisation: Flexible food packaging, paper-based packaging structures and food-contact materials.
ProAmpac is an international flexible and paper packaging manufacturer with an established Irish industrial presence.
Its Irish operations expanded through acquisitions of Irish Flexible Packaging and Fispak in 2021. The two businesses brought different manufacturing capabilities and food-sector customer relationships into the group.
Irish Flexible Packaging was particularly important to the bakery and dairy packaging markets, while Fispak supplied food-contact packaging materials to meat, cheese and fish businesses.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
The Irish businesses have historically supplied:
- Flexible food packaging.
- Paper-based packaging structures.
- Bakery packaging materials.
- Dairy packaging materials.
- Food-contact packaging materials.
- Printed and converted packaging films.
- Materials for meat, cheese and fish applications.
The former Irish Flexible Packaging business was an established supplier to bakery manufacturers. Its historical manufacturing activities included wax-coated paper and printed films used in the bakery and confectionery sectors.
History and Irish locations
In November 2021, ProAmpac acquired Irish Flexible Packaging and Fispak from IFP Investments Limited.
Earlier, in January 2021, it had also acquired Rapid Action Packaging, a Gaoth Dobhair business focused on sustainable packaging for ready-to-eat and freshly prepared food.
These transactions expanded ProAmpac’s Irish manufacturing base and product capabilities.
Revenue and employees
ProAmpac does not publish a verified standalone revenue figure for its Irish operations.
Available company accounts for ProAmpac Carnew Ltd show:
| Financial indicator | Latest available figure |
|---|---|
| Last stated turnover | €10.6 million, FY2022 |
| Average employees | 51, FY2024 |
The revenue figure is not a current 2026 turnover figure. The company’s FY2024 accounts did not state turnover. Separately, July 2026 reporting identified 39 workers at the Carnew facility.
Recent news and developments
ProAmpac’s Wicklow operation faced a major proposed restructuring in July 2026.
The company entered a consultation process involving a proposal to relocate manufacturing assets from its Carnew facility to other locations within its group.
Reporting also identified Gaoth Dobhair in Donegal as an existing ProAmpac manufacturing operation employing approximately 300 people.
The final outcome of the Carnew consultation was not established in the latest public reporting reviewed. Its future as a separate Irish manufacturing location should therefore be treated as uncertain.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
ProAmpac’s Irish business history includes specialised bakery and food packaging manufacturing. Its paper-based and flexible packaging capabilities make it relevant to manufacturers seeking food-contact packaging alternatives.
However, buyers should verify the current availability and production location of individual Carnew-origin products following the 2026 relocation proposal.
Official website: ProAmpac.
6. Weyland Europe (formerly Waddington Europe)
Irish thermoforming production facility
Irish manufacturing location: Arklow, County Wicklow
Original site established: 1978
Specialisation: Thermoformed rigid plastic food packaging, trays and containers.
Weyland Europe is a thermoformed packaging manufacturer with an important production facility in Arklow, County Wicklow.
The company was previously known as Waddington Europe. Its products serve food, pet food, medical and industrial packaging markets across Europe.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
Its capabilities include:
- Thermoformed food packaging.
- Rigid plastic containers.
- Food trays.
- Recycled PET packaging.
- Plastic sheet extrusion.
- Custom-designed packaging formats.
- High-recycled-content packaging solutions.
The Arklow manufacturing operation is particularly relevant to businesses requiring rigid food packaging rather than flexible wrappers or paper cartons.
History and Irish locations
The Arklow site was originally established in 1978 under the name Holfeld Plastics.
It initially supplied foam packaging to the cosmetics industry before developing into a major rigid plastic packaging manufacturing operation.
Weyland Europe acquired the operation in 2014.
The Arklow facility covers approximately 261,360 sq. ft. and has a reported production setup comprising five extruders, one offline slitter and 14 thermoforming machines.
Its current production network also includes Bridgwater in the UK, alongside an office in Milton Keynes. Arklow is its Irish production site.
Revenue and employees
A separate revenue figure for Weyland Europe’s Irish operation was not available in the public information reviewed.
Its LinkedIn company profile places its overall workforce in the 201–500 range. This covers the business rather than an independently verified Arklow headcount.
The company does not publish an independently verified turnover figure for the Irish manufacturing facility.
Recent news and developments
Weyland Europe entered a new ownership structure following its acquisition by Enact Fund, managed by private equity firm Endless.
