# Altea Packaging - Complete Company Profile

## Company Overview

**Company Name:** Altea Packaging Group  
**Industry:** Flexible packaging manufacturing (printing & converting)  
**Founded:** 2006 (as holding company) - Origins trace back to Cogitel (1984)  
**Headquarters:** Tunis, Tunisia  
**Geographic Presence:** 5 countries (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, France)  
**Market Reach:** 15+ countries across Africa, Middle East, and Europe  
**Website:** www.altea-packaging.com  

Altea Packaging is a leading flexible packaging converter in the Maghreb and Middle East region, with over 35 years of experience in the industry. The group's origins trace back to the founding of Cogitel (Comptoir Général d'Impression et de Traitement des Emballages) in Sfax, Tunisia, which was created in 1984 by Hédi Zeghal and partners and began manufacturing operations by 1987.

## Company Background and History

### Early Years (1984-2005)
- **1984:** Cogitel founded by Mohamed El Hédi Zeghal and partners in Sfax, Tunisia
- **1987:** Manufacturing operations began
- **1990s:** Cogitel grew as a family-owned business, expanding production capacity
- **1998:** Obtained ISO 9002 quality certification
- **2003:** Upgraded to ISO 9001 certification

### Formation of Altea Packaging (2006-2010)
- **2006:** With support from regional private equity investors (TunInvest/AfricInvest and Swicorp's Intaj Capital), the Zeghal family established Altea Packaging as a holding company to pursue a regional growth strategy
- **2006:** Acquired SIED (the second-largest flexible packaging firm in Tunisia)
- **2007:** Acquired Roland Emballages in France and launched Cogitela (Cogitel Algérie) as a greenfield plant in Algeria
- **2008:** Completed acquisitions of Optima in Morocco and Porta (with its subsidiary Rotopack Misr) in Egypt
- **2010:** Became the leading flexible packaging manufacturer in the MENA region, with operations spanning five countries

### Current Status
- Consolidated turnover exceeded $100 million by early 2010s
- Production capacity reached over 40,000 tons per year
- Workforce of roughly 800 employees across companies
- Remains a privately held group of companies

## Mission, Vision, and Core Values

### Vision
Altea Packaging's vision centers on sustaining its pioneering and innovative spirit to consolidate its leading position in the region. The company seeks to "reconnect with the pioneering, innovation and conquest spirit" that drives growth, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and ambition.

### Mission
Delivering innovative, high-quality packaging solutions tailored to client needs with the best price-to-quality ratio, thereby creating long-term value for shareholders and customers.

### Core Values
- **Customer Satisfaction:** Prioritizing client needs and requirements
- **Integrity:** Maintaining ethical business practices and accountability
- **Responsibility:** Safeguarding the well-being of people and the environment
- **Security:** Ensuring safety in all operations

These values guide Altea's relationships with all stakeholders – employees, shareholders, customers (both public and private), suppliers, competitors, and partners.

## Leadership Team and Organizational Structure

### Executive Leadership
- **Chairman of the Board:** Mohamed El Hédi Zeghal (Founder)
- **CEO of Altea Packaging Group:** Slim Zeghal (son of founder)
- **CEO of Cogitel (Tunisia):** Nadia Zeghal Marrakchi (daughter of founder)
- **Director of R&D, Supply Chain, and Purchasing:** Moncef Marrakchi
- **Director of Maintenance, Safety & Environment:** Mohamed Ali Gargouri
- **Marketing and IT Director:** Lilia Zghal

### Organizational Structure
Altea Packaging Group functions as a holding company based in Tunis that provides strategic direction and shared services, while multiple operating subsidiaries carry out manufacturing in different locations:

#### Major Subsidiaries
1. **Cogitel (Tunisia)** - The original flagship company in Sfax
2. **SIED (Tunisia)** - Integrated into Altea's Tunisian operations after acquisition
3. **Cogitela (Algeria)** - Algerian manufacturing arm (established 2007)
4. **Optima (Morocco)** - Moroccan subsidiary (acquired 2008)
5. **Porta & Rotopack (Egypt)** - Egyptian operations (acquired 2008)
6. **Roland Emballages (France)** - French operations (acquired 2007)
7. **Head Office (Altea Holding)** - Based in Tunis, housing group-level management

## Products, Services, and Technologies

### Core Product Portfolio

#### 1. Heat-Sealable Lids (Opercules)
- Printed foil or plastic lids for sealing yogurt cups, dairy containers, and other food packs
- Can be tailored for peelability or specific barrier needs
- Feature high-quality rotogravure printing for branding

