The food packaging industry in Benelux is characterized by innovative solutions aimed at safety, sustainability, and convenience. Companies within this sector range from traditional packaging manufacturers to tech-driven startups crafting eco-friendly materials. The focus is shifting towards biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable options, informed by consumer demand for sustainable practices. With growing awareness of environmental impact, firms are actively developing packaging that minimizes waste and enhances food preservation. The integration of technology for smarter packaging designs is also on the rise, positioning the industry to meet future challenges while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.


This list highlights a mix of investors in the food packaging sector, comprising private equity firms, venture capitalists, and corporate entities. Headquartered across Benelux, these investors vary in size from boutique firms to large institutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to the region. Established from as early as 1948, they collectively engaged in numerous transactions in 2024, asserting their role in shaping the industry. Each investor brings unique insights and strategies, fueling innovation and sustainability in food packaging solutions.


Top 18 Food Packaging Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding companies in the food packaging industry, such as Paptic, which received grant funding to accelerate its growth in sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the EIC has supported other companies like RePack and IonKraft through grants, further demonstrating its engagement in the food packaging context. In total, the EIC has facilitated significant funding for innovative projects, including those focused on sustainable materials and packaging technologies.


2. 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 UK startup creating a digital infrastructure for reusable packaging, showcases their commitment to innovative solutions 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.


3. 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 notable transactions relevant to food packaging, including a Series A investment in Notpla, which raised over $26 million for its innovative biodegradable packaging solutions. They also provided a grant to Pack2Earth, which focuses on sustainable packaging alternatives. These transactions highlight EIT Food's commitment to fostering innovation in the food packaging sector, alongside their broader mission to enhance the entire food system.


4. 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 focus on sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the EIB participated in a €40 million 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.


5. Azelis

  • Website: azelis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Belgium, specializing in the distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. In recent years, Azelis has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the food sector. Notably, they acquired Hortimex, a Polish distributor focused on food ingredients and nutraceuticals, and Tunçkaya, a Turkish distributor of food ingredients and additives. These acquisitions aim to strengthen Azelis' position in the food market, particularly in the Food & Nutrition segments, showcasing their commitment to the food industry and its related sectors.


6. Astanor

  • Website: astanor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: astanor-venture

Astanor is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in the agrifood tech sector. They aim to support innovative companies that create sustainable food systems through strategic guidance and investment. Astanor has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the food packaging context. For instance, they participated in Notpla's funding rounds, including a £10 million Series A financing round in 2021 and a $26.85 million Series A in 2024. Notpla is a UK-based startup focused on sustainable packaging solutions, which aligns with Astanor's mission. Additionally, Astanor invested in Mi Terro, a company that processes agricultural waste into materials that can replace plastics, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. Their portfolio also includes investments in companies like Apeel Sciences, which works on extending the shelf life of produce, indirectly contributing to reducing packaging waste. Overall, Astanor's focus on sustainability and their active investments in food packaging startups make them a relevant player in this sector.


7. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating primarily in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich has been active in the food sector through its investments in startups like Phytolon and Chinova Bioworks. Phytolon, which raised $14.5 million in a Series A funding round led by DSM Ventures, is focused on commercializing proprietary colors for food and beverage applications. Similarly, Chinova Bioworks, which has received multiple rounds of funding from dsm-firmenich, has developed a natural preservative derived from mushrooms, aimed at improving food safety and shelf life. These transactions highlight dsm-firmenich's commitment to advancing food technology and sustainability, making them a relevant player in the food packaging industry.


8. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the food packaging sector, including the acquisition of All4Labels - Global Packaging Group, which specializes in packaging solutions, and Bormioli Pharma, a leading manufacturer of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. These transactions highlight Triton's commitment to the packaging industry and its potential for growth.


9. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987, headquartered in Luxembourg. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a global presence, Eurofins operates more than 900 laboratories across 62 countries. The company specializes in a wide range of analytical and testing services, particularly in the food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sectors. Eurofins has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities, including the acquisition of ERICo, a leading independent laboratory for environmental testing, which complements their food testing services. Additionally, their acquisition of LVP, a Belgian laboratory, and Experchem Laboratories further expands their testing portfolio. These transactions highlight Eurofins' commitment to providing comprehensive testing solutions, including those relevant to food safety and packaging compliance, making them a significant player in the food packaging context.