The transaction took place in early January 2026 and was publicly announced by the company on 23 July 2026.
A day later, the Arklow facility announced it had achieved an AA+ grade in an unannounced BRCGS audit conducted in July 2026.
Both developments are relevant to the company’s future investment and food-packaging quality credentials.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Weyland Europe provides another material option for confectionery manufacturers. Its rigid thermoformed food packaging capabilities can support trays and containers used for pastries, food presentation and other products requiring protective or display packaging.
Official website: Weyland Europe.
7. Dollard Packaging
Headquarters: Newtown, Dublin 17, Ireland
Established: 1982
Specialisation: Folding cartons, printed sleeves, litho-laminated boxes and cardboard packaging.
Dollard Packaging is an Irish-owned packaging manufacturer specialising in printed cardboard packaging.
Unlike the flexible packaging companies earlier in this ranking, its principal focus is the production of folding cartons, sleeves and laminated boxes.
This makes it relevant to confectionery companies selling boxed chocolates, premium sweets and gift confectionery.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
Its manufacturing portfolio includes:
- Printed folding cartons.
- Cardboard sleeves.
- Litho-laminated boxes.
- Window-patch packaging.
- Die-cut cardboard products.
- Speciality printed packaging.
- Foil-embossed and laminated finishes.
The company offers sheet-fed printing up to B1 format, alongside cutting, folding and gluing capabilities.
These processes are useful for creating packaging with detailed printing and premium shelf presentation.
History and Irish locations
Dollard Packaging was established in 1982 and operates from a 45,000 sq. ft. production facility near Dublin Airport and the M50.
Its manufacturing facility is located in Malahide Road Industrial Park, Newtown, Dublin 17.
The company reports that it has maintained ISO certification since 1989 and holds FSC certification. It is also a member of Repak.
Revenue and employees
Dollard Packaging is privately owned. A verified standalone annual turnover and current employee total were not identified in the public sources reviewed.
The company does, however, disclose its manufacturing footprint and production capabilities through its corporate website.
Recent news and developments
Dollard Packaging has continued publishing packaging-industry updates during 2026.
Recent topics on its website include:
- Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
- Right-sizing packaging.
- European consumer attitudes towards packaging.
- Developments affecting the cardboard packaging industry.
- Packaging design and purchasing trends.
These topics reflect the changing requirements facing cardboard packaging manufacturers and their customers.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Dollard Packaging is a relevant supplier for secondary and presentation packaging. Its printed cartons, sleeves and laminated boxes can be used by confectionery producers looking to improve product presentation, protect boxed sweets and develop premium retail packaging.
Official website: Dollard Packaging.
8. Smurfit Westrock
Large international packaging group
Global headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Irish business history: Founded in 1934
Specialisation: Corrugated packaging, folding cartons, retail-ready packaging and printed cardboard solutions.
Smurfit Westrock is one of the world’s largest packaging groups, with deep historical roots in Ireland.
The company serves manufacturers across food, beverage, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Its Irish factories supply different forms of paper-based packaging, including corrugated cases, trays, folding cartons and retail-ready solutions.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
Its Irish packaging operations include:
- Corrugated boxes.
- Printed cardboard cases.
- Food and beverage packaging.
- Corrugated trays and wraparounds.
- Folding carton packaging.
- Shelf-ready packaging.
- Retail displays and point-of-sale units.
- Custom-designed packaging solutions.
For confectionery businesses, these capabilities are especially relevant to multipacks, transport cases, display packaging and retail-ready cartons.
History and Irish locations
The business traces its roots to 1934, when the original Smurfit business began making cardboard boxes and packaging for the Irish market.
A major milestone followed in 1967, when its Dublin corrugated packaging plant opened as the first wholly owned corrugated packaging facility established by Jefferson Smurfit & Sons.
In July 2024, Smurfit Kappa and WestRock completed their combination to form Smurfit Westrock.
Its Irish production and operational locations include:
- Dublin.
- Cork.
- Galway.
- Limerick.
- Arklow.
- Westport.
- Bray.
The company also has its global headquarters in Dublin. Its Irish location directory identifies facilities specialising in corrugated packaging, folding cartons, retail displays and other packaging products.