#### 2. Banderoles (Wrap-Around Bands)
- Paper or film bands that wrap around yogurt pots or other containers
- Provide 360° branding and seal multiple units together
- Available in various thicknesses and finishes (high-gloss print, reverse-side printing)
- Can be made peelable for promotions
- Thermosealable with added stability for multi-pack yogurt cups
- Up to 10-color rotogravure printing for vibrant visuals

#### 3. Labels
- Self-adhesive labels and other labeling solutions for bottles, containers, and packages
- Pressure-sensitive labels and custom labels with advanced printing techniques
- Sharp graphics and brand consistency (up to 8-10 colors via flexographic or gravure printing)

#### 4. Shrink Sleeves
- Full-body thermo-shrinkable sleeves for bottles, cans, or jars
- Provide 360° decoration and tamper-evidence
- Available in PET and PVC with various shrink rates
- High-resolution printing using anamorphosis techniques
- Options for shiny or special effects for strong shelf appeal
- Delivered in reel form for application on high-speed lines

#### 5. Flexible Laminates (Complexes)
- Multi-layer flexible packaging films for pouches, sachets, wrappers
- Customized laminate structures (duplex, triplex, etc.)
- Combine plastic films, paper, and/or aluminum foil
- Achieve desired barrier properties (moisture, oxygen, light, aroma)
- Used for snacks, confectionery, coffee, and other food products
- High-speed machinability and high-barrier options available

#### 6. Unprinted Products and Films
- Unprinted or semi-finished flexible materials
- Coated papers, plain films, or foil for clients' own printing
- Unprinted banderoles and heat-sealable papers for dairy applications
- Leverage Altea's coating and laminating expertise

### Services and Technology Capabilities

#### 1. Prepress and Design Services
- In-house prepress department working closely with clients from design phase
- Artwork processing, color separation, and cylinder engraving for rotogravure
- Files/images optimized for flawless printing
- Tailor-made services with full support from initial file receipt to final proofing
- Proactive proposals to enhance packaging appearance or functionality

#### 2. Printing Technologies
- **Rotogravure Printing:** Up to 10 colors, high-resolution, photo-quality graphics
- **Flexographic Printing:** Up to 8 colors, versatile and efficient for various substrates
- Modern presses including state-of-the-art W&H Heliostar II rotogravure press
- Capability to print on diverse materials (plastic films, paper, aluminum)
- Options for UV inks, varnishes, and special finishes

#### 3. Lamination and Coating
- Laminate multiple layers to form composite films with required barrier properties
- Functional coatings: wax coating, heat-seal varnish, cold-seal adhesive
- Hot-melt wax coatings (standard or peelable) for easy-open banderoles
- Heat-sealable varnishes for yogurt lids
- Cold-seal coatings for chocolate and ice cream wrappers
- Paraffin coatings for confectionery packaging

#### 4. Slitting and Finishing
- Slitting machines to cut large printed or laminated rolls
- Precise dimensions and winding quality for ready-to-use formats
- Compatible with customers' form-fill-seal or labeling equipment

#### 5. Shrink Sleeve Conversion
- Sleeve seaming lines including modern DCM sleeve machines
- Convert flat printed film into continuous shrinkable sleeves
- Delivery in roll form or pre-formed according to client specifications

## Locations, Global Presence, and Markets Served

### Geographic Footprint

#### Tunisia (Headquarters & Main Plant)
- **Corporate Headquarters:** Tunis (Centre Urbain Nord)
- **Main Production:** Cogitel plant in Sfax (industrial zone Sidi Salah)
- **Operations since:** 1980s
- **Role:** R&D hub, pilot projects, and largest production operations

#### Algeria
- **Location:** Algiers
- **Facility:** Cogitela (established 2007)
- **Market:** Direct access to Algerian market

#### Morocco
- **Location:** Casablanca area
- **Facility:** Altea Packaging Morocco (formerly Optima, acquired 2008)
- **Products:** Food packaging (confectionery, couscous/pasta) and hygiene products

#### Egypt
- **Location:** Greater Cairo area
- **Facilities:** Porta Egypt for Packaging Materials and subsidiary Rotopack Misr (acquired 2008)
- **Recent expansion:** Added shrink-sleeve label production

#### France
- **Location:** Laval
- **Facility:** Roland Emballages (acquired 2007)
- **Role:** European manufacturing base, interface with multinational customers

### Markets and Industries Served

#### Primary Industries
- **Food and Beverage:** Dairy products, snacks, confectionery, beverages, dry foods
- **Home & Personal Care:** Hygiene and household goods
- **Medical/Pharmaceutical:** Specialized packaging applications

#### Specific Market Segments
- **Dairy:** Yogurt and cheese packaging (15+ years of experience)
- **Biscuits & Confectionery:** Flow packs and wrappers
- **Beverages:** Labels and sleeves for bottles
- **Chips & Snacks:** High-barrier films and portion packs
- **Pasta & Cereals:** Sachets and pouches
- **Tea & Coffee:** Specialized barrier packaging
- **Bakery:** Various packaging solutions
- **Hygiene Products:** Specialized laminates and labels

