Materials

Huhtamaki, the consumer packaging manufacturer, is continuing to review its European rigid packaging business, which could lead to the loss of 60 jobs at its plant in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

A spokesman said the company has started negotiations with the 700 staff at the plant with the aim of making savings to improve profitability and efficiency, which could lead to job cuts.

Finnish-owned Huhtamaki has already ceased production of rigid plastic consumer goods packaging in Portadown and Gosport in the UK, owing to volume decline and increases in manufacturing and energy costs.

The Gosport site will continue to produce packaging for the foodservice industry.

The consultation process with the 160 employees started in April.

Huhtamaki said it would still supply UK consumer goods customers with specific, mainly paper-based products, from its others facilities.

The company previously said it would close its rigid packaging site in Karlholmsbruk, Sweden by the end of the year.