Packaging plays a special role in forming buyers’ perception of a product. This concept has been embraced by Elgraf LLC for over 30 years. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of full-colour cardboard and corrugated cardboard packaging and souvenir packaging in the western part of Ukraine and is the only manufacturer of micro-corrugated cardboard in Ukraine. Elgraf LLC uses raw materials of both domestic and European origin to manufacture its products. Over 120 experienced employees work in the four production workshops, using high-performance printing equipment and modern technologies. The company’s clients include farms, confectionery companies, restaurant chains, manufacturers of animal feed, footwear suppliers, producers and retailers of electronics and household appliances, etc.

To satisfy these increasing demands, Elgraf LLC decided to expand its production, improve product quality even further, reduce the production time and increase the level of equipment safety. This goal was achieved with an EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line loan provided by Kredobank. As part of the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line benefits, Elgraf LLC received a 20 per cent investment incentive – funded by the EU – on its €1.4 million loan. The loan was used to acquire a modern sheet-fed offset printing machine made by Koenig & Bauer Rapida, which is fast and safe for the production of food packaging. The equipment is also more efficient, reducing both waste and energy consumption per unit of finished product.

According to Elgraf LLC, participation in the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line programme helped stimulate production, expand the range of clients, and increase order volumes. It also helped the company achieve compliance with EU Directives on product quality and safety and environmental protection, bringing about energy savings of over 51 GJ and carbon emission reduction of more than 2 tonnes annually. Moreover, thanks to the investment incentive funded by the EU, the company significantly reduced its financing costs.

“Our company specialises in the production of high-quality cardboard and corrugated cardboard packaging that meets European and global standards. The EBRD loan has become an important support tool for us to scale up our business and increase competitiveness. We plan to continue developing, supporting the Ukrainian economy and building customers’ trust in our products and services both in Ukraine and in the EU countries, where already almost 30 per cent of our products are exported to,” company representative Yurii emphasises.