Carton Group

Waterland aims to build a European quality, innovation and service leader (the “Carton Group”) in the carton packaging market by acquiring and integrating strong regional and international carton manufacturers and paper packaging providers. Carton Group is active in an inherently growing market as demand for sustainable packaging and, in particular, the substitution of plastic-based packaging by paper based on regulatory push and consumer pull is continuously increasing.

The Carton Group offers regional and (inter)national customers clear added value through a comprehensive portfolio of products and services in carton packaging while meeting the highest standards in terms of degree of finishing, quality/scrap rates, flexibility/low minimum order quantities and delivery reliability. The fundamental business philosophy of the group is based on the development of innovative products driven by customer requirements, highest production quality, and continuous investment in modern machinery and training of employees.

Carton Group was initiated through the acquisition of the folding carton manufacturer Leupold in August 2020 based in Schwabach, Germany, who supplies customers throughout Europe, as part of a succession plan. It is characterized by high-end finishing products for the personal care and consumer electronics industries, modern machinery, and flexible as well as efficient production. In April 2021, we were able to add a second group member – Strobel. Strobel is particularly characterized by a focus on sustainability and climate neutrality in the development and production of folding cartons for the sporting goods, food and toy industries. The group manufactures around 1.5 million state-of-the-art packaging items on a daily basis.

 

Enhancing CG’s own ESG performance

Based on its focused ESG Action Plan, CG was able to deliver measurable impact and successes over the past year:

  • Switch to 100% green electricity and gas including own solar energy production
  • Investment into new cold foiling unit (saves >100 soccer fields of metalized PET film p.a.)
  • Switch to LED lighting technology
  • Strengthened health of CG’s workforce with a subsidised sports & fitness subscription
  • New environmental reporting, sustainable procurement policy and social & environmental clauses as part of supplier contracts

In 2023, CG’s strong ESG commitment and initiatives have been rewarded with the EcoVadis Gold status – certifying CG as top 5% of ESG performers in its industry.

Delivering ESG value and impact to Carton Group’s customers

In addition to continuously improving its own ESG performance, CG also proactively supports its customers with sustainable packaging for their products. Its paper-based packaging solutions include smaller, optimized box sizes and shapes, reduced use of foils / colors and the replacement of all plastic parts. For example, CG has received the “German Packaging Award for Sustainability” for its dental floss packaging solution made of carton without any use of plastic.