The food packaging industry in Europe plays a crucial role in safeguarding edibles while catering to sustainability demands. Companies operate within this space provide a wide range of packaging solutions, from traditional materials to innovative eco-friendly alternatives. Trends indicate a significant shift towards biodegradable and recyclable packaging as consumers become more environmentally conscious. Additionally, technological advancements, such as smart packaging, are on the rise. This industry not only supports food safety but also significantly impacts shelf life and consumer satisfaction, underscoring its ongoing evolution driven by market needs and regulatory pressures.


The European food packaging investor landscape is characterized by a mix of private equity, venture capital, and corporate investors. Headquartered across major cities like Paris and London, these firms vary in size—from small-scale startups to large corporations—all committing to significant deals, with nearly 400 investments noted in 2024 alone. Established primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, investors like Amcor and Crédit Mutuel Equity showcase their focus on enhancing packaging solutions through innovative and sustainable practices. Their strategic investments reflect a forward-looking approach tailored to industry demands.


Top 16 Food Packaging Investors in Europe


1. 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. Crowdcube 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 food packaging context, such as Flexi-Hex, which raised over $1 million in equity crowdfunding in September 2023 and previously in January 2020. Additionally, they have supported Good Club, a company that focuses on sustainable food delivery, through multiple funding rounds. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative solutions in the food packaging industry.


2. 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 been involved in significant transactions within the food packaging sector, such as providing grant funding to Paptic, a Finnish packaging company focused on sustainable materials. Paptic received a grant to accelerate its growth and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030. Additionally, the EIC has supported other companies like RePack and IonKraft through grant funding, further emphasizing its role in promoting innovation in food packaging solutions. The EIC's commitment to fostering innovation across different sectors, including food packaging, positions it as a relevant investor in this industry.


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 range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the food packaging industry, such as Coqli, a start-up specializing in custom cardboard packaging that raised €650,000 in funding. They also participated in funding rounds for Lactips, which focuses on sustainable packaging solutions, and Hipli, which is involved in innovative packaging concepts. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting the food packaging sector.


4. 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, a corporate investor based in London, England, is a distribution and outsourcing company founded in 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate, with a strong emphasis on tailored solutions across various industries. Bunzl operates globally, leveraging an extensive distribution network to meet customer needs effectively. Notably, Bunzl has been active in the food packaging sector, having acquired several companies that enhance its capabilities in this area. Key transactions include the acquisition of Destiny Packaging, which generated $50 million in revenue, and Meier Verpackungen, a packaging distributor that reported €39 million in revenue. These acquisitions demonstrate Bunzl's commitment to expanding its footprint in the food packaging market, making it a significant player in this industry.


5. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT has made significant investments in the food packaging industry, including the acquisition of Færch Plast A/S, a market leader in rigid plastic packaging for ready meals and protein food trays, and the complete acquisition of Duni AB, a company focused on food packaging solutions. These strategic investments reflect EQT's active engagement in the food packaging sector, showcasing their capability to enhance and grow businesses within this industry.


6. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has invested in Tipa, an Israel-based company specializing in compostable flexible packaging solutions, which raised $25 million in a funding round led by Blue Horizon. This investment highlights their commitment to sustainable packaging. Additionally, Blue Horizon has invested in other food-related companies such as Cubiq Foods, which focuses on producing omega-3s, further emphasizing their focus on the food sector. Their portfolio reflects a strong alignment with sustainable practices, making them a significant player in the food packaging landscape.


7. Unigrains

  • Website: unigrains.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1963
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: unigrains

Unigrains is a Paris-based private equity firm founded in 1963, specializing in the agro-food and agro-industry sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Unigrains has supported more than 1,000 companies, providing financial and strategic support to help them adapt to market changes. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions such as Weishardt, which raised $136 million in a venture round, and Senalia, which secured $44 million. These companies are involved in food production and processing, indicating Unigrains' engagement in the food supply chain, which is closely related to food packaging. Their commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in agriculture and food production positions them as a significant player in the food industry.


