HERMA
HERMA is a family-owned German manufacturer founded in 1906 that produces self-adhesive materials, labels, and labeling machines for industrial, logistics, regulated-industry, and office/home customers across more than 40 countries via direct sales, distributors, and B2B online shops.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1906
- HeadquartersFilderstadt, Germany
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What HERMA does
HERMA GmbH is a privately held, family-owned German manufacturer founded in 1906 and headquartered in Filderstadt, with 1,107 employees and €447 million in 2025 turnover across seven international locations. The company operates three integrated business divisions: Self-adhesive Materials (paper and film laminates, adhesives, and release liners supplied to label converters), Labels for Industry/Logistics and Office/Home (custom-manufactured and consumer labels on rolls, sheets, and fanfolded formats), and Labeling Machines (fully automatic, semi-automatic, and print & apply systems). Underlying technology centers on proprietary multi-layer adhesive coating, wash-off adhesive chemistry (72Hpw for PET at 80°C and HDPE at 40°C), and the InNo-Liner linerless labeling system that eliminates backing material waste.
HERMA sells primarily through a B2B model combining direct national and international field sales, three dedicated B2B online shops, and a global network of sales partners and distributors covering more than 40 countries. Customer segments span manufacturing, trade and logistics (the primary vertical), regulated industries (food and beverage, pharma, cosmetics, automotive, chemicals), and office/home consumers. Named enterprise adopters include DHL (InNo-Liner at Nohra site), D.O.G. Label (Austria, using GreenGuide), and Techlan Ltd (UK, liner recycling). The company is differentiated by RecyClass certifications for both PP and PE films with HDPE recycling, BfR/FDA-compliant food-contact adhesives, and a digital advisory layer (HERMA GreenGuide, Label Assistant Online, Label Configurator) that helps customers navigate EU PPWR-driven sustainability requirements.
Strategically, HERMA is positioning for a regulatory tailwind created by the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), where EPR fee differentials between recyclable and non-recyclable packaging labels are expected to be a factor of 10. The company emphasizes early compliance, sustainability certification breadth, and a Technical Partnership Service model that locks in converter relationships at the specification stage. In March 2025 HERMA entered a cross-continental distribution partnership with U.S.-based Wausau Coated Products, and in December 2025 DHL deployed the jointly developed InNo-Liner system with German partner cab. Ownership remains concentrated in the founding family, with no external investors or parent company, and the partnership with WCP explicitly preserves mutual independence.
HERMA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HERMA
- Legal name
- HERMA GmbH
- Website
- https://herma.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1906
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- HERMA is a family-owned German manufacturer founded in 1906 that produces self-adhesive materials, labels, and labeling machines for industrial, logistics, regulated-industry, and office/home customers across more than 40 countries via direct sales, distributors, and B2B online shops.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where HERMA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Filderstadt
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
HERMA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Self-adhesive Materials: HERMA develops and manufactures self-adhesive paper and film laminates, adhesives, and release liners sold to label converters and manufacturers. Products are supplied in rolls, sheets, and fanfolded formats, either printed or unprinted.
- Labels for Office and Home: Self-adhesive labels for PC printers, products for school and household use, sold through online shops and distribution channels.
- Labels for Industry and Logistics: Custom-manufactured industrial labels for manufacturing, trade, and logistics supplied on rolls, sheets and fanfolded, printed or unprinted. Available through online label configurator.
- Labeling Machines: Manufacture and sale of label applicators and labeling machines for industrial packaging processes, including fully automatic, semi-automatic, and print & apply systems.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
HERMA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HERMA develops and manufactures self-adhesive paper and film laminates with proprietary adhesives and release liners, custom-manufactured industrial labels for manufacturing, trade and logistics, and a range of labeling machines (fully automatic, semi-automatic, and print & apply systems). The company also produces consumer labels and office/home stationery items including folders, book covers, and stickers. Products are sold globally to label converters, manufacturers, logistics providers, and office/retail consumers through direct sales, B2B online shops, and a partner network.
