The plastic packaging industry in the DACH region is crucial for multiple sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Companies here design and produce robust yet lightweight packaging, innovating with sustainability in mind by incorporating recyclables and establishing circular economies. The industry's shift toward eco-friendly solutions is driven by heightened consumer awareness and stringent regulations. Insights reveal an increasing investment in advanced recycling technologies and biodegradable materials, showcasing the industry’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and reshaping its future, making it a dynamic space brimming with potential for environmentally-conscious growth.

This compilation features 16 significant investors in the plastic packaging sector across the DACH region, spanning corporate giants and agile private equity firms. The investors hail primarily from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany and range from startups founded in the last decade to established entities with over a century of history. Coupled investments made in 2024 vary wildly, indicating differing strategic focuses. While some investors like Partners Group engage heavily with numerous deals, others remain opportunistic, adjusting to market needs while emphasizing sustainability and technological advancements.

Top 16 Plastic Packaging Investors in DACH

1. 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 prominent packaging manufacturer, Amcor specializes in 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 involved in the plastic packaging sector, with significant transactions such as the acquisition of Nampak Flexible in 2015 for $22 million, which bolstered their flexible packaging capabilities. In 2016, Amcor acquired Sonoco, further expanding their market presence. More recently, in 2023, Amcor signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moda Systems, a New Zealand-based manufacturer of automated protein packaging machines, enhancing their end-to-end packaging solutions for the meat, poultry, and dairy industries. These transactions highlight Amcor's strategic focus on strengthening its position in the plastic packaging market.

2. ALPLA Group

• Website: alpla.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hard, Vorarlberg, Austria
• Founded year: 1955
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: alpla

ALPLA Group is a leading packaging manufacturer based in Hard, Vorarlberg, Austria, specializing in innovative plastic packaging solutions. Founded in 1955, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates globally, focusing on sustainability and customer satisfaction. ALPLA serves various industries, including food, beverage, beauty care, and pharmaceuticals, by providing high-quality bottles, caps, and recycling services. The company has made significant strides in the plastic packaging sector through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Wolf Plastics to enhance its product portfolio in Central and South-Eastern Europe, and the acquisition of Star East Pet, a Romanian PET preform manufacturer, to strengthen its production capacities in Eastern Europe. Additionally, ALPLA's acquisition of Texplast, one of Germany's largest PET recyclers, underscores its commitment to sustainability and recycling within the plastic packaging industry. These transactions highlight ALPLA's active role and investment in the plastic packaging market.

3. Coveris Group

• Website: coveris.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: coverisgroup

Coveris Group is a corporate investor based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2013. The company specializes in flexible and sustainable packaging solutions, serving various industries including food, medical, and agricultural sectors. Coveris is focused on minimizing waste through innovative packaging technologies and operates multiple facilities across Europe. Notable transactions include the acquisition of PACCOR International, which enhances their packaging capabilities, and Initial Packaging Ltd, a UK-based company specializing in specialty bags, aimed at expanding their high-end packaging solutions. Additionally, Coveris acquired Elldex Packaging Solutions to expand its operations into Australasia, further solidifying its presence in the plastic packaging market.

4. Borealis

• Website: borealisgroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: borealis

Borealis AG, founded in 1994 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a prominent corporate investor in the plastics industry, particularly known for its specialization in polyolefins and base chemicals. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including energy, healthcare, and consumer products, and is dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solutions. Borealis has made significant strides in the plastic packaging sector through strategic acquisitions, such as the full acquisition of mtm plastics GmbH and mtm compact GmbH, which enhances their recycling capabilities. In 2018, they acquired Ecoplast Kunststoffrecycling GmbH, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable practices in plastic recycling. Most recently, in 2023, Borealis signed an agreement to acquire Rialti S.p.A., a leading producer of recycled polypropylene compounds, which is crucial for the production of sustainable plastic packaging. These transactions highlight Borealis's active role in advancing a circular economy and reducing environmental impact in the plastic packaging industry.

5. Partners Group

• Website: partnersgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. for $525 million, a company that provides packaging solutions in the healthcare sector, highlighting their engagement in the packaging industry. They also invested in Alltub Group, which raised over $81 million in a private equity round, further emphasizing their involvement in the packaging space. These transactions illustrate Partners Group's capacity to invest in companies that operate within the plastic packaging sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.

6. Basf

• Website: basf.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Founded year: 1865
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is a leading multinational chemical manufacturer. The company provides a diverse range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction. BASF is committed to innovation and sustainability, helping its customers address environmental challenges and enhance operational efficiency. Notably, BASF has been involved in several significant transactions that may impact the plastic packaging sector. For instance, their acquisition of Ciba Holding in 2009 and Pushpa Polymers in 2000 indicates a strategic expansion into materials that could be utilized in plastic applications. Furthermore, their grants to companies like Genecis and Pyrowave suggest an interest in supporting innovative technologies that may enhance recycling and sustainability in plastic packaging. Overall, BASF's activities and focus areas position them as a relevant player in the plastic packaging industry.

7. 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, focused on sustainable food systems and the bioeconomy. The firm supports mission-aligned founders by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notably, Blue Horizon has made significant investments in companies like Tipa, which raised $25 million in a Series C funding round led by Blue Horizon Ventures. Tipa is an Israel-based producer of compostable flexible packaging solutions, highlighting Blue Horizon's interest in sustainable packaging. Additionally, they have invested in Polybion and Cubiq Foods, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable practices within the food and packaging sectors.

