The Packaging within the Packaging
Interview with Dr. Axel Weiler, CEO of the ROUNDLINER Group
By 2050, there is expected to be 65% more waste globally – this is according to a study by the UN Environment Programme. To reduce waste, conscious resource management is becoming increasingly important. ROUNDLINER Gesellschaft für umweltfreundliche Verpackungen GmbH from Forst is taking this very step. With their industrial liners made of plastic and plastic composites, they not only protect various products but also avoid waste.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Dr. Weiler, ROUNDLINER is synonymous with bags and liners used to protect bulk goods and loose materials. Thus, the company operates in a niche market. How did it come about?
Dr. Axel Weiler: ROUNDLINER was founded more than 25 years ago; at that time, the company made bags for old clothes. To further expand the business, the idea arose to utilize the experience and know-how concerning plastics for industrial packaging solutions, especially for the chemical industry. Today, that is exactly our core business.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you describe the products in more detail? What makes the liners distinctive?
Dr. Axel Weiler: The aim of the liners is to protect the client's products. Therefore, they have certain features according to customer wishes. They can prevent product adhesion, protect against moisture and spoilage, are temperature-resistant, or protect against electrostatic discharge. Of course, consistent, controlled quality is also a hallmark of our production.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where are the liners used?
Dr. Axel Weiler: The applications are very diverse and range from the paint and coatings industry to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as cosmetics, food, and consumer goods.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the core areas covered by the portfolio?
Dr. Axel Weiler: Classics in our offerings include round-bottom bags, form liners, covers, tank linings, and Maxiliners, which vary in shape, size, and diameter. The focus is always on protecting the customers' products and thus solving the customers' problems in production processes.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does the topic of sustainability play for ROUNDLINER? Especially considering that the liners are made of plastic?
Dr. Axel Weiler: With our liners, we actively contribute to waste prevention and the circular economy. For example: 200-liter drums used for paints and varnishes must be extensively cleaned after use to be reused. Sometimes, they are also disposed of. If a liner lines the drum, the respective product is filled in, the flexible liner fits into the drum and is removed and disposed of after transport. This protects the drum and allows it to be reused multiple times. This significantly saves costs and contributes to sustainability.
Our liner thus enables a sustainable packaging system of drum and liner. Another aspect that speaks for sustainability is the use of recyclates, whose quality is generally comparable to that of first-grade products. In addition, we try to reduce the thickness of the films with certain plastics without compromising on strength values. With less material use, we work to present exactly the solution that the customer needs.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you assess the current market position of the company and what challenges do you face?
Dr. Axel Weiler: With over 300 employees and an annual turnover of 30 million EUR, ROUNDLINER is one of the market leaders in a niche market - both in terms of market shares and technological competence. With our locations in the Czech Republic and Bosnia-Herzegovina, we respond flexibly to customer requests with our long-standing experience and know-how, and we develop new packaging solutions together. Since the end of 2024, we have seen increasing uncertainty in the markets - caused by the new elections in the USA and Germany. Customers have been building up smaller inventories since then and order products at short notice. Thanks to intelligent production planning and expanded storage capacities, we are able to meet the current challenges.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you view the future in light of this situation?
Dr. Axel Weiler: Consistently positive. The mood in the industry is improving and economic institutes expect growth of more than 1% in 2026, which is an important signal after years of stagnation. We hope that the willingness to invest of companies will increase again.
Wirtschaftsforum: Does this mean that ROUNDLINER will continue its growth course?
Dr. Axel Weiler: Yes, we want to come with more products in more applications and gain a foothold in new markets like the USA and Spain, but also in the Middle East. Due to the EU Packaging Regulation PPWR, only recyclable packaging will be allowed from 2030 to reduce packaging waste and increase recycling rates. We expect that this law will strengthen our position and boost demand for our liners. Our high production and quality base and a tech-savvy sales team that works with customers on site to develop solutions are appreciated by our customers and give us a clear competitive advantage.