Polypack, Inc., a pillar of the Pinellas Park community for 50 years, is poised for a bright future under the leadership of Emmanuel and Olivier Cerf. The twin brothers, who grew up with Polypack, have been running the company for the past 12 years, continuing their father Alain A. Cerf’s legacy of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With plans to double production capacity and deepen community ties, Emmanuel and Olivier are committed to driving both the company and the local economy forward while honoring the values that have defined Polypack’s success.
It is with deep sorrow that Polypack announces the passing of its founder, Alain A. Cerf, on August 7, 2024, at the age of 90. Throughout his career, Alain’s visionary approach led to numerous patents, including the introduction of continuous motion total closure wrappers. His foresight in adopting PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in 1982 and creating a shrink wrapper for the St. Petersburg Times in 1984 demonstrated his remarkable ability to anticipate and respond to industry demands. Alain A. Cerf’s legacy will endure through the continued success of Polypack and the many advancements he championed. His vision and leadership have left a lasting impact on the packaging industry, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of working with him.
For half a century, Polypack has been more than just a business in Pinellas Park—it has been a vital part of the community. Under the Cerf family’s leadership, Polypack has grown into a global leader in packaging technology while maintaining a strong commitment to the local community.
One of the Cerf family’s most significant contributions to the community is the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, a cultural gem that celebrates historically significant innovations in automotive engineering. Located in Pinellas Park, the museum features remarkable exhibits, including a fully functional replica of the 1770 Fardier de Cugnot, the world’s first self-propelled vehicle. This engineering marvel was recreated by the Tampa Bay Auto Museum Restoration Team. The museum also created the "Rainy Rolls," a modern revival of Salvador Dalí’s iconic "Rainy Taxi," engineered by Polypack and currently on loan to the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. These initiatives have made the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum a source of pride for the Pinellas Park community.
Polypack actively supports a range of charitable initiatives benefiting disadvantaged children, arts and culture, and educational programs from middle school to universities, including the School of Engineering in Tampa. These efforts reflect the Cerf family’s enduring belief in giving back to the community which has been central to Polypack’s success over the past 50 years.
In addition to its community contributions, Polypack is a leader in sustainable manufacturing. The company’s Florida facility operates 98% on solar power, thanks to a 1,629-panel integrated rooftop system. Polypack’s commitment to reducing environmental impact is evident in its innovative packaging solutions, which drastically reduce or eliminate the use of corrugated materials and plastic film, setting new standards for eco-friendly packaging in the industry.
Looking ahead, Emmanuel and Olivier Cerf are preparing for significant growth, with plans to double Polypack’s production capacity by building a new facility within the next three years.
Polypack, Inc. is proud to call Pinellas Park home, and the Cerf family is honored to continue contributing to the community that has supported their success for the last 50 years.
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