Mondi expands sustainable packaging capabilities with Schumacher acquisition
Global packaging leader increases production capacity by over 1 billion square metres through strategic Western Europe expansion, enhancing its solid board solutions for food and consumer goods sectors. The move strengthens Mondi’s integrated packaging offering for customers seeking to reduce waste and improve sustainability credentials across their supply chains.
Mondi has completed the acquisition of Schumacher Packaging’s Western Europe operations, significantly expanding its production capacity and product portfolio in the sustainable packaging sector. The strategic move, finalised on 1 April 2025, enhances Mondi’s ability to meet growing demand for high-performance, environmentally responsible packaging solutions across the food science and consumer goods industries.
Enhanced product range
The acquisition particularly strengthens Mondi’s position in the corrugated packaging segment, adding solid board solutions that offer food manufacturers and retailers more sustainable options for product protection and distribution. This expanded portfolio delivers greater choice for companies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and eCommerce sectors seeking to improve their environmental impact without compromising on performance.
“This acquisition significantly strengthens our corrugated packaging business, extending our footprint in Western Europe and offering strong vertical integration opportunities,” said Andrew King, Mondi Group Chief Executive Officer. “Together
we will expand our eCommerce and FMCG offering, particularly in Western Europe, presenting exciting opportunities to introduce the Group’s unique range of products to a wider array of customers as they increasingly transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions.”
Technical capabilities and production efficiency
Among the acquired assets are two advanced manufacturing facilities in Germany (Ebersdorf and Greven) described as “state-of-the-art mega box plants” that deliver “best-in-class asset performance and quality” according to the company announcement. These facilities will enable Mondi to enhance its production efficiency while maintaining consistent quality standards.
For food manufacturers facing increasing pressure to reduce plastic usage and improve packaging sustainability metrics, the integration provides access to a broader range of scientifically-validated packaging options that can help optimise logistics while meeting regulatory requirements.
Supply chain integration
A key benefit for food science professionals working in product development and packaging engineering roles will be the improved vertical integration of Mondi’s operations following the acquisition. “This acquisition is all about delivering more for our customers — greater capacity, enhanced supply security, and a broader range of sustainable packaging solutions to help them succeed,” explained Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi Group. “Bringing together the expertise of our new colleagues from Schumacher Packaging with Mondi’s capabilities strengthens our offering even further, enabling us to drive greater innovation and value for the customers we serve.”
Sustainability improvements
The combined expertise is expected to help food manufacturers reduce waste, decrease carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency throughout their packaging processes. With sustainability compliance becoming increasingly complex in the food sector, the integrated approach offers technical advantages for companies pursuing science-based targets.
The acquisition bolsters Mondi’s existing sustainability commitments, which focus on circular-driven solutions and climate action. In 2024, the company reported revenues of €7.4 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.0 billion.
For food science professionals working with packaging technologies, the expanded Mondi portfolio now provides additional options for developing packaging solutions that consider the entire product lifecycle while meeting specific food protection requirements.
For more information, visit: www.mondigroup.com