Product overview
HERMA is a leading European innovator in self-adhesive technology offering an integrated product portfolio across three core areas: self-adhesive materials (paper and film-based label materials with various adhesives), industrial and office labels (on rolls, sheets, and fanfolded), and labeling machines (fully automatic, semi-automatic, and print & apply systems). The company also provides supporting digital tools including the Label Assistant Online (free label design software), the HERMA GreenGuide (sustainability-focused material selection tool), and the Label Configurator (for online ordering of printed roll labels). A key differentiator is HERMA's multi-layer coating technology and the InNo-Liner linerless labeling system. Products serve industries including food, beverage, logistics, automotive, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HERMA InNo-Liner: Linerless labeling system that eliminates backing material waste
- HERMAgreenGuide
- HERMAperfectOpaque
- HERMAsuperTack
- HERMAperfectStick
- HERMAperfectTack
- HERMAvoid checkerboard
- HERMAexquisite
- HERMAlucent
- HERMA PP flex
Products and services
- Self-adhesive Materials Production of self-adhesive paper and film laminates (papers, films, adhesives, release liners) combined into adhesive materials sold to label converters and manufacturers across multiple industries. Supplied in rolls, sheets, and fanfolded formats, printed or unprinted.
- Labels for Industry, Trade and Logistics Custom-manufactured self-adhesive labels for manufacturing, trade, and logistics operations. Includes product presentation labels, shipping labels, barcode labels, hazardous material labels, and sealing labels, available in rolls, sheets, and fanfolded formats.
- Labels for Office and Home Self-adhesive labels for PC printers and related consumer products for school, office, and household use. Includes file labels, address labels, seal and security labels, folders, book covers, stickers, and mounting/archiving systems, sold through online shops and distribution channels.
- Labeling Machines Label applicators and labeling machines for integration into industrial packaging processes. Range includes fully automatic labeling machines, semi-automatic machines, and print & apply systems with modular design for top, bottom, side, wrap-around, or seal labeling.
- HERMA InNo-Liner Linerless labeling system that eliminates backing material and silicone coating. Reduces transport volumes, disposal costs, and waste in logistics and shipping applications. Awarded the German Packaging Award (2019) and the WorldStar Award (2024).
- HERMAvoid Checkerboard (Type 935) Tamper-proof self-adhesive material designed for security labels on rough transport cardboard. Features a concealed tamper-proof pattern that becomes visible upon removal, suitable for challenging packaging applications.
- HDPE Wash-off Self-adhesive Materials Wash-off self-adhesive label materials for HDPE packaging, combined with the 72Hpw adhesive and certified for HDPE recycling streams. Extends HERMA's wash-off solutions beyond PET to HDPE packaging.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 300 tonnes of release liner recycled, avoiding 200+ tonnes of CO2 emissions through Techlan partnership
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use HERMA
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
HERMA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature5 records
HERMA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- cab (Germany)coreJoint development of InNo-Liner system for linerless labeling. DHL adopted the cab/HERMA InNo-Liner solution at its Nohra site in Thuringia, Germany. The system provides labels without liner material and without silicone coating for logistics and shipping applications.
- Wausau Coated Products (WCP)coreStrategic partnership between two family-owned self-adhesive materials specialists. WCP (Wisconsin, USA) and HERMA (Germany) have complementary product portfolios. WCP distributes HERMA products in Mexican market; HERMA distributes WCP specialty materials for wine and spirits labels in selected European markets, starting with Great Britain. Both companies remain independent.
- Loxas S.A. (Greece)core40-year partnership celebrating longevity and mutual trust. Loxas has represented HERMA Self-adhesive Materials in Greece since 1985, helping establish and shape the country's self-adhesive materials market. Joannis Loxas is considered a pioneer who helped build the Greek market.
- D.O.G. Label (Vienna, Austria)minorD.O.G. Label uses HERMA's digital GreenGuide to provide sustainable labeling solutions to customers in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics sectors. Successfully implemented compostable labels for fruit and vegetable applications using GreenGuide recommendations.
- Techlan Ltd (UK)coreCircular economy partnership for release liner recycling in the UK. Techlan developed a patented process to clean and restore used silicone release liner while preserving material structure for reuse. Over 2 years, the collaboration recycled 300+ tonnes of liner and avoided 200+ tonnes of CO2 emissions. 17 companies supported through the initiative. HERMA UK contributed material expertise and market access to help scale Techlan's recovery solution.
