Packaged for Success: Sustainable Presentations
Interview with Joachim Kratschmayr, Managing Director of the Packservice Group
Since its founding in 1980 in Karlsruhe, the Packservice Group has developed into a leading provider of high-quality packaging solutions and logistics services. With over 20 locations and more than 1,000 employees in the DACH region, the company serves well-known brand manufacturers in various industries. In the interview, Managing Director Joachim Kratschmayr discusses the challenges and successes of the company as well as the future of the packaging industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Kratschmayr, you have been working for Packservice since 2002. How did the founding and growth of the company come about?
Joachim Kratschmayr: The Packservice Group was taken over by Ralph Spiering in 1996 from his father. Oliver Fischer and I joined as managing directors in 2001. We expanded to Austria, where we initially started with one employee and a warehouse. Today, we have 400 employees in Austria and serve global brands like Coca-Cola, Ganic, BrauUnion, and Nestlé.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you describe the various services your company offers in more detail?
Joachim Kratschmayr: Packservice offers a wide range of services tailored to the needs of our clients. Our core competencies include co-
Packing, in which we take over the packaging, assembly, and secondary placement of products. We are particularly strong in the field of promotional packaging, such as in mixed packaging or special offers. In addition, we support customers in developing sustainable and efficient packaging solutions, such as through material optimization or transitioning to reusable displays like our 'LOOPOS' system. Another focus is on the design and production of custom point-of-sale displays that attract attention and increase sales. Here, we rely on appealing design and functional solutions that promote sales. In addition to packaging, we also offer warehousing, picking, and shipping—all from a single source. We also advise companies on converting to more sustainable packaging processes, such as by reducing plastic or using recyclable materials.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the particular strengths of your company?
Joachim Kratschmayr: Our greatest advantage is our flexibility. We offer not only classic co-packing but also individual solutions like the reusable system 'LOOPOS'. We are where the goods are—whether in production facilities, freight forwarding, or central warehouses. We also focus on sustainability, such as by reducing packaging waste and reusable displays.
Wirtschaftsforum: What goals do you have for the coming years?
Joachim Kratschmayr: We want to expand our international presence, especially in Europe. We also focus on digitalization and AI to make processes more efficient. A special emphasis is on sustainability—we want to develop even more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you integrate sustainability into your business model?
Joachim Kratschmayr: Sustainability is a core component of our strategy. With 'LOOPOS', we have developed a reusable system that reduces packaging waste. Additionally, we are working on alternative packaging materials and promoting the use of cardboard instead of plastic. Our goal is to establish a circular economy in the long term.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you support your customers in implementing their projects?
Joachim Kratschmayr: We offer not only packaging services, but also consulting and custom solutions. Our team works closely with customers to develop tailored packaging concepts. Furthermore, we provide training and support to ensure that our solutions are implemented optimally.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see in the packaging industry?
Joachim Kratschmayr: The biggest challenge is balancing sustainability and economic viability. Customers expect eco-friendly solutions, but these are often more expensive. There are also technical limitations in automating packaging processes. We rely on innovation and partnerships to overcome these challenges.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you see the requirements for packaging evolving in the coming years?
Joachim Kratschmayr: The demand for sustainable and recyclable packaging will continue to rise. Additionally, the digitalization of supply chains will play an increasingly important role. We expect AI and automation to gain greater significance in making processes more efficient. Moreover, collaboration with customers and partners will become even closer to develop innovative solutions. With our flexibility and commitment to innovation, we are well-prepared to meet the rising demands of the industry.