The Schumacher Packaging Group reported 'stable business results' for 2023 despite facing a challenging economic environment.

While the company's annual sales of approximately €940m ($1.02bn) represent a 21% decline compared to the previous year, the group claims this outperforms the industry average, which saw a decline of 9.1% in Germany and 10% in Benelux.

Navigating a difficult market

The global economic downturn and inflation presented significant challenges for Schumacher Packaging in 2023.

The company experienced a 47% decline in sales during a six-month period due to a combination of factors, including falling paper prices and essential modernisation work of the company's paper machine in Myszkow, Poland.

Despite these obstacles, the company's volume of corrugated and solid board products sold saw a moderate decrease of 6.5%.

Strength through innovation and sustainability

“Given the exceptional effects which weighed on activity, we are satisfied to have been able to close our financial year in a moderate manner in these difficult times," said Björn Schumacher, managing director of the Schumacher Packaging Group.

Schumacher Packaging said it remains committed to its core values of innovation and sustainability.

The company invests heavily in technologies such as high-performance digital printing and focuses on the automation and integration of production processes.

These efforts translate into improved efficiency, resource conservation, and a wider range of design possibilities for customers.

Meeting market demands with sustainable solutions

The company said it recognises the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

It offers paper-based solutions, replacing traditional materials such as polystyrene, even for large household appliances.

Additionally, it caters to the food and retail sectors with biobased protective barriers and offers e-commerce clients options such as continuous barcodes and QR codes printed directly on packaging, optimised solutions made of continuous corrugated board, and variable packaging volumes to minimise air and expedite production.

Looking forward

Despite the ongoing economic challenges, the Schumacher Packaging leadership team remains optimistic about the future.

“With our innovative strength, we make a real contribution to sustainable development and resource protection and bring about change. This is what we are focusing on again this year,” said Björn Schumacher.