- RecyClasscoreHERMA joined RecyClass, a cross-industry initiative dedicated to advancing recyclability of plastic packaging and promoting harmonized approach toward recycled plastic calculation and traceability in Europe. HERMA received RecyClass certification for both PP and PE films as 'fully compatible' with HDPE recycling.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
HERMA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- tagWorks (cab Produkttechnik): German manufacturer of industrial marking and labeling systems (print & apply, label printers). Active co-development partner of HERMA on the InNo-Liner system and competes with HERMA's labeling machines business unit in print-and-apply industrial equipment.
Direct peers
- UPM Raflatac: One of the world's largest suppliers of self-adhesive label materials for product and information labeling, offering paper and film facestocks across graphic and industrial end-uses. Direct competitor to HERMA in pressure-sensitive label materials with comparable focus on sustainable materials and recycling certifications.
- Brady Corporation: Manufacturer of identification and safety solutions including high-performance labels, signs, and label-printing systems. Competes with HERMA in industrial labels, particularly safety/security and identification labels, and shares the vertical integration of materials, printable substrates, and printing hardware.
- Lintec Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of adhesive papers, films, and specialty label materials with strong positions in Asia and growing global reach. Comparable product portfolio to HERMA including pressure-sensitive labels and industrial bonding tapes, making it a direct competitor in label materials.
- Wausau Coated Products: Family-owned US-based self-adhesive materials manufacturer focused on wine, spirits, and specialty label substrates. Now a strategic distribution partner of HERMA; comparable scale, similar ownership profile, and similar product focus on facestock/pressure-sensitive materials.
Broad incumbents
- Sappi Europe: Global paper and packaging group producing label papers, release liners, and self-adhesive facestock substrates. Supplies upstream materials to HERMA and competes in specialty paper-based label substrates with comparable sustainability certification focus.
- Avery Dennison: Global leader in pressure-sensitive label materials (Label and Packaging Materials) with a substantially larger portfolio across paper and film facestocks, adhesives, and release liners. Direct overlap with HERMA's self-adhesive materials business, though Avery operates at much greater scale and across multiple product categories (apparel, RFID, graphics).
- 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes: Diversified industrial conglomerate with a major pressure-sensitive adhesives and tapes business including label stock materials. Competes with HERMA's adhesive technology portfolio, particularly where specialty bonding or removable adhesives are specified in industrial packaging applications.
- CCL Industries: World's largest label converter with operations spanning healthcare, consumer, and specialty labels. While not a direct materials producer, CCL competes with HERMA in industrial finished labels and increasingly in label materials via its Innovia Films acquisition, overlapping with HERMA's Labels and Materials divisions.
Regional players
- Mondi Group: European-based paper and packaging major with relevant presence in label papers, release liners, and flexible packaging. Comparable in sustainability positioning and certifications, with overlap to HERMA in paper-based facestock supply.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HERMA social profiles
Digital presenceHERMA compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
HERMA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HERMA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
HERMA subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
HERMA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HERMA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HERMA
What does HERMA do?
HERMA develops and manufactures self-adhesive paper and film laminates with proprietary adhesives and release liners, custom-manufactured industrial labels for manufacturing, trade and logistics, and a range of labeling machines (fully automatic, semi-automatic, and print & apply systems). The company also produces consumer labels and office/home stationery items including folders, book covers, and stickers. Products are sold globally to label converters, manufacturers, logistics providers, and office/retail consumers through direct sales, B2B online shops, and a partner network.
Is HERMA a public or private company?
HERMA is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was HERMA founded?
HERMA was founded in 1906. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is HERMA based?
HERMA is headquartered in Filderstadt, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does HERMA make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Self-adhesive Materials are the primary driver. The others are labels for Office and Home, labels for Industry and Logistics and labeling Machines.
Who are HERMA's main competitors?
tagWorks (cab Produkttechnik) is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are UPM Raflatac, Brady Corporation, Lintec Corporation and Wausau Coated Products. Broad incumbents are Sappi Europe, Avery Dennison, 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes and CCL Industries. Mondi Group is listed as a regional player.
Does HERMA have an API?
No public API is recorded for HERMA.