Political Exchange on Equal Footing
Visit from Bündnis 90/Die Grünen to our Innovation Workshop in Weidhausen
On July 29, 2025, we welcomed a delegation from Bündnis 90/Die Grünen to our Innovation Workshop in Weidhausen. Guests included MdL Ursula Sowa, MdL Barbara Fuchs, MdB Dr. Johannes Wagner, and Martina Bönig. The visit focused on an open dialogue about the role of plastic films at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and the circular economy.
Our management team – consisting of André Baumann, Thomas Grebner, Susanne Baumann, and Max Baumann – explained in detail how modern film packaging is not only highly efficient but also resource-efficient and reusable within a circular system. The core idea: plastic is not a problem material but a valuable resource when used correctly – and we demonstrate this every day.
Sustainability Requires Economic Viability
A central theme of the discussion was the insight that sustainability is only effective if it is economically viable. Products containing recycled materials must not become luxury goods. Sustainable solutions can only have broad impact if they also make economic sense – and this is precisely where Verpa focuses.
Thomas Grebner emphasized: “Sustainability must not remain an exclusive product. It must be economically viable and scalable to the market – otherwise, it remains a niche.”
Functional Loops: Industry and Recycling Hand in Hand
André Baumann presented concrete projects such as take-back and leasing models for industrial packaging, which Verpa already implements with leading automotive manufacturers. Film packaging is reused multiple times and, at the end of its lifecycle, is directly recycled at Verpa and reintegrated into new films – without detours and without waste.
Internally, Verpa also consistently relies on closed production loops: production losses and leftover materials are immediately recycled. The result is a well-designed, resource-efficient production system with high efficiency.
Reusable Solutions from Weidhausen
Another focus was a forward-looking reusable project implemented together with customers in the fashion industry and SaVer GmbH – the newest member of our Verpalin packaging family. The goal is a sustainable shipping solution for fashion: online shop outfits are shipped in a carton-like packaging made from PE hollow chamber sheets. We manufacture these ourselves at our newly built plant in Weidhausen, with the clear advantages over cardboard of being water-resistant, stable, and reusable multiple times. Items that are not kept are returned in the same box – completely without packaging waste.
The shipping boxes made from recyclable hollow chamber sheets are designed for up to 20 uses. At the end of their lifecycle, they are fully recycled and processed into new sheets – a perfect example of a functioning circular economy and sustainable, meaningful plastic packaging.
Max Baumann, representative of the third generation of Verpa and responsible for this project, illustrated with concrete examples how modern plastic solutions within the Verpalin family are realized in a thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable way.
Facts Instead of Prejudices: Viewing Packaging Holistically
A key concern was the call for factual debate: there is an urgent need for more evidence-based information in public discussions. Many consumers opt for paper or cardboard even though these materials often do not meet specific requirements, e.g., product protection. At the same time, companies are under marketing pressure to switch to allegedly sustainable solutions, even if they are not ecologically superior. We do not want to polarize or demonize the paper or glass industries. However, it is crucial to think holistically when choosing packaging solutions – considering application, energy and water consumption, recyclability, and availability. This is exactly what we aim to achieve through dialogue – open, solution-oriented, and fact-based.
High-Tech Meets Responsibility
During the concluding tour, the guests were able to see our production firsthand – from extrusion to finishing, recycling, and R&D in our own lab. Many were particularly impressed by the expertise and high-tech behind what seems to be a simple product like a film. Our corporate culture also stood out: despite over 620 employees at three production sites, we maintain a family-like, personal environment – from management to production. This makes a crucial difference for many of our customers and partners.
Our Conclusion: Dialogue Instead of Prejudice
The visit provided a valuable impulse for dialogue between business and politics. We thank all participants for their open interest and constructive exchange. Only together can solutions be developed that are both sustainable and economically viable – for the environment, industry, and society.
