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Sustainability Prinzhorn Group Packaging Containerboard Recycling

Circular Economy as a Business Model

On Wirtschaftsforum.de, an article titled “Papier im Kreislauf – nachhaltig denken, effizient handeln” highlights how Prinzhorn Group, one of Europe’s leading companies in paper, packaging, and recycling, is shaping the future through circular economy principles, efficiency, and sustainable innovation. Below you’ll find a summary of the key insights from the interview with CEO Gerald Prinzhorn.

 

Prinzhorn Group, headquartered in Vienna, operates exclusively in Europe and follows a fully closed-loop model: collecting waste paper, producing new paper, and manufacturing recyclable packaging. With around 10,000 employees and €2.4 billion in annual revenue, the company remains focused on stability and efficiency amid competitive markets. CEO Gerald Prinzhorn, representing the sixth generation of the family business, emphasizes cost control, energy affordability, and reduced bureaucracy as key challenges for European industry.

Sustainability is at the core of the company’s strategy. Prinzhorn Group uses 100% recycled paper, aims for CO₂ neutrality, and promotes transparency through its Sustainability Report. Its three divisions—Hamburger Recycling, Hamburger Containerboard, and Dunapack Packaging—cover the entire value chain. Digitalization plays an important role, but the company prioritizes empowering employees rather than imposing top-down changes. Guided by values of People, Performance, Responsibility, Prinzhorn Group fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and learning from mistakes to drive innovation.

Gerald Prinzhorn sees people as the foundation of success: “In family businesses, every individual counts.” His personal motivation lies in inspiring others and creating a sense of ownership across the organization, ensuring that after more than 170 years, the company continues to thrive through collaboration and sustainable thinking.

 

For more details and insights, we invite you to read the full article here: Papier im Kreislauf – nachhaltig denken, effizient handeln | wirtschaftsforum.de

Please note that the original article is written in German.