Revenue and employees
Smurfit Westrock’s latest full-year financial information available for this research covers 2025.
| Financial indicator | FY2025 |
|---|---|
| Global net sales | $31.179 billion |
| Global employees | Approximately 97,000 |
| Countries of operation | 40 |
These are global group figures, not the revenue or employment numbers of its Irish subsidiary. The company reported FY2025 results on 11 February 2026.
Recent news and developments
One of the major developments was the completion of the Smurfit Kappa and WestRock combination in July 2024.
In February 2026, the combined group published its full-year 2025 financial results, reporting net sales of $31.179 billion.
The combination strengthened its global reach and gave customers access to a wider portfolio of packaging technologies and manufacturing operations.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Smurfit Westrock is particularly relevant to the secondary packaging requirements of confectionery manufacturers.
Its corrugated packaging can support product transportation, bulk distribution and retail presentation, while its folding carton capabilities offer further options for boxed confectionery and consumer packaging.
Official website: Smurfit Westrock.
9. Packaging Holdings – Ace Corrugated and Craftpak
Irish operations: Cavan and Rathcoole, County Dublin
Group established: 2022
Specialisation: Corrugated cardboard packaging, protective packaging, custom boxes and retail displays.
Packaging Holdings is an Irish and UK packaging group with several operating businesses. Two relevant Irish companies within its portfolio are Ace Corrugated and Craftpak Packaging.
Both businesses have manufacturing capabilities that can support the secondary packaging and retail presentation requirements of food and confectionery manufacturers.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
The group’s relevant capabilities include:
- Corrugated cardboard packaging.
- Custom-designed cardboard boxes.
- Protective transit packaging.
- Printed cardboard packaging.
- Point-of-sale displays.
- Retail display units.
- Bespoke box design and manufacturing.
Craftpak focuses on bespoke cardboard packaging, design, print and manufacturing, while Ace Corrugated has developed its business around corrugated packaging solutions.
History and Irish locations
Craftpak was established in 1995 and operates from Rathcoole, County Dublin.
Its design, manufacturing and finishing operations are housed in a 25,000 sq. ft. facility.
Ace Corrugated was established in 1998 in County Cavan. The company developed its position in the Irish corrugated packaging market by serving small and medium-sized businesses.
In March 2023, Packaging Holdings announced the acquisition of both Ace Corrugated and Craftpak Packaging.
The relevant Irish manufacturing locations include:
- Ace Corrugated: County Cavan.
- Craftpak: Rathcoole, County Dublin.
Revenue and employees
Packaging Holdings’ reported group revenue exceeds €60 million annually, according to investment-sector information about the group.
That figure should not be interpreted as the individual revenue of either Ace Corrugated or Craftpak.
Craftpak’s LinkedIn profile places its workforce in the 11–50 range. A verified combined employee total for Packaging Holdings and the individual Irish companies was not identified.
Recent news and developments
The major publicly documented development identified for these businesses was their acquisition by Packaging Holdings in March 2023.
The wider group has subsequently developed a portfolio comprising 10 businesses across Ireland and the UK, with combined annual revenue exceeding €60 million.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Ace Corrugated and Craftpak are relevant to confectionery businesses requiring transport cartons, protective boxes and retail displays.
Their capabilities are more closely associated with secondary packaging than individual sweet wrappers. However, this packaging remains important for delivering finished confectionery products to retailers and protecting them during distribution.
Official websites: Craftpak and Ace Corrugated.
10. Boylan Labels – Boylan Print Group
Headquarters: Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland
Group history: More than 20 years of operations
Specialisation: Self-adhesive labels, flexographic label printing and food packaging identification.
Boylan Print Group is an Irish printing business with a dedicated label production operation. Its capabilities are relevant to food manufacturers requiring packaging labels for product identification, branding, ingredients and retail presentation.
Although labels are not a replacement for primary confectionery packaging, they form an important part of the finished packaging process.
Products and manufacturing capabilities
Boylan Labels offers:
- Self-adhesive labels.
- Printed food packaging labels.
- Flexographic label printing.
- Multi-colour label production.
- Label rewinding and finishing.
- Linerless label solutions.
- Labels for food and beverage businesses.
The business reports operating six label presses, with printing capabilities ranging from one to 12 colours.
History and Irish locations
Boylan Print Group developed its printing business in Drogheda, County Louth.
Its production operation is based at Termonfeckin Road, providing access to the M1 motorway and transport links around the east coast of Ireland.