8. BASF Venture Capital

• Website: basf.de
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various industries, including automotive, construction, and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental solutions. Noteworthy transactions include their participation in DePoly's seed funding rounds, which aim to scale a chemical recycling process that converts plastics back into raw materials without compromising quality. This investment highlights BASF's commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the plastic industry. Additionally, their involvement in Lactips, which focuses on biodegradable solutions, further underscores their interest in sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Overall, BASF Venture Capital is dedicated to fostering innovation that enhances product performance while addressing pressing environmental challenges.

9. Hannover Finanz

• Website: hannoverfinanz.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Paper+Design in 2010, which operates in the packaging sector, and the acquisition of Koller-Gruppe in 2015, a company that may also have ties to packaging solutions. Their investment in OQEMA, a chemical distribution company, could also relate to the supply chain of materials used in plastic packaging. Overall, Hannover Finanz's approach to investing in companies that may intersect with the packaging industry suggests a potential interest in this sector, particularly as sustainability becomes a key focus in packaging solutions.

10. Krones

• Website: krones.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1951
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: krones-ag

Krones AG is a corporate investor based in Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in technology solutions for the beverage and food industries. Founded in 1951, Krones has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has made significant strides in enhancing production efficiency and sustainability for its clients. The company has been actively acquiring firms that bolster its technology portfolio, particularly in the realm of packaging. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Netstal Maschinen AG, an injection molding technology company, which is crucial for the production of plastic packaging. Additionally, Krones acquired Integrated Plastics Systems, further solidifying its commitment to the plastic packaging sector. These strategic acquisitions indicate Krones' active role in the plastic packaging industry, despite their broader focus on beverage and food technology solutions.

11. Speedinvest

• Website: speedinvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been involved in significant transactions within the plastic packaging industry, particularly with Packhelp, a Warsaw-based startup that offers custom and sustainable packaging solutions. Speedinvest participated in Packhelp's Seed Round in 2018, Series A in 2019, and Series B in 2021, contributing to the company's growth and development of sustainable packaging products. This involvement highlights Speedinvest's interest in the plastic packaging sector, especially in the context of sustainability and innovation.

12. capiton

• Website: capiton.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: capiton

Capiton AG is a private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic expertise to medium-sized companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on growth financing, management buy-outs, and restructuring services. While their primary sectors of interest include High-Tech Industrials and Healthcare & Lifescience, they have made notable investments in the plastic sector. For instance, they acquired GPE Plast Engineering in May 2019, a company involved in the plastic industry, which aligns with the plastic packaging market. Additionally, their acquisition of Kautex Maschinenbau in 2013, a manufacturer of machinery for producing plastic products, further emphasizes their engagement in the plastic packaging context. These transactions highlight Capiton's capability and interest in the plastic packaging industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.

13. Nestlé

• Website: nestle.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1866
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company founded in 1866, headquartered in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products including coffee, dairy, and pet care items. The company is committed to sustainability and has been actively involved in various transactions that reflect its interest in innovative packaging solutions. Notably, Nestlé participated in a Series A funding round for TerraCycle, a company focused on recycling and waste management, which raised $25 million to support its global reuse platform, Loop. This investment highlights Nestlé's commitment to addressing plastic waste and enhancing sustainability in packaging. Additionally, Nestlé's acquisition of companies like L.L.C. Technocom and Yinlu, while not directly related to plastic packaging, demonstrates its strategic growth in the food sector, which often involves considerations of packaging materials and sustainability practices.

14. Sulzer

• Website: sulzer.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1834
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: sulzer

Sulzer Ltd. is an industrial engineering and manufacturing company based in Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1834. The company specializes in fluid engineering solutions, providing a wide range of products and services, including pumps, compressors, and aeration systems, primarily serving sectors such as water treatment, oil and gas, and power generation. In recent years, Sulzer has diversified its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2023, Sulzer acquired a stake in Fuenix Ecogy, a company focused on plastic waste reduction, highlighting its commitment to sustainability in the plastic sector. Additionally, Sulzer's acquisition of CELLiCON in 2022 aimed to enhance its capabilities in renewable biopolymers, further indicating its interest in innovative solutions related to plastics. These transactions reflect Sulzer's strategic direction towards addressing challenges in the plastic industry, particularly in sustainability and waste management.

15. Collateral Good

• Website: collateralgood.eu
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: collateralgoodventures

Collateral Good is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2021, dedicated to sustainable investments. The firm supports early-stage companies across various sectors, including packaging, food tech, and fashion, by providing capital and consulting services aimed at developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Notably, Collateral Good has participated in significant transactions relevant to the plastic packaging industry, such as their investment in Polytag, a company focused on recycling technology that enhances material recovery through Invisible UV Tag readers. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of PulPac, which is working to replace 1 million tons of single-use plastics by 2025. These investments reflect Collateral Good's commitment to promoting sustainability and addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste.

16. Bobst

• Website: bobst.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1890
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: bobst

Bobst is a corporate investor based in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1890. The company specializes in manufacturing machinery for the packaging industry, providing a wide range of products and services that include substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment. Bobst's customers primarily come from sectors such as food, beverages, and personal care, relying on their innovative solutions to enhance packaging production processes. Notably, Bobst has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the packaging sector, including the acquisition of Cerutti Packaging Equipment, which enhances their capabilities in flexo printing, and a 51% stake in CITO-SYSTEM, a supplier of creasing systems for the packaging industry. These transactions highlight Bobst's commitment to advancing technology and services in the packaging domain, particularly in areas relevant to plastic packaging.

Plastic Packaging Insights: Key Investors in DACH

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