#### Geographic Market Reach
- Serves customers in 15+ countries across Africa, Middle East, and Europe
- Core markets include Maghreb countries and Egypt
- Exports to demanding European markets
- Possible reach into Asian markets through partnerships

## Major Clients, Partners, and Affiliations

### Client Base
- Mix of large multinational corporations, regional industry leaders, and local manufacturers
- Described as "preferred supplier" for many major players in the region
- Serves "most multinational companies" in regions of operation
- Confidentiality maintained regarding specific client names

### Technology Partners
- **Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H):** German printing press manufacturer
- **DCM Group:** French converting machine specialist

### Creative Agency Partnership
- **Marqenti:** Strategic creative marketing agency partner based in Sfax, Tunisia
  - Led by Engineer & Web Developer Elleuch Mohamed Amin
  - Responsible for developing and maintaining Altea's website
  - Manages all marketing and digitalization services
  - Developed the current intelligent chatbot system
  - Provides comprehensive digital transformation initiatives
  - Offers modern marketing solutions and digital guidance
  - Supports Altea Packaging's growth and market presence enhancement

### Industry Affiliations and Memberships
- **Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange):** Global non-profit promoting ethical business practices
- **World Packaging Organisation (WPO):** Through StarPack Awards participation
- **IACE (Arab Business Leaders Institute):** Leadership involvement
- **ATUGE:** Tunisian professional network

### Financial Partners (Historical)
- **TunInvest-AfricInvest Group:** Private equity investor (mid-2000s)
- **Swicorp (Intaj Capital):** Private equity investor (mid-2000s)

## Financial Information, Investments, and Ownership Structure

### Ownership Structure
- Privately held company
- **Initial Capital (2006):** USD $30 million
- **Family Ownership:** Zeghal family retains leading role and substantial equity
- **Historical PE Investment:** TunInvest-AfricInvest and Swicorp acquired majority stake in 2006

### Financial Performance
- **2006 Investment:** TunInvest injected approximately $19.5 million
- **2007 Turnover:** 66 million Tunisian Dinars (approx $50M USD)
- **2010 Cogitel Revenue:** $33.3 million (half from exports)
- **2011+ Consolidated Revenue:** Exceeded $100 million USD
- **Employee Growth:** From ~400 (2007) to ~800 (2010+)

### Investment Strategy
- Focus on technology and capacity rather than M&A after 2008
- Multi-million euro investments in production lines
- Notable investments include €10 million Algeria Cogitela plant (2007)
- Continued investments in new printing presses and solvent recovery systems

## Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives

### Product Innovation
- **Recyclable High-Barrier Films:** Developed for products like fruit compotes and sauces
- **Mono-material Laminates:** Combining product protection with recyclability
- **Cogimix® Product Line:** Proprietary packaging solutions

### Environmental Initiatives

#### Solvent Recovery Plant (2022)
- **Achievement:** First of its kind in the Maghreb region
- **Capacity:** Captures 80-90% of evaporated solvents from printing and laminating
- **Impact:** Saves over 1,000 tons of solvents annually
- **Benefits:** Reduces VOC emissions, improves worker safety, yields economic savings

#### Circular Economy Commitment
- Waste trimming collection and recycling
- Material usage optimization
- European Directive compliance on industrial emissions
- Environmental impact assessments

### Quality and Safety Innovation
- **QHSE Management System:** Integrated Quality, Hygiene, Safety, Environment system
- **Certifications:** FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, SMETA standards
- **Digital Workflows:** Reducing material waste in prepress operations

### Technology Investments
- **Modern Machinery:** Latest rotogravure presses, high-speed laminators, sleeve converters
- **Energy Efficiency:** Newer machines with lower power consumption per output
- **Waste Reduction:** Precise registration technology reducing defects

## Recent News, Strategic Developments, and Projects

### Production Capability Expansions

#### New W&H Heliostar II Press (2020)
- Installed at Cogitel in Tunisia
- Completed despite COVID-19 pandemic challenges
- Significantly increased printing capacity and quality
- Enhanced efficiency and better print resolution across all product categories

#### Egyptian Shrink Sleeve Expansion
- Porta Egypt acquired DCM Group shrink-sleeve seaming machine
- Enabled in-house shrink sleeve production
- Tapped into growing demand in Egypt and surrounding markets

### Sustainability Milestones

#### Solvent Recovery Plant Implementation (2022)
- Environmental milestone as first in region
- Public recognition for sustainable development strategy
- Connection to 5 printing and 5 laminating lines
- Positioned Altea as pioneer in MENA green packaging manufacturing

