Explore the German Packaging Sector in Nürnberg" on page

From September 23^rd to September 26^th 2024 the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce invited members on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action to meet experts and companies form the German Packaging sector.

This opportunity was exclusively arranged for UN procurement officers and technical staff. The participation was free of charge for UN procurement officers and was fully organized by the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce.

The presentations, talks and B2B-Meetings for UN buyers and technical staff were intended to inform the decision-makers of the UN about key industries in Germany as well as introduce the UN procurement system to German companies. The aim was also to motivate German companies to register on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM). 

The packaging industry

The packaging industry plays a significant role for Germany as a business location. In addition to trade, production, and engineering, the German packaging sector distinguishes itself by focusing on sustainability, the development of innovative, individualized packaging, as well as digitalization that enables the traceability of packaging. The total output of the packaging industry in Germany amounts to over 50 billion euros. This corresponds to around 2% of the gross domestic product.

With a growing emphasis on digitalization, the industry is positioning itself strongly for the future. The sector aims for climate neutrality by 2030, with Design for Recycling, material and energy reduction, use of recyclate, renewable raw materials, compostability of materials, plastic replacement or use of alternative materials recognized as a means of climate protection.

Through its products, the packaging industry is an important link between the end consumer and producers or retailers. It is also of central importance for the movement of goods and the supply of the population. 86% of packaging manufacturers have their own research and development department. The packaging industry comprises a broadly diversified economic sector that includes various industry segments. The sector is characterized by a very heterogeneous structure with many different players.

Over 90% of the companies are traditional SMEs, including many hidden champions. Due to its strong customer orientation, high flexibility, highly technical production processes and dynamism in the development of innovative solutions are among the most important characteristics of the industry.