Novolex Taps Veteran Leader for Global Growth and Sustainability Push

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – May 05, 2026 – Packaging giant Novolex has appointed industry veteran Marco Hilty, Ph.D., as the new President of its International, Industrial & Beverage (IIB) business unit, a strategic move signaling a deepened commitment to global expansion and sustainable innovation. The appointment, effective May 1, places Hilty at the helm of a crucial division, where he will report directly to Novolex Chairman and CEO Stan Bikulege.

Hilty is tasked with shaping the IIB unit's strategy, bolstering its commercial execution, and driving financial performance. The move comes as Novolex, a major player with over 100 locations across North America and Europe, navigates a rapidly evolving market defined by intense competition, consolidation, and mounting pressure for environmental responsibility.

A Strategic Play for Global Expansion

This appointment is widely seen as a deliberate effort by Novolex to accelerate its international growth. While the company holds a formidable position in North America, with brands like Duro Bag and Eco-Products, it has been actively working to increase its global footprint. Currently, about 15% of its revenue comes from international markets, primarily in Europe and the UK, a figure the company is keen to grow.

Hilty’s resume makes him uniquely suited for this challenge. He brings over two decades of senior leadership experience, most recently as President of Flexible Packaging at Huhtamaki. There, he managed a €1.5 billion global business spanning seventeen countries, a role where he was credited with improving margins and standardizing operations across a vast international network. His career also includes senior management roles at Amcor, another global packaging leader, where he led regional and global businesses, executed turnarounds, and integrated acquisitions. This experience will be invaluable as Novolex continues its own expansion, which recently included the landmark $6.7 billion acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen, a move that significantly expanded its portfolio and market reach.

Novolex has already laid the groundwork for a more aggressive European strategy, leveraging its acquisition of compostable packaging brand Vegware to serve UK and EU customers grappling with tightening plastic regulations. Hilty’s leadership is expected to build on this foundation, driving deeper penetration into established markets and exploring new opportunities.

The Sustainability Imperative

Beyond geographic expansion, Hilty’s appointment strongly underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the packaging industry. His track record includes advancing sustainable packaging innovation at Huhtamaki, a company that, like Novolex, emphasizes eco-friendly solutions. This aligns perfectly with a market where environmental credentials are no longer a bonus but a core business requirement.

Consumer demand is a powerful driver of this shift. Recent studies show that an overwhelming majority of consumers—as high as 90%—are more likely to purchase from brands that use sustainable packaging, and more than a third have switched brands to do so. This trend is amplified by a wave of government regulations, such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates 100% recyclable packaging by 2030, and California’s law requiring all single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032.

Novolex has responded with significant investments in this area. Its Eco-Products division, focused on compostable and bio-based items, is its fastest-growing segment. The company has also invested in reusable container brand OZZI and committed $150 million to a recycling expansion aimed at leadership in post-consumer resin. Hilty’s expertise in scaling sustainable innovation is expected to accelerate these initiatives, helping Novolex navigate the complex landscape of new materials—from plant-based polymers to mono-material designs that simplify recycling—and solidifying its position as a leader in the circular economy.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

The global packaging sector is a high-stakes arena marked by fierce competition and strategic consolidation. Attracting a high-caliber executive like Hilty from a direct competitor is a significant power play for Novolex. The industry has recently seen major leadership changes at rivals, including Amcor, and a surge in M&A activity as companies jockey for scale, technological advantage, and sustainable bona fides.

In this environment, operational excellence is as critical as strategic vision. Hilty’s background, which began at the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, is rich with experience in improving profitability, standardizing commercial practices, and executing turnarounds. This operational discipline will be crucial for integrating Novolex's recent acquisitions and ensuring the sprawling organization runs efficiently.

Novolex Chairman and CEO Stan Bikulege highlighted these qualities in the company's official announcement. "Marco brings extensive global leadership experience, deep operational expertise, and a strong track record of profitable growth," Bikulege stated. "Just as importantly, he is a people‑centered leader who knows how to engage teams and build strong cultures, making him well suited to lead this business unit into its next phase for our Novolex families."

Hilty expressed his own enthusiasm for the new role. "I'm honored to join Novolex and lead this business at a time of strong momentum and opportunity," he said. "With a solid foundation, talented teams, and a clear path forward, we are well positioned to deliver for customers, accelerate performance, and create lasting value for our stakeholders."

As Hilty steps into his new position, the industry will be watching closely. His appointment is not merely a personnel change but a clear indicator of Novolex’s strategy to aggressively pursue global growth, lead in sustainability, and outmaneuver competitors in a rapidly transforming market.