The company has developed dedicated capabilities for both commercial printing and packaging-related label production.
Its label operation holds BRC Packaging and Packaging Materials certification, supporting its work with food and drink customers.
Revenue and employees
Boylan Print Group reports employing more than 100 people at its Drogheda facility.
A verified annual turnover figure for the group or its individual label operation was not identified in the public company information reviewed.
Boylan LabelsBoylan Labels
Recent news and developments
The company’s public information highlights its label production capabilities, food-sector experience and packaging-related certifications.
No significant 2025–2026 acquisition or factory expansion announcement was identified in the sources reviewed.
Why it matters to confectionery packaging
Boylan Labels provides an additional packaging component for confectionery manufacturers. Self-adhesive labels can carry ingredients, product information, brand identity, barcodes and other details on finished packaging.
This makes the company a relevant supporting supplier for chocolate, sweets and other packaged food products.
Official website: Boylan Labels.
Which Irish companies are most relevant to different confectionery packaging needs?
The 10 businesses operate across different parts of the packaging supply chain. They should not all be treated as direct alternatives because their products serve different purposes.
| Packaging requirement | Relevant companies |
|---|---|
| Flexible printed films and pouches | Alert, Boran, Foxpak |
| Food-grade paper and flexible materials | ProAmpac |
| PET and rPET confectionery containers | Xtrupak |
| Rigid thermoformed food packaging | Weyland Europe |
| Premium cardboard cartons | Dollard Packaging |
| Corrugated cases and retail displays | Smurfit Westrock, Ace Corrugated, Craftpak |
| Printed packaging labels | Boylan Labels |
For confectionery businesses purchasing primary packaging, Alert Packaging, Foxpak, Boran Packaging and Xtrupak deserve particular attention.
For chocolate gift boxes, printed sleeves and premium presentation packaging, Dollard Packaging and Craftpak offer more relevant capabilities.
For large-scale distribution, corrugated cases and retail-ready displays, Smurfit Westrock provides a broader packaging portfolio.
What is driving change in Ireland’s confectionery packaging industry?
The Irish market is being shaped by several packaging requirements.
Food protection and shelf life: Packaging must protect products against moisture, contamination and environmental exposure. This is particularly important for chocolate and other confectionery products that can be sensitive to temperature and storage conditions.
Recyclability: Manufacturers are increasingly considering recyclable films, paper-based packaging and recycled-content plastic materials. Xtrupak’s RPET products and the recycled-content packaging offered by other manufacturers illustrate the range of material options available.
Digital printing: Flexible packaging companies such as Foxpak can support shorter production runs and customised designs, providing options for smaller brands and new product launches.
Premium presentation: Printed cartons, laminated boxes and custom-designed packaging remain important in the chocolate gift and premium confectionery markets.
Regulatory requirements: Packaging manufacturers and food producers must also consider changing European packaging requirements, including material design, recyclability and packaging-waste obligations.
Conclusion
Ireland’s confectionery packaging supply chain includes manufacturers specialising in flexible food films, plastic containers, printed cartons, labels and corrugated packaging.
Alert Packaging, Boran Packaging and Foxpak Flexibles stand out for their flexible packaging capabilities. Xtrupak has a particularly clear connection to confectionery through its food-grade materials for confectionery and pastry containers. Weyland Europe adds thermoformed food packaging production in County Wicklow, while Dollard Packaging and Smurfit Westrock offer established paper-based packaging capabilities.
The financial comparison also highlights an important distinction: Boran Packaging reports €31.1 million turnover for 2024, while global groups such as Smurfit Westrock publish substantially larger consolidated figures. Many privately owned Irish manufacturers do not publicly disclose comparable turnover figures or exact employee totals.
For packaging buyers, the most useful comparison is therefore not company size alone. Manufacturing technology, food-contact suitability, material availability, production capacity, location and the ability to deliver consistent packaging quality are equally important.
Editor’s Note: This article was prepared using company websites, publicly available financial accounts, corporate announcements, industry publications and business records. Revenue and employee figures reflect the latest available information identified during research and may relate to different financial years or group operations rather than individual Irish facilities. Where companies do not publish verified figures, this has been stated rather than estimated. The selection is based on manufacturing presence in Ireland, packaging capabilities and relevance to the confectionery and wider food industry. It is not a ranking by market share or revenue. Recent developments were reviewed up to 11 November 2026.
