S. Walter Packaging
S. Walter Packaging is a 120-year-old Philadelphia-based custom retail packaging distributor and light manufacturer selling stock packaging, short-run printing, and fully custom production to retailers, food service operators, jewelers, and beauty brands across North America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1904
- HeadquartersPhiladelphia, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
S. Walter Packaging firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- S. Walter Packaging
- Legal name
- S. Walter Packaging
- Website
- https://swalter.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1904
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- S. Walter Packaging is a 120-year-old Philadelphia-based custom retail packaging distributor and light manufacturer selling stock packaging, short-run printing, and fully custom production to retailers, food service operators, jewelers, and beauty brands across North America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
S. Walter Packaging industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Custom Retail Packaging
- NAICS
- Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing (322220), Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing (322212), Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing (322219), Printing and Related Support Activities (3231), Printing (32311)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110), Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650), Plastics, Foil & Coated Paper Bags (2673), Commercial Printing (2750)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Paper Packaging (Gift Boxes, Luxury Cartons, Composite Paper Cans) (IMALACAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Paper-Based Packaging & Single-Use Paper Products (Paper Bags, Wraps, Cartons) (CRADALAL), Bakery Packaging & Decor Supplies Wholesale (AFAIAFAL), Packaging & Product Brand Design (BPAFAEAG)
Keywords
Where S. Walter Packaging is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Philadelphia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
S. Walter Packaging business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom Packaging Solutions: S. Walter Packaging provides custom packaging solutions including bags, boxes, tissue paper, and accessories. The company operates a direct sales model with an online store and catalog for stock items, complemented by custom printing services for differentiated products.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Short-run printing starting as low as 25 cents per impression |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
S. Walter Packaging product offering
Product offeringCore offering
S. Walter Packaging manufactures and distributes custom retail packaging including bags, boxes, tissue paper, and gift packaging for retailers, jewelry stores, bakeries, and restaurants. The company operates an in-house short-run printing operation (hot stamp, flexo, digital) producing 100-3,000 impressions, and coordinates fully custom production through domestic and overseas vendor networks for orders of 1,000+ units. It complements products with creative design services, global sourcing, warehousing, inventory management, and right-on-time logistics.
Product overview
S. Walter Packaging is a custom packaging solutions provider founded in 1904, offering a comprehensive portfolio of packaging products and printing services for retailers. The core offering includes both short-run printing (hot stamp, flexo ink, and digital printing for runs of 100-3,000 impressions) and fully custom printing (requiring minimums of 1,000 units). The product portfolio spans bags & bows, paper bags, custom tissue paper, gift bags, gift boxes, retail bags, eco-friendly packaging, and custom retail bags. Services include creative design, global sourcing, warehousing, inventory management, and logistics/distribution. The company operates an online store and a specialty paper division (industrial.swalter.com).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Short Run Printing Post-printing service that imprints pre-made stock bags, boxes, and ribbon using hot-stamping, ink printing (flexo), or digital printing technologies for runs typically between 100 and 3,000 impressions, aimed at retailers needing fast-turn, low-minimum branded packaging.
- Fully Custom Printing Custom packaging production through domestic and overseas vendor networks where substrate is printed prior to assembly, typically requiring minimums of at least 1,000 units, with finishing options including soft touch, spot UV, textured UV, multi-level embossing/debossing, and custom interiors.
- Bags and Bows Complete line of gift bags, shopping bags, and decorative bows for retail packaging applications.
- Paper Bags Variety of paper bag options for retail packaging including kraft paper bags for retail and food service uses.
- Custom Tissue Paper Customizable tissue paper for retail and gift packaging with logo and brand printing options.
- Gift Bags Collection of gift bags for various occasions and retail applications.
- Gift Boxes Pre-made and custom gift boxes for retail and specialty packaging.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging Environmentally conscious packaging solutions including recycled materials and sustainable options for retailers.
- Custom Retail Bags Custom branded retail bags with logos and brand messaging tailored to individual retailer specifications.
- Creative Design Services Art and creative services for custom packaging design and brand development supporting retail and food service customers.
- Global Sourcing International sourcing capabilities for packaging materials and production through domestic and overseas vendor networks.
- Warehousing and Inventory Management Inventory management and warehousing services for packaging supplies to support retailer replenishment needs.
- Logistics and Distribution Right-on-time logistics and distribution services including direct-to-store delivery of packaging supplies.
- Specialty Paper Division Industrial and specialty paper products division serving commercial and industrial buyers, operating through industrial.swalter.com.
