Source: Pakkracht

Sustainability

Currently, there are several trends visible within the industry, but sustainability is leading the way. “Plastic is often seen as the big culprit, but sometimes it is more sustainable than other materials. We also see that people are now often looking at how plastic packaging can be made with less material. This way they weigh less and are less harmful to the environment. “Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of our business strategy,” says Toussaint.

”Material prices and production costs have also raised in recent months. During the pandemic, prices were lower because there was less demand. Post-covid, prices are starting to rise. Add to that the war in Ukraine, increases in transportation costs and the recession, and you have the perfect recipe for extremely high prices. We’re not just seeing this in our sector, it’s a general trend. That’s why we are increasingly looking at more local solutions, so that we are less dependent on high transport costs.”

Hans Toussaint

Purchase Director of Berlin Packaging Benelux

Solutions

Market trends are also causing customers to adjust their perspective. “Not only materials are being looked at, but also solutions. For example, customers are more often opting for a refill solution. On top of that comes the premiumization and personalization part. Nowadays, everyone wants something new and unique. To meet that need, we have added Studio 111 to our services. This design studio came straight from America and thinks visually and innovatively. As a result, we have different conversations with our client. We are not just a supplier, but we think along with them about the best packaging solutions. Our business is no longer just about cost price and materials, we want to be the ideal sparring partner,” says Baudet.

Berlin Packaging has its roots in America. In 2016, the company acquired Italy’s Bruni Glass, setting foot in Europe for the first time. Further expansion was therefore a no brainer: in 2019, the company acquired the Dutch company Novio Packaging and also has branches in Spain, Portugal, Germany and Switzerland. And more acquisitions are in the pipeline. “We want to continue the expansion in Europe, but we are also moving into the Asian Pacific. Our ambition is to be the largest in three continents,” explains Hans Toussaint, Purchasing Director at Berlin Packaging. At each location, the ‘think global, act local’ mindset is strongly adhered to. “We are all local companies with European clout. Each location has its own business operations, size and culture. However, we all do it under the same banner.”

Growth

The main change realized by the acquisitions is an expanded network. “For example, the branch in Italy, which is also our European headquarters, focused exclusively on glass containers for perfume, food and beverages. Since the acquisition by Berlin Packaging, they can now also offer aluminum and plastic solutions. Each location has its own specialty, but by joining forces we can more easily serve all markets, from personal care, to wine and vitamin pills. Within Novio Packaging, growth has always been an objective. That will be continued, but under a new name”, explains Michel Baudet, Marketing Manager at Berlin Packaging.