8. 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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in the food packaging sector, including the acquisition of AR Packaging, which reported sales of approximately €560 million in 2015, highlighting their strategic focus on sustainable value and growth in this industry. Additionally, CVC's involvement in the funding of Reath, a startup creating a digital infrastructure for reusable packaging, showcases their commitment to innovation within the food packaging space. These transactions underline CVC's active role in the food packaging market, making them a significant player in this sector.


9. EIT Food

  • Website: eitfood.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: eit-food

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016, based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. It focuses on transforming the food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. In 2024, EIT Food was involved in several transactions relevant to the food packaging sector, including a Series A investment in Notpla, which raised over $26 million for its innovative biodegradable packaging solutions. Additionally, they supported Pack2Earth with a grant, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable packaging initiatives. Their initiatives engage various stakeholders, including businesses and the public, to foster collaboration and drive change in the food sector, particularly in areas that intersect with food packaging.


10. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in various transactions, including investments in companies like GAIA BioMaterials, which raised $5 million to expand its global network and focuses on sustainable materials, potentially applicable in food packaging. They also invested in Hoting Innovations, which raised SEK 38 million to establish a production facility, indicating a focus on innovative production processes that could relate to food packaging. Other investments include Saveggy and Kloverbergsgarden, which, while not directly linked to food packaging, demonstrate Almi's active role in supporting diverse sectors.


11. 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 strategies. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the food packaging industry, including Emballages RÉUNIS, which specializes in packaging solutions, and Verpack, which also operates in the packaging sector. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting growth and transformation in the food packaging market, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


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 based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on creating lasting value for its clients through tailored investment strategies. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the food packaging sector, including a minority stake in Nutripack Ecocup, which specializes in packaging for the food industry. This acquisition reflects Ardian's commitment to supporting companies that align with sustainable practices. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Florida Food Products, a major player in the food sector, further demonstrates their engagement with industries that are closely linked to food packaging. Their strategic investments aim to enhance the capabilities of their portfolio companies, ensuring they remain competitive in their respective markets.


13. Amcor

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

Amcor is a corporate investor based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1864. As a packaging manufacturer, Amcor specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions for various industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. The company is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. Amcor has been actively expanding its footprint in the food packaging sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Sonoco in 2016, Nampak Flexible in 2015 for $22 million, and Bella Prima Packaging in 2014 for $27 million, all of which enhance its capabilities in flexible packaging. Additionally, Amcor's agreement to acquire Detmold Flexibles for $50 million in 2013 further demonstrates its focus on strengthening its position in the food packaging market. Overall, Amcor serves businesses that require high-quality packaging to meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.


14. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB's mission is to promote growth and job creation through funding initiatives. Among its notable transactions in the food packaging sector, the EIB provided a EUR 435 million loan to Stora Enso to support its investment in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, highlighting its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the EIB participated in a €40M Series B funding round for Packhelp, a custom and sustainable packaging marketplace, which aims to develop new sustainable products and expand operations. These transactions illustrate the EIB's active role in financing projects that contribute to the food packaging industry.


15. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has been involved in several funding rounds for Gousto, a UK-based meal kit company, raising substantial amounts such as $32,305,001 in November 2020 and $41,311,865 in April 2020. These investments highlight BGF's engagement in the food sector, which may include aspects of food packaging as Gousto relies on packaging for its meal kits. This involvement in the food industry positions BGF as a potential investor in the food packaging space.


16. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the food packaging sector, including the acquisition of Weener Plastic Packaging Group, a German plastic packaging producer, for €250 million in 2015, aimed at accelerating growth through further acquisitions and expansion. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Geka, a packaging manufacturer for the cosmetic industry, which, while not strictly food packaging, indicates their broader interest in packaging solutions. These transactions highlight 3i's active role in the packaging industry, making them a relevant investor in the food packaging sector.



Food Packaging Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
UnigrainsParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019634
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453


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