1st Verpalin Innovation Day 2025

Inspiring Expert Talks and Innovative Solutions

In an inspiring atmosphere, the day offered a diverse and engaging program. Our experts Christian Funk (Sales), Ali Barbare (Sales), and Olaf Hegen (Development) presented forward-thinking solutions and innovations in the field of sustainable film packaging during a series of compelling presentations.

Hands-On Experience: A Look Inside Our Production

A special highlight was the in-depth tour of our production facilities – from extrusion to converting, recycling, development, and our in-house laboratory. At the mini-extruder station, participants were able to experience firsthand how film is produced – on a small scale, but with great educational value.

Particularly valuable was the opportunity to discuss specific challenges directly on site with our technicians, developers, and sales experts. This personal exchange led to practical discussions about real-life application issues – such as changes in film properties under high ambient temperatures, like those encountered during summer deliveries of construction materials. In this way, our customers benefit not only from technical expertise but also from tailored solutions that flow directly into their processes and products.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in the Spotlight

A central topic of the Innovation Day was the future of regulatory developments in film packaging. Dr. Peter Sandkuehler, Sustainability Director for the Packaging & Specialty Plastics business unit at DOW – a global leader in materials for plastics processing and a strategic partner in raw material supply for our packaging solutions – provided a detailed overview of current and upcoming requirements, particularly with regard to the mandatory use of recyclates in plastic films.

He emphasized that implementing these regulations is becoming increasingly difficult due to the scarcity of high-quality recyclates. In a market where the quality and availability of recycled materials are not always reliably ensured, manufacturers face significant challenges.

Dr. Sandkuehler’s core message: sustainable and market-ready solutions can only be developed if all players along the value chain – from raw material suppliers and processors to brand owners – work closely together. Only through this collaboration can viable approaches be developed that meet regulatory requirements while also being ecologically and economically sound. His presentation made it clear how important strategic partnerships and mutual understanding will become in the plastics industry moving forward.

Holistic Solutions over Isolated Measures: Rethinking Sustainability

In a discussion, Managing Director Thomas Grebner emphasized that our focus is not on adjusting a single variable – such as reducing the CO₂ footprint – but rather on assuming real responsibility together with our customers. Our goal is to develop solutions that take a truly holistic approach: environmentally meaningful, economically viable, and sustainable in the long term.

In practice, this means looking beyond individual metrics and consistently considering broader environmental aspects such as water usage, energy consumption, or impacts on downstream processes. As a development partner for film packaging, we see sustainability not as an abstract concept but as a tangible mandate for action – tailored to the specific application, industry, and challenge of each customer.

This close, collaborative partnership is precisely what creates real added value for our customers – because sustainable packaging solutions arise where individual requirements meet holistic thinking.

Political Outlook: What the EU Regulation Means for the Industry

Dr. Martin Engelmann, Managing Director of the German Association for Plastics Packaging (IK), framed the political context of the Innovation Day with his keynote on the planned EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). In his presentation, he powerfully illustrated the immense challenge this regulation poses for the entire European packaging industry.

While many details of the PPWR are still not fully defined, one thing is already clear: the timeline for full implementation by 2030 is tight – and the industry must start acting now. Particularly demanding are the numerous requirements – such as design-for-recycling, mandatory use of recyclates, or the establishment of true circular systems – which must be addressed today, despite the lack of clear implementation guidelines. At the same time, it is expected that exemptions will be granted for certain applications or materials, adding yet more complexity.

Dr. Engelmann emphasized that only a joint effort – involving manufacturers, customers, raw material suppliers, and industry associations – will make it possible to implement the EU-wide targets realistically and economically. This is especially crucial as some EU member states currently lack even the basic infrastructure for recycling and are unlikely to meet the targets within the set timeframe.

This makes it all the more important for countries like Germany – with already well-functioning systems – to take on a pioneering role. Dr. Engelmann highlighted that many processes in Germany are already working successfully: with high recycling rates, established collection and recovery systems, and growing awareness throughout the entire value chain. Companies like Verpa play a vital part in this: through innovative technologies, closed-loop material systems, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

What often goes unnoticed in public perception, however, is the fact that the plastics industry has already achieved considerable progress – and that functioning systems receive little public recognition. Dr. Engelmann also criticized the PPWR’s disproportionate focus on plastics, while other materials – such as paper – are not held to the same standards. Likewise, existing reusable systems are barely acknowledged in the current draft of the regulation.

For us, this is a clear motivation. As a leader in film packaging innovation, we see it as our responsibility to address exactly these challenges and to develop practical, future-ready solutions together with our partners. With the launch of new production lines and the use of cutting-edge recycling technologies, we are already laying the foundation today for the film packaging of tomorrow.

After his presentation, Dr. Engelmann remained available for one-on-one conversations – an opportunity many participants used to clarify specific questions regarding PPWR implementation and its implications for their businesses. This direct exchange with one of the most influential voices in the industry proved to be an outstanding benefit and underscored the significance of the Innovation Day as a platform for informed dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Networking with Wine and Culinary Delights

The day concluded in a relaxed atmosphere with culinary highlights and a wine tasting – the perfect setting for informal conversations and new connections.

Our Conclusion: The Best Innovations Are Born in Times of Change – Together

Our first Innovation Day 2025 was a resounding success – marked by inspiring insights, practical experiences, and meaningful dialogue with our customers. One thing became especially clear: in times of change, the best innovations are created together.

Only through genuine collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to sustainable solutions can we actively shape the future of packaging. The Innovation Day demonstrated just how valuable personal dialogue is – as a foundation for ideas that are not only technically advanced, but also ecologically and economically viable.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue – because only together can we create the packaging solutions of tomorrow.