10. 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 founded in 2021 and based in Amsterdam, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. The firm provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth for its portfolio companies. Notably, Mutares has made significant acquisitions relevant to the food packaging industry, such as Frigoscandia Distribution, a leading Nordic provider of logistics solutions for fresh, chilled, and frozen foods, projected to generate nearly EUR 300 million in revenue. This acquisition highlights Mutares' strategic interest in the food supply chain, which is integral to food packaging. Additionally, their acquisition of La Rochette Cartonboard, which operates in the folding boxboard market, further emphasizes their engagement in sectors that intersect with food packaging. Overall, Mutares Benelux demonstrates a commitment to investing in companies that can enhance their portfolio's value, including those in the food packaging domain.


11. PeakBridge


PeakBridge VC is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in FoodTech investments. The firm supports early-stage founders and businesses in the food industry by providing investment, consulting services, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Their focus is on innovative solutions that address significant challenges in the global food system, making them a key player in the FoodTech sector. Notable transactions include investments in companies like Kern Tec, which is developing products derived from stone fruit seeds, and CarobWay, which raised $8 million in a Series A round in 2024. These investments highlight PeakBridge's commitment to supporting innovative food solutions that may also encompass food packaging aspects, particularly in sustainability and product development.


12. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM is dedicated to supporting startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region through various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. Among their notable transactions, BOM invested in PeelPioneers, a company that repurposes citrus peels into valuable raw materials, highlighting their focus on sustainability in the food industry. Additionally, they have been involved with Rodenburg Biopolymers, which suggests an interest in innovative materials that could be relevant to food packaging. BOM collaborates with businesses to provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities, facilitating their success in competitive markets, particularly in sectors that include sustainable food practices.


13. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They specialize in supporting early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Rockstart provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. In the context of food packaging, Rockstart has been involved in several relevant transactions, particularly with foodtech startups. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Reduced, a Copenhagen-based startup focused on creating plant-based flavor enhancers. This involvement highlights Rockstart's interest in innovative food solutions, which may encompass advancements in food packaging as well. Their business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and innovative food packaging solutions.


14. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has acquired a majority stake in The Spice Factory, a company involved in the food sector, which is expected to support its growth and international expansion. This transaction highlights Gimv's engagement in the food packaging industry. Additionally, they have made other acquisitions, such as ALT Technologies and La Comtoise, which, while not directly related to food packaging, demonstrate their active investment strategy across diverse sectors.


15. SHIFT Invest

  • Website: shiftinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: shift-invest

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm focuses on impact investing, targeting innovative enterprises with significant potential for environmental impact. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. Notably, SHIFT Invest has participated in funding rounds for companies like Pieter Pot, which specializes in delivering groceries in reusable plastic containers, and ChainCraft, which is involved in sustainable production processes. These investments highlight their commitment to sustainability and innovation in food packaging and related sectors.


16. NPM Capital

  • Website: npm-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1948
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large companies, particularly family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, by providing capital and strategic advisory services to foster growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology and education, but has also made notable investments in the food packaging industry. Key transactions include the acquisition of Weener Plastic Packaging Group in 2006, a significant player in the plastic packaging sector, and HAK in 2005, which is known for its food products. Additionally, NPM Capital has invested in companies like Continental Bakeries and NewForrest, further demonstrating their engagement in the food-related sectors. This diverse portfolio reflects their commitment to long-term partnerships and strategic growth within the food packaging context.


17. Mondi Heerlen B.V.

  • Website: mondigroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1967
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: mondi-heerlen-b.v.

Mondi Heerlen B.V. is a corporate investor based in Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands, founded in 1967. The company is part of the Mondi Group, a leading packaging and paper manufacturer that focuses on providing innovative and sustainable solutions to businesses across various industries, including eCommerce and retail. Mondi produces a wide range of products, such as containerboard and flexible packaging, aimed at helping customers meet their sustainability goals. Notably, Mondi has made significant acquisitions in the food packaging sector, including the acquisition of Kalenobel, a Turkish consumer packaging company specializing in flexible packaging and aseptic cartons, and the acquisition of Excelsior Technologies, which has seen substantial growth in the packaging market. These strategic moves enhance Mondi's position in the food packaging industry and demonstrate their commitment to this sector.


18. Verlinvest

  • Website: verlinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notable transactions include a 24.5% stake acquisition in Mutti S.p.A., a leading Italian tomato processing company, which highlights their commitment to the food sector. They have also invested in Tony's Chocolonely, a brand focused on ethical chocolate production, and Sambazon, known for its premium acai products. These investments reflect Verlinvest's strategy of supporting companies that prioritize consumer needs and sustainable practices, making them a relevant player in the food packaging industry.



Food Packaging Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
AstanorLuxembourg11-50201710
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
PeakBridgeLuxembourg11-5020188
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
Mondi Heerlen B.V.Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands51-20019673
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955


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