Verpackung.de – Next-Level for Modern Packaging

Recently, we have taken important steps towards carbon neutrality, for example by installing photovoltaic systems and testing electric mobility concepts at our four sites in Germany. Furthermore, we are active members in several networks for carbon neutrality and continuously work to further develop our sustainability measures.

Wirtschaftsforum: What are the challenges on the path to greater sustainability?

Sören Hadeler: Sustainability in the packaging industry is not a simple black-and-white issue, but highly complex. Cardboard rightly serves as a prime example of a circular economy - with very high recycling rates, especially in Germany. However, packaging is not only about cardboard. We are also talking about plastics, films, adhesive tapes, or cushioning materials. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between functionality, product protection, economic efficiency, and ecological validity for each specific application. It is important for us to offer honest and transparent advice. Sustainability for us does not mean selling a 'green' product indiscriminately to the customer, but rather taking a close look. There are cases where a supposedly sustainable material - such as paper instead of plastic - actually performs worse in the overall assessment. Differentiation is necessary. Greenwashing neither helps the environment nor our customers.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you approach the topic of innovation in packaging?

Sören Hadeler: Innovation is a key factor for success for us and has a long tradition at Schramm Packaging. We set our sights on digitalization early on and are consistently pursuing this path. Today, we invest heavily in digital processes, automation, and increasingly in the use of AI - all with the goal of making processes more efficient and relieving our staff from repetitive tasks. At the same time, the topic of 'smart packaging' drives us. A major focus of innovation is volume reduction. Excessively large packaging means unnecessary use of materials, higher transportation costs, and more CO₂ emissions. We are developing solutions that are precisely tailored to the product and yet still offer maximum safety. Innovation for us thus specifically means: less material, less air, more efficiency.

Wirtschaftsforum: Can you describe your product portfolio in more detail?

Sören Hadeler: We see ourselves as a system provider for transport and shipping packaging. Cardboard remains a central product, but it is only part of the whole. Around the cardboard, we deliver everything necessary for secure shipping. A significant portion of our business - about 50% - comes from individually developed packaging solutions. Standard packaging is often not optimal, whether due to too much empty space, lack of automation capability, or special product sensitivity. Our field teams go directly to the customer, analyze processes, and develop tailor-made solutions - from sensitive products such as wine or electronics to large-scale or heavy goods such as bicycles or industrial goods. This individuality is a central reason for long-term customer loyalty.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you ensure the quality of your products?

Sören Hadeler: Quality is non-negotiable for us. That's why we have had all sites certified according to DIN-ISO and established a company-wide quality management system. This did not exist in this form before, but is indispensable today. We continuously monitor and optimize our processes, not only in terms of product quality, but also in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and supply reliability. Precisely because we work with many industrial customers, our services must be 100% reliable. Errors in packaging can disrupt entire supply chains - that is a demand we face every day.

Wirtschaftsforum: What plans do you have for the future?

Sören Hadeler: We want to continue growing - but with prudence. An important point is the expansion of our regional presence in Germany. New locations, like the recent one in the southwest, help us to shorten transport routes and be even closer to our customers. Parallel to this, we continuously develop our e-commerce platform shop-verpackung.de to offer our customers a modern, efficient digital shopping experience. In addition, we are intensively preparing for new regulatory requirements, such as through the European packaging regulation. Here we are specifically building up expertise and our own structures to competently support our customers.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you see the future of packaging?

Sören Hadeler: The future of packaging will be strongly influenced by sustainability, regulation, and technology. Companies will have to deal much more intensely with recyclability, material use, and waste prevention. At the same time, new concepts such as reusable systems are emerging, where plastics can also play a more meaningful role. Our claim is to actively shape these developments. With innovative strength, honest advice, and clear values, we aim to continue offering our customers real added value - combining economic success with responsibility.