It is light, stable, versatile and environmentally friendly: corrugated cardboard also remains the most important transport packaging in Austria in 2024. “Packing made of corrugated cardboard are indispensable for all supply chains,” emphasizes Stephan Kaar, spokesman for the Forum Well cardboard Austria.
Review 2024: challenges and stability
The corrugated cardboard industry had to struggle with high cost pressure and weak consumer mood. Sales fell by 6.8 percent to 506 million euros. “”Nowhere have the wage costs rose as in Austria. In our industry alone, we have had to pay increases by 21 percent in the past three years- a competitive and location disadvantage compared to our neighboring countries
“, Kaar explains. Nevertheless, the quantity heel with 720 million square meters remained almost stable (minus 0.7 percent). The most important buyers were the food and beverage industry with 45 percent, followed by machines, furniture, electronics and automotives with 23 percent.
Fight against the recession – hope for 2026
Turbulent global economic developments and volatile raw material prices as well as high energy costs remain the challenges. “For example, raw paper prices rose dramatically again in March 2025 and are still an enormous challenge for the industry,” says Kaar. From the second half of the year, the industrial economy could start again. “In 2025 we should therefore succeed in staying stable. It is only for 2026 that we expect easy growth. A positive mood is now extremely important.”
PPWR: corrugated cardboard is fully recyclable
The EU packaging regulations (PPWR) came into force on February 10, 2025 and will be used in August 2026. Among other things, she stipulates that all packaging must be 70 percent recyclable by 2030. “”Well cardboard is already fully recyclable and is actually recycled over 90 percent, thanks to the waste paper collecting system, which is very well functioning across Austria
“, Says industry spokesman Kaar. The paper fibers of the corrugated cardboard can even be reused up to 25 times. The empty space rate prescribed in the PPWR will also further promote the packaging optimization.”Well cardboard is the king of the dimensional suits – with clever solutions we avoid unnecessary transport of air
“, So Kaar.
Sustainable packaging in the trade
Product protection plays a crucial role in food packaging to effectively avoid food waste. “”Packaging should not only offer optimal protection, but also be easily recyclable and – if possible – come from renewable raw materials
“, Says Andreas Streit, Sustainability Head of REWE Group. The combination of sustainability and product protection ensure the quality of the food and can protect our environment at the same time.
Specialists and innovations
With around 1,600 employees, the industry remains a stable employer. Particularly gratifying: The number of apprentices has increased – especially in the area of packaging technology. “”Today’s apprentices are our specialists of tomorrow and crucial for innovations
“, Says Franz Grafendorfer. With the corrugated cardboard Austria Award, the industry is characterized by outstanding packaging solutions every year.” Our national award winners were again successful this year at the International Worldstar Packaging Awards! “
The Forum corrugated cardboard Austria the Austrian corrugated cardboard industry represents and is a mouthpiece for trade, authorities, politics and public. The member companies are Donauwell Well cardboard Packaging Society MBH, Margarethner Packpacking Society MBH, Mondi Grünburg GmbH, Mosburger GmbH (locations: Vienna and Straßwalchen), Rondo Ganahl Aktiengesellschaft (locations: Frastanz and St. Ruprecht), Steirerpack GmbH and Wellpappenfabrik Tewa GmbH. www.wellpappe.at
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