Each year, WirtschaftsWoche magazine has a total of 4,000 German medium sizedd companies independently analyzed for its annual innovation ranking. This year’s result is now in: For the third time in a row, Südpack ranks under the top 10. The family-owned film manufacturer sees its excellent position at number 5 in the ranking above all as an endorsement of its innovation and sustainability-focused corporate strategy. The company has always invested in futureproof technologies, disrupted the market with groundbreaking innovations, and consistently broken into new markets and developed new business models. However, as the respected economic magazine stresses, a crucial factor is the inspiration that radiates from the top Innovations Champions. Südpack is actively helping shape the future of the plastics and packaging industry - making it a powerful driver of innovation in the industry.
For the current ranking, Munich-based consultancy Munich Strategy first evaluated the annual financial statements and presentations of 4,000 German medium sized companies. Then the experts intensively examined the 400 best companies and determined their innovation scores. One third of the score is based on sales and profit growth and two thirds on the innovative strength of the company. Key criteria include product developments as well as the amount spent annually on R&D. The innovation classification of each medium-d enterprise on the market was also an important factor in the analysis. With an innovation score of 392.1, Südpack occupies fifth place in this year’s innovation ranking.
Distinctive product developments
Südpack draws on technological progress and its vast expertise in R&D to develop groundbreaking product innovations. These are designed to support customers in their sustainability efforts and to drive transformation in the industry. Through intensive collaboration with scientific institutes, technology partners, raw materials suppliers, and customers, solutions are developed that are perfectly tailored to individual requirements. "Innovation and sustainability form the basis for our success," says Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner of Südpack.
For example, the film producer continually launches new PP and PE-based packaging concepts on the market in the form of single-material solutions, which are classified as recyclable. PharmaGuard, a recyclable blister concept for solid applications, was developed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. The single-material PP structure as well as the material efficiency improve the eco-balance of the packed products. Among the latest innovations is Peel PET floatable. Thanks to the low density of the film, the floatable top webs can be separated during recycling from the PET trays, producing a clean recycled material flow.
In product development, the company uses a powerful LCA tool to assess the entire life cycle of products along the process chain. Another highlight is the state-of-the-art multiXtrusion pilot plant which makes it possible to implement new developments profitably, under realistic production conditions, and on an industrial scale.
New technologies, new business models
To ensure that initial ideas turn into successful innovations and lucrative business models, Südpack continually invests in futureproof technologies and expertise. The best example of this is carboliq, a groundbreaking process for converting various plastic fractions into oil. Südpack has been the majority shareholder in Carboliq GmbH since 2024. "We believe chemical recycling is a vital component in a circular plastics industry. It also provides a new business model for our company group. carboliq demonstrates impressively that innovation for us goes beyond products and also includes business processes," emphas Carolin Grimbacher.
With its own mechanical material management, Südpack also operates a division for regranulation and compounding. This makes the company the only film manufacturer with access to both recycling methods, so it can offer each customer the best recycling option for its specific plastic fractions.
