The Future Lies in the Cycle
Interview with Vivienne Barrabas, Assistant to the Managing Director of INFOLIO Verpackungs GmbH
Packaging is an indispensable part of our daily lives – they protect products, ensure quality, and enable efficient logistics. INFOLIO Verpackungs GmbH has been developing customized film and packaging solutions for 25 years and has established itself as a pioneer in circular economy with a closed recycling loop. Vivienne Barrabas, assistant to the executive board and future managing director, discusses innovation, responsibility, and team cohesion.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Barrabas, INFOLIO is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. How did it all start?
Vivienne Barrabas: INFOLIO was founded on December 18, 2000, by Wolfgang Wein – at that time as a classic bag distribution company focusing on the German market. A few years later, Rudi Müller joined as the second CEO, who sadly passed away early. Since 2018, Peter Moser has been part of the executive board, and since 2022, he has been leading the company as the sole CEO and majority shareholder. We have continuously evolved since then – from a trading company to a provider that covers the entire lifecycle of packaging films.
Wirtschaftsforum: What exactly does that mean – what does the INFOLIO Group encompass today?
Vivienne Barrabas: The group now includes five companies: INFOLIO Verpackungs GmbH as the core company, INFOLIO Recycling GmbH, Helmut Kapp GmbH, Ditec Folien GmbH, and HARAL Verpackungslösungen GmbH. Each has its focus - from industrial films and food packaging to trash bags and smaller bag products. Through this structure, we can meet almost all customer requests without having to involve external suppliers. The customer always has just one contact: INFOLIO.
European Business: Your portfolio is broad - are there products you are particularly proud of?
Vivienne Barrabas: We manufacture everything to order. This means that each film is individually tailored to customer requirements - whether it's material thickness, UV resistance, or special printing requests. Our well-known brands include Picobello, under which we distribute dog waste bags and trash bags for municipalities. But also industrial films, shrink films, or bubble bags are part of our standard. We jokingly say: We supply all industries - only space is still missing from our list.
Wirtschaftsforum: You speak of tailored solutions. How does customer service work in your company?
Vivienne Barrabas: We operate very service-oriented and flexibly. Personal contact is important to us, but not necessarily on-site – we now conduct many consultation sessions digitally via video call. This saves time and is environmentally friendly. Additionally, we work with a CRM system to maintain customer relationships and send regular newsletters. When needed, our colleagues also visit clients on-site. We have digitized all processes and stored all data in the cloud, allowing every employee to work from anywhere. This is part of our philosophy: We want to remain flexible and respond quickly – no matter where we are. Collaboration with partners, printing houses, or in extrusion is also digital. However, certain production steps still require personal interaction.
Wirtschaftsforum: Sustainability is an important topic in your industry. How do you handle it?
Vivienne Barrabas: The issue is an integral part of our company strategy. We are certified according to ISO 14001 and have been recognized as a carbon-neutral company for two years. Depending on the location, our company vehicles are partially electric, we operate a photovoltaic system, and continuously improve our energy efficiency. However, we are particularly proud of our closed material cycle: With INFOLIO Recycling GmbH, we pick up used films from customers, recycle them, and reintroduce them as so-called PCR material – or post-consumer recyclate – back into the production process. This material is made entirely from used films and can replace new materials in many areas, except for the food industry, where it is not yet legally permitted.
The beauty of it: Our customers not only save CO2, but also costs – starting from 80% PCR content, the plastic tax is waived, and the products may carry the 'Blue Angel' eco-label.
Wirtschaftsforum: What distinguishes INFOLIO from other providers in the market?
Vivienne Barrabas: Our major advantage is that within our corporate group we can represent the entire cycle ourselves – from waste collection to the delivery of the recyclate. Other providers need to involve partners for individual steps. With us, everything stays in one hand, and that creates trust. Moreover, we have a strong team with over 40 years of film experience. We are honest, direct, and do not shy away from discussions when it comes to the right solution. Our goal is to educate customers and accompany them in a partnership – especially since the topic of plastics is emotionally discussed.