For the Transformation in the Packaging Industry
Interview with Bettina Voßberg, Managing Director of Packwell GmbH & Co. KG
The packaging industry is facing profound changes: sustainability, innovation, and efficiency are the keywords for the future. Corrugated cardboard, a versatile and fully recyclable material, is becoming increasingly significant in this context. Companies like Packwell GmbH & Co. KG demonstrate how the industry is responding to these challenges with modern production processes and innovative approaches.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Voßberg, what attracted you to working at Packwell?
Bettina Voßberg: The corrugated cardboard industry immediately fascinated me. Corrugated cardboard is an incredibly exciting and sustainable material that strengthens the circular economy, since our products are 100% recyclable and mostly made from recycled papers. I was eager to implement new processes and expand our innovation management. We have introduced Lean Management processes and developed new products to continuously improve our offerings.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you give us a brief overview of the history of Packwell?
Bettina Voßberg: Packwell at the Schwepnitz location was opened in 1994 and has been part of the PALM company since 2007. PALM is a family business that has been active in the paper and packaging industry since 1872. Packwell has been growing for 30 years, from an initial 7,000 m2 of production area to now 18,000 m2. We produce up to 100 million m2 of corrugated cardboard per year on an WPA and 13 processing machines, which is approximately equivalent to 13,000 football fields. We are proud to be an integrated plant that takes on both the production and the multistage, sophisticated processing of corrugated cardboard.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the strengths of Packwell?
Bettina Voßberg: Our strength lies in the production of large quantities at high quality and the excellent service we provide. This combination leads to long-term customer relationships. Moreover, we continuously develop our products. Already 20 years ago, we offered the first labeling print with consecutive number codes and today we are pioneers in innovative packaging solutions such as folding and adhesive packaging as well as e-commerce packaging. Another strength of ours is our high commitment to training: 10% of our workforce are trainees in eight different professional fields.
Wirtschaftsforum: What packaging solutions does Packwell offer?
Bettina Voßberg: We specialize in shelf packaging, point-of-sale packaging, and transport packaging. We are particularly proud of our ability to produce very fine, colorful packaging tailored exactly to the needs of our customers. Currently, we are working intensively on solutions to replace plastics. About 20% of plastics can already be replaced with corrugated cardboard and we are continuously developing sophisticated materials that can take over the function of plastics.
Wirtschaftsforum: You have already discussed the development of new products and replacing plastics. What other strategic objectives do you pursue in the coming years?
Bettina Voßberg: We aim to further expand our product portfolio towards replacing plastics. For this, we need innovative ways to coat our products. Strategic product development in this area will be a central focus. Additionally, we are advancing digitalization in our internal processes, whether in manufacturing or employee training. Another important goal is to continue to be seen as an attractive employer, particularly with regard to our high training quota and the long average tenure of our employees, which is 13 years.
Wirtschaftsforum: What innovations can we expect from Packwell in the near future?
Bettina Voßberg: At trade fairs such as Fachpack, we regularly present new, innovative packaging solutions. Our focus is on reducing the ecological footprint of our products and integrating additional functions into the packaging. We also develop special solutions for safely packaging electronic components and assisting our customers in transitioning from plastic packaging to sustainable alternatives. Our developments are always marked by sustainability and efficiency.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally, how do you see the future development of the packaging industry, particularly in the area of sustainability?
Bettina Voßberg: The packaging industry will face major challenges in the coming years, primarily due to legislative requirements and pressure from consumers and businesses to find more sustainable solutions. It will be crucial to develop innovative, recyclable materials and packaging technologies that meet the increasing demands for functionality and environmental friendliness. At Packwell, we are already working intensively to create future-proof solutions and offer our customers the opportunity to design their packaging sustainably. I am convinced that corrugated cardboard will play a central role in this.