Quantifiable outcome
- 52% of online shoppers will buy from a brand that sends their purchase in a premium package
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use S. Walter Packaging
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
S. Walter Packaging technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
S. Walter Packaging partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- VeritivcoreVeritiv Operating Company acquired the packaging distribution business of S. Walter Packaging Corp. in September 2025. This acquisition enhances Veritiv's services including direct-to-store and premium packaging capabilities, strengthening its market position in high-value retail segments. S. Walter Packaging is now part of the Veritiv family, bringing more solutions, innovation, and support in specialty packaging.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
S. Walter Packaging competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bag Makers Inc. Manufacturer and printer of custom retail, promotional, and packaging bags including paper, plastic, and reusable options. Comparable in offering custom-printed bags with finishing services to retail and promotional customers.
- Imperial Dade: Major North American distributor of foodservice packaging, janitorial, and retail packaging products with similar multi-segment go-to-market. Directly comparable as a broad-line packaging distributor serving retail and foodservice verticals.
- Berlin Packaging: Largest hybrid packaging supplier in North America, offering bottles, jars, boxes, and custom containers plus design and logistics services. Closest comparable in serving mid-market and enterprise customers with a broad product portfolio plus value-added services.
- Nashville Wraps: Specialty distributor of gift wrap, tissue, bags, boxes, and ribbon focused on retail and boutique customers. Most directly comparable in terms of customer profile (boutique/apparel retailers) and product mix (gift bags, tissue, boxes).
- Paper Mart: Wholesale distributor of paper bags, boxes, tissue, and packaging supplies since 1921, serving retail, foodservice, and industrial customers. Highly comparable in product mix, customer base, and long-standing wholesale heritage.
- The Packaging Company: Online-first custom packaging supplier offering custom boxes, mailers, tissue, and bags with short-run capabilities for small and mid-market e-commerce brands. Comparable as a digitally-enabled short-run custom packaging provider.
Emerging players
- EcoEnclose: Sustainable packaging e-commerce platform offering custom mailers, boxes, tissue, and tape with focus on recycled materials. Comparable as an emerging digital-first player competing for the same eco-conscious boutique and DTC customers.
- noissue: Digital-native custom packaging company offering low-MOQ custom tissue, mailers, stickers, and bags targeted at DTC and boutique brands. Competes in the small-business short-run custom packaging segment that S. Walter's short-run service also addresses.
Broad incumbents
- Smurfit Westrock: Global paper-based packaging giant formed by Smurfit Kappa and WestRock merger, producing corrugated and consumer packaging at scale. Relevant as a broad incumbent in paper-based packaging, though focused on larger-volume industrial accounts.
- Veritiv Corporation: Parent company since September 2025. National packaging distribution and facility solutions provider that acquired S. Walter to expand into high-value retail packaging. Directly relevant as the acquirer and now parent operating platform.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
S. Walter Packaging social profiles
Digital presenceS. Walter Packaging financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
S. Walter Packaging leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
S. Walter Packaging funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
S. Walter Packaging 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 S. Walter Packaging
What does S. Walter Packaging do?
S. Walter Packaging manufactures and distributes custom retail packaging including bags, boxes, tissue paper, and gift packaging for retailers, jewelry stores, bakeries, and restaurants. The company operates an in-house short-run printing operation (hot stamp, flexo, digital) producing 100-3,000 impressions, and coordinates fully custom production through domestic and overseas vendor networks for orders of 1,000+ units. It complements products with creative design services, global sourcing, warehousing, inventory management, and right-on-time logistics.
Is S. Walter Packaging a public or private company?
S. Walter Packaging is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was S. Walter Packaging founded?
S. Walter Packaging was founded in 1904. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is S. Walter Packaging based?
S. Walter Packaging is headquartered in Philadelphia, United States, in the North America region.
How does S. Walter Packaging make money?
One revenue line is on record: custom Packaging Solutions.
Who are S. Walter Packaging's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bag Makers Inc., Imperial Dade, Berlin Packaging, Nashville Wraps, Paper Mart and The Packaging Company. Emerging players are EcoEnclose and noissue. Broad incumbents are Smurfit Westrock and Veritiv Corporation.
Does S. Walter Packaging have an API?
No public API is recorded for S. Walter Packaging.
What industry is S. Walter Packaging in?
S. Walter Packaging's product category is Custom Retail Packaging. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALACAI, Specialty Paper Packaging (Gift Boxes, Luxury Cartons, Composite Paper Cans), with a secondary code of CRADALAL, Paper-Based Packaging & Single-Use Paper Products (Paper Bags, Wraps, Cartons). Its NAICS code is 322220 and its SIC code is 5110.