Solidus appoints Rienk Jan van der Kooi as CEO as it enters a new phase of growth

• Effective March 1^st, 2023, Rienk Jan van der Kooi will take over from Dieter Bergner
• The leading European sustainable packaging producer continues strong revenues with new investments into circular economy solutions which will further enhance its sustainable offering
• SOLIDUS SOLUTIONS achieved record revenues in 2022           

Oude Pekela, March 1^st, 2023 – SOLIDUS SOLUTIONS Group (‘Solidus’) announces today that it is appointing Rienk Jan van der Kooi as the new CEO for the group, effective March 1^st, 2023, as successor to Dieter Bergner who is leaving the company after three years in the role.

Rienk Jan has more than 25 years of experience in solid board and paper-based packaging, including as CEO of ESKA Group, successfully positioning that business internationally and entering into new packaging segments. Prior to that, he held several executive positions including 10 years at Smurfit Kappa Group, including as managing director of certain current Solidus mill facilities. Additionally, Rienk Jan is also non-executive Chairman of the Royal Dutch Paper & Board Association (Koninklijke VNP).

“I am very excited to welcome Rienk Jan to our company”, said Ian Curley, Chairman of the Board. “Given his extensive and highly relevant industry experience, Rienk Jan joins us at a time when we are investing into new technologies and developing innovative fibre-based products. Rienk Jan will lead the company into its next phase of growth as we strengthen our circular packaging solutions for our partners”, said Ian Curley. “At the same time, I would like to thank Dieter Bergner for his contributions over the last three years to further position the company as the leading European sustainable fibre-based packaging provider.”

Solidus achieved record revenues in 2022, based on its strong operational focus and growth strategy. The company’s growth model is centered on initiatives that are driven by promoting a circular economy whilst at the same time adding value to both customers and end-users. As a key initiative, the company is investing into FUTURLINE®, a range of innovative retail ready packaging solutions, including skin packaging, MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and punnets which are being rolled out across Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and Spain.