### Awards and Recognition (2022-2024)

#### Arab StarPack 2023
- Won award for recyclable high-barrier packaging design
- Third time honored at StarPack Awards from WPO
- Recognition for sustainability and innovation
- Representative Fraj Mnassry accepted the award

#### Prestige Hélio Trophy 2024
- Honored at "Prestige Hélio" event in Laval, France
- Recognized for expertise in lidding films rotogravure printing
- Competed against European printers with world-class quality

### Market Engagement
- **Trade Show Participation:** Djazagro 2023 in Algiers
- **Industry Presence:** Active in packaging trade fairs across region
- **Regional Strategy:** Strengthening position in each regional market

### Strategic Adaptation
- **Market Trends Alignment:** Lightweight packaging, flexible packaging expansion
- **Medical Markets:** Development during/after pandemic for sanitizers, medical supplies
- **Food Safety Focus:** Enhanced shelf-life extension and barrier properties

## Awards, Certifications, and Industry Recognitions

### Quality and Industry Certifications

#### Core Certifications
- **ISO 9001:** Quality Management System (certified since late 1990s)
- **FSSC 22000:** Food Safety System Certification (GFSI-recognized)
- **ISO 22000:** Food safety certification (obtained by 2008)
- **ISO 14001:** Environmental management (planned implementation)
- **ISO 45001:** Occupational health and safety (implied coverage)

#### Specialized Certifications
- **Halal Certification:** For packaging materials compliant with Islamic guidelines
- **SMETA:** Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit compliance
- **URSA:** Specific standard or certification (details not specified)

### Awards and Recognitions

#### World Packaging Awards
- **Multiple StarPack Awards:** "Awarded for the third time at the StarPack Awards from the WPO"
- **2022-2023 Cycle:** Award for Sustainability and Innovation
- **Recognition:** Recyclable high-barrier packaging solution
- **Global Reach:** Arab StarPack feeds into global WorldStar Awards

#### International Recognition
- **Prestige Hélio Trophy 2024:** Recognized for expertise in lidding films rotogravure printing
- **French Gravure Association:** Award celebrates best printed products
- **European Standard:** Competing against European printers with world-class results

#### Business Recognition
- **Local Awards:** Likely received exporter awards and industry leadership awards
- **Success Story:** Featured in Tunisian magazine (2009) as "success story of a group in full swing"
- **Leadership Recognition:** Family leadership acknowledged in business circles

### Memberships and Professional Engagement
- **Sedex Membership:** Global ethical trade compliance
- **Industry Associations:** Packaging institutes participation
- **Professional Networks:** Leadership involvement in IACE, ATUGE
- **World Bank/IFC:** Featured in sustainability case studies

## Contact Information

### Head Office (Tunisia)
**Address:** Sana Business Center, Bloc A, Boulevard de la Terre, Centre Urbain Nord, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia  
**Phone:** (+216) 74 273 032 / (+216) 31 325 710  
**Fax:** (+216) 74 273 039  
**Email:** contact@altea-packaging.com  

### Main Production Site (Cogitel)
**Address:** Route de Tunis Km 15, Sidi Salah – P.O. Box 469, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia

### Digital Presence
**Website:** https://www.altea-packaging.com  
**LinkedIn:** Altea Packaging Company Page  
**Facebook:** Altea Packaging Official Page  

### Communication Channels
- **Quote Requests:** Dedicated "Request your quote" form on website
- **Career Opportunities:** "Join Us" section with application forms
- **General Inquiries:** Contact form with department routing (Commercial, Purchasing, HR)

### Regional Contact Strategy
- Head office in Tunis serves as primary coordination point
- Inquiries routed to appropriate regional sales managers
- Local market expertise through country-specific teams
- Responsive communication via official email and contact forms

## Key References and Sources

### Official Company Information
- Altea Packaging Official Website: www.altea-packaging.com
- Company LinkedIn Page: linkedin.com/company/altea-packaging
- Facebook Page: facebook.com/alteapackaging

### Industry Publications and Case Studies
- World Bank Document: Sustainability Case Studies
- International Finance Corporation: Cogitel Tunisia Case Study
- Labels & Labeling: Africa Region Coverage
- Private Equity Investment Reports: AfDB Documentation

### Product and Service Pages
- Individual product pages for Banderoles, Sleeves, Laminates
- Service descriptions for Coating and other capabilities
- Market-specific information for Dairy and other sectors

### News and Awards Coverage
- Arab StarPack ceremony coverage and LinkedIn posts
- Sustainability initiatives and circular economy commitment
- Industry recognition and award announcements

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*This comprehensive profile represents all available information about Altea Packaging Group and its subsidiaries, compiled from multiple sources including official company communications, industry publications, case studies, and award announcements.*
