Medellin-based packaging manufacturer and exporter Compañia de Empaques announced March 10 that its full-year 2020 net income rose 36% year-on-year, to COP$20 billion (US$5.7 million).

Gross income in 2020 also rose to COP$478 billion (US$136 million), up from COP$457 billion (US$130 million) in 2019, according to the company.

Compañia de Empaques specializes in the conversion of natural fibers including cabuya (fique) and pita as well as synthetic fibers (mainly plastic) into many types of packaging materials for industrial, agricultural, construction and mining companies.

Its various brands of products include “Duramalla” (plastic straps), “Cartonplast” (plastic sheets for signage), “Duratela” (natural and synthetic-fiber packaging bags), “Duracordel” (natural threads), “Durazuncho” (printable tapes), “Concrefuerte” (polypropylene additive for concrete), “Agrotextil” (strengthening fiber) and “Sacos Compañia” (natural-fiber bags).

“Our corporate social responsibility is focused on promoting the sowing and transformation of fique, a biodegradable and highly resistant fiber native to the Andes, which represents an important source of livelihood for more than 50,000 Colombian families and contributes to the substitution of illicit crops in our country,” the company adds.