Ribbons, Tapes and More
Interview with Kevin Maar, Managing Director and Stephanie Peskov, Head of Business Development and Key Account Manager at Sopp Industrie GmbH
Engineers around the world are busy training robots to mimic tasks that are easy for humans, such as tying their shoelaces, with limited success so far. This is exactly where Sopp Industrie GmbH comes in, a company that sets standards in the packaging and ribbon industry with craftsmanship and innovative solutions. In the interview, Managing Director Kevin Maar and Stephanie Peskov, Head of Business Development and Key Account Manager, explain the strengths and values of their company.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Maar, Ms. Peskov, could you introduce yourselves and Sopp Industrie GmbH briefly?
Kevin Maar: I am the managing director of Sopp Industrie GmbH and have been part of the company since 2014. Sopp was founded in 1888 and has since developed from a small family business into a significant player in the packaging industry. We are a family-run company that focuses on artisanal production and innovative solutions.
Stephanie Peskov: I manage the Key Account Management and Business Development at Sopp Industrie GmbH. I have only been with the company since January 2025, but I have had a long career in plant construction, where I worked for ten years at a large Finnish conglomerate. I look forward to joining the management team with Kevin Maar and helping to shape the future of the company.
Wirtschaftsforum: What were the most important milestones in the company's history?
Kevin Maar: Sopp has a history that dates back almost 140 years. Originally, Sopp produced zippers, then textile-reinforced artificial casings. Later, we specialized in the production of ribbons and loops. After a bankruptcy in 2005, we restructured and moved production to Poland. Today, we are a significant co-packing provider and employ several hundred employees there.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the main products and services of Sopp Industrie GmbH?
Kevin Maar: Our mainstay are industrial loops and packaging solutions. We offer custom-made products, often used in the chocolate industry. These loops also serve practical functions by providing attractive packaging for gifts and products. Additionally, we have expanded our portfolio to include co-packing services, which provide us with an additional source of revenue. In this area, we have been able to win notable customers, securing us an important position in the industry.
Stephanie Peskov: In addition, we also offer customized solutions for customers with specific requirements. We produce loops in various sizes, colors, and designs to meet our customers' desires. Our services include not just the manufacturing of loops, but also refilling, labeling, and packaging of products. We have the advantage of being able to use our workforce very flexibly and to quickly respond to customer needs. We are proud to be problem solvers for our clients and to provide support in various areas.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is sustainability for your company?
Kevin Maar: Sustainability is an important issue for us. We use various materials, including Tencel and recyclable fabrics. However, we often face the challenge that sustainable products are more expensive, which is not always accepted by our customers. The industry needs to develop further in this area.
Wirtschaftsforum: What trends are you observing in the industry?
Stephanie Peskov: A clear trend is customization. Customers increasingly want tailored solutions. Additionally, we observe that colors and designs change depending on the season. Red and gold remain the most popular colors, especially during Christmas time.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you handle the challenges of digitalization?
Kevin Maar: We are still at the beginning of digitalization, but we have already made some progress. In our production facilities in Poland, we are more advanced than here in Germany. We are open to new technologies and constantly looking for ways to optimize our processes.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes the corporate culture at Sopp so special?
Stephanie Peskov: Our corporate culture is based on family values. We place great importance on an open and honest relationship. We are a very family-friendly company and try to consider the needs of our employees. It is particularly noteworthy that we have a high proportion of women in our company, both in production and in administration. This not only promotes a balanced working environment but also brings different perspectives and ideas into our way of working.
Wirtschaftsforum: What plans do you have for the future?
Kevin Maar: We would like to expand our co-packing business and open up new markets. Furthermore, we plan to increase our visibility through targeted marketing efforts. We are confident that with our craftsmanship skills and flexibility, we will continue to be successful in the future.