The corrugated paper packaging industry in Europe plays a vital role in various sectors, including retail, food, and e-commerce. Companies range from large manufacturers to innovative startups and focus on producing sustainable, efficient packaging solutions. With growing environmental concerns, the industry is shifting towards recyclable materials and reducing carbon footprints. New advancements, like digital printing and automation, are enhancing efficiency and customization. As e-commerce continues to thrive, demand for sustainable packaging options is expected to grow, positioning this industry for significant future expansion in innovation and eco-friendly practices.


This list includes a diverse group of investors in the corrugated paper packaging sector, primarily focusing on venture capital, private equity, and corporate investment. Based across Europe, these investors have varying sizes and founding years, with many operational since the late 20th century. The range of deal counts for 2024 reflects their active involvement, with numerous transactions made specifically in the packaging industry. Notable firms like Amcor and Crowdcube showcase different investment strategies tailored to fuel industry advancements and sustainability initiatives.


Top 15 Corrugated Paper Packaging Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In recent years, the EIC has made significant investments in the packaging sector, particularly in companies like Releaf Paper and Creapaper, which focus on sustainable paper solutions. For instance, Releaf Paper raised over $2.6 million in grants and additional funding rounds, while Creapaper also received substantial grants to support its innovative approaches to paper production. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in the packaging industry, particularly in the context of sustainability and eco-friendly materials.


2. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl UK and Ireland is a corporate investor based in London, England, and is part of Bunzl Public Limited Company, a distribution and outsourcing company founded in 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries. Bunzl has a strong focus on tailored solutions and has built an extensive distribution network globally. In recent years, Bunzl has made several strategic acquisitions in the packaging sector, including Holland Packaging, which focuses on customized packaging products, and the Schwarz Paper Company, which is involved in the corrugated paper packaging market. These transactions highlight Bunzl's commitment to expanding its footprint in the packaging industry, making it a relevant player in the corrugated paper packaging space.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the corrugated paper packaging industry, including a significant investment in Coqli, a start-up focused on custom cardboard packaging, which raised 650,000 euros to support its industrial development and digital innovation. This involvement highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the packaging sector. Other transactions include investments in companies like Lactips and Hipli, although these are not directly related to corrugated paper packaging, they demonstrate Bpifrance's broader investment strategy in innovative sectors.


4. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in significant transactions within the corrugated paper packaging industry, including Flexi-Hex, which raised over $1 million in equity crowdfunding in 2023 and previously in 2020. Additionally, Crowdcube supported Envopap, which raised approximately $1.46 million in a seed round in 2020, focusing on sustainable packaging solutions. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative companies in the corrugated paper packaging sector.


5. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, the firm manages approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a strong focus on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the packaging sector, including the acquisition of AR Packaging, which reported sales of approximately €560 million in 2015. This acquisition highlights CVC's commitment to the corrugated paper packaging industry. Additionally, they have been involved in other related transactions, such as their investments in Elopak and Lecta, further showcasing their interest in the packaging domain.


6. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a leading packaging manufacturer founded in 1864, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The company specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions for various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Amcor is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In recent years, Amcor has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its packaging capabilities. Notably, in 2016, Amcor acquired Sonoco, a company with a diverse packaging portfolio, which may include corrugated solutions. In 2015, Amcor acquired Nampak Flexible for $22 million, further expanding its flexible packaging offerings. Additionally, Amcor has invested in companies like PulPac, which focuses on sustainable packaging alternatives, indicating a broader interest in innovative packaging solutions that could encompass corrugated paper packaging. Overall, Amcor's diverse investments and focus on sustainability position it as a relevant player in the packaging industry.


7. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the packaging industry, including their investment in Emballages RÉUNIS, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in October 2019. This investment highlights their engagement in the corrugated paper packaging sector. Other transactions include investments in companies like Verpack and Palamy, although the specific relevance of these companies to corrugated paper packaging is less clear. Overall, Crédit Mutuel Equity's diverse portfolio and strategic approach make them a noteworthy player in the investment landscape.


8. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The firm is part of an industrial group that specializes in developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made several acquisitions relevant to the packaging industry, including Verbeeck Packaging NV in December 2014, which enhances their portfolio in the packaging sector. This acquisition, along with their other investments, reflects their strategy to diversify and strengthen their presence in industries that require innovative packaging solutions.


9. Macfarlane Packaging


Macfarlane Packaging is a corporate investor based in Coventry, England, founded in 1949. As a packaging supplier, they offer a diverse range of protective packaging products and services, including cardboard boxes, bags, postal products, and custom packaging solutions. Their focus is on enhancing product protection during transit and storage, serving various industries such as retail and manufacturing. Notably, Macfarlane has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster their position in the packaging market. In 2021, they acquired GWP Group for approximately $21 million, enhancing their capabilities in protective packaging. In 2016, they conditionally agreed to acquire Nelsons for Cartons and Packaging for up to £6.75 million, aiming to strengthen their presence in the protective and shelf-ready packaging markets. Other acquisitions include Leyland Packaging in 2019 for $3.98 million and Ecopac, which further solidified their portfolio in the packaging sector. These transactions highlight Macfarlane's active role in the corrugated paper packaging industry, making them a significant player in this space.


10. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In recent years, the EIB has been involved in several notable transactions within the corrugated paper packaging context. For instance, they provided a EUR 435 million loan to Stora Enso to support its growth in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, which is crucial for the corrugated paper packaging industry. Additionally, the EIB participated in a €40 million Series B funding round for Packhelp, a company focused on custom and sustainable packaging solutions, further highlighting their engagement in the packaging sector. These transactions illustrate the EIB's role in financing projects that contribute to the development of sustainable packaging solutions.


11. Zeus Packaging


Zeus Packaging, part of the Zeus Group, is a corporate investor based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Founded in 1998, the company has grown to employ between 1001 and 5000 people and operates globally, catering to various industries including Retail, Food, and Pharmacy. In recent years, Zeus Packaging has actively pursued an acquisition strategy to enhance its market position in the packaging sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Cima Paper S.p.A in June 2023, which likely strengthens their capabilities in paper products, and Polpack in February 2023, a Polish distributor of packaging materials, which expands their European operations. These acquisitions reflect Zeus Packaging's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the packaging industry, including corrugated paper solutions.


12. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, enabling access to high-quality private market investments. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the packaging sector, including a minority stake in Nutripack Group, which specializes in food packaging. This investment highlights Ardian's engagement in the packaging industry, complementing their diverse portfolio that includes acquisitions such as Bruni Glass and Diam International, although these are not directly related to corrugated paper packaging.


13. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several transactions, including a notable investment in Better Packaging Co., which raised $5 million in a Series A funding round to expand its sustainable packaging solutions globally. This investment highlights Katapult's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to sustainability, particularly in the packaging sector. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Jiva Materials, which also aligns with sustainable practices, further showcasing their interest in environmentally friendly innovations.


14. Equistone Partners Europe


Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, specializing in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe. Founded in 1979, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to management teams, aiming for long-term growth and impressive returns for their investors. Among their notable transactions, Equistone acquired Ratioform Verpackungen GmbH in 2006, a company that specializes in packaging solutions, indicating their engagement in the packaging sector. They have also been involved in various other acquisitions, such as Allied Glass Containers and Worldmark, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio. While not exclusively focused on corrugated paper packaging, their activity in the packaging industry positions them as a relevant player in this space.


15. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Founded in 2021, Mutares SE & Co. KGaA focuses on strategic investments and turnaround management to enhance profitability and growth for its portfolio companies. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the corrugated paper packaging industry, acquiring La Rochette Cartonboard, which operates in the Folding Boxboard market and generates approximately EUR 120 million in revenue. Additionally, the acquisition of Sonoco Paper France, which operates a board mill and had sales of €32 million in 2015, further emphasizes Mutares' commitment to expanding its footprint in the corrugated paper sector. These transactions highlight Mutares' strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio in the corrugated paper packaging industry.



Corrugated Paper Packaging Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
Macfarlane PackagingCoventry, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019490
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Zeus PackagingDublin, Dublin, Ireland1001-500019981
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Equistone Partners EuropeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019791
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116


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