FLÖTER Verpackungs

What FLÖTER Verpackungs does

FLÖTER Verpackungs-Service GmbH is a privately held German manufacturer of on-demand air cushion packaging systems, headquartered in Schwieberdingen and operating since 1980. The company designs and produces both its own packaging machines — the AirWave line (AirWave1, AirWave2, AirWavePRO, AP-502) and the compact AirBoy line (nano3, nano4 PRO, Mini, Micro) — and a corresponding portfolio of proprietary films. Its films span standard HDPE (PolyWave Industrial, ECO, SuperECO, HeavyDuty), specialty grades (PolyWave Antistatic ESD for electronics), and sustainability-positioned SKUs: home-compostable PlantWave (potato-starch biopolymer, GMO-free), 100%-recycled-paper PaperWave, water-soluble AquaWave, and ClimatePartner-certified ClimaFilm. Machines convert flat film rolls into inflated cushioning material (99% air, 1% film) at the packing station, with ultra-thin films down to 12 µm claimed to save significant CO2 versus heavier paper packaging.

The company sells into four primary verticals — e-commerce and online retail, industrial manufacturing and logistics, non-food consumer products, and food/beverage/pet food — with documented enterprise deployments including a 64-station fashion e-commerce integration (30%+ material savings), a 9-machine cleaning products line (40% labor cost savings and 82 tons CO2 reduction), and a pet food distributor that saved 45 sqm of floor space via overhead silo units. Its revenue model combines one-time hardware sales (AirWave1 standalone ~€839; AirWave2 ~€1,889; overhead units ~€2,269) with recurring, usage-based consumable revenue (film rolls sold with multi-tier volume discounts) and professional services for integrated packing-station automation. Go-to-market is direct: own e-commerce shop (floeter.com/shop) across Germany, EU, and USA, field sales consultation for larger projects, a US subsidiary (AirWave Packaging Inc., Indianapolis), and a multi-language Partner Cloud for distributors. Certifications include CE, ETL, UKCA, PSE, RoHS, WEEE, LUCID, and ClimatePartner, and the company is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

FLÖTER operates with 11–50 employees per firmographic data, is managed by Managing Directors Daniel Koch and Marc Rapp, and has no disclosed external funding or institutional ownership. Its primary strategic focus is on deepening recurring consumable revenue through a broadening sustainability-oriented film portfolio, automation/integration services for mid- and large-market customers, and selective geographic expansion in Europe and the United States.

Name

FLÖTER Verpackungs

Legal name

FLÖTER Verpackungs-Service GmbH

Website

https://floeter.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FLÖTER Verpackungs-Service GmbH manufactures on-demand air cushion packaging machines and a proprietary film portfolio (HDPE, bio-compostable PlantWave, recycled-paper PaperWave, water-soluble, ESD, climate-certified) in Germany, selling directly via e-commerce and field sales to e-commerce, industrial, and consumer-goods customers across Europe and the USA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Protective Packaging Equipment

NAICS

Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing (326112)

akta.pro primary industry

Inflatable & Air Cushion Packaging (Air Pillows, Bubble Wrap Systems) (IMALAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wrapping & Bundling Equipment (Shrink/Stretch) (IMAHAOAD), Protective & Cushioning Packaging (Bubble Wrap, Air Pillows, Foam-in-Bag) Manufacturing (IMANAEAF)

Keywords

• Air cushion packaging
• Protective packaging systems
• Packaging automation equipment
• Industrial void fill films
• Sustainable packaging machinery

Headquarters

HQ city

Schwieberdingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Air Cushion Machines (Hardware Sales): Sale of proprietary air cushion packaging machines including AirWave1, AirWave2, AirWavePRO, AirBoy nano3/4, Nano4 PRO and accessories. Machines are sold directly via the online shop and likely through sales consultation for larger enterprise deployments. One-time hardware revenue with accessories and spare parts as add-on sales.
2. Air Cushion Films and Consumables: Sale of proprietary air cushion films and consumables in various types: PolyWave Industrial (standard HDPE), PolyWave ECO/SuperECO (reduced material), PaperWave (100% recycled paper), PlantWave (home-compostable bio-film from potato starch), ClimaFilm (climate-certified), PolyWave Antistatic ESD. Sold as rolls in various sizes; recurring consumption-based revenue as customers re-order consumables.
3. Integrated Packaging Systems and Automation Solutions: Design, consultation, and implementation of integrated air cushion packaging solutions for packing stations. Includes overhead units, gantry systems, silo storage, mobile platforms, and complete packing table systems. Revenue from custom integration projects for industrial and e-commerce customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FLÖTER manufactures and sells on-demand air cushion packaging machines (AirWave and AirBoy product lines) along with proprietary protective air cushion films in multiple material variants (standard HDPE, thin ECO, recycled paper, home-compostable bio-film, water-soluble, climate-certified, and antistatic ESD). The company supplies integrated packaging automation components such as overhead gantry units, mobile platforms, and complete packing table systems for e-commerce, industrial, and logistics customers in Germany, Europe, and the USA.

Product overview

FLÖTER Verpackungs offers a modular air cushion packaging system consisting of on-demand air cushion machines (AirWave and AirBoy product lines), compatible air cushion films in multiple material variants (PolyWave Industrial/ECO/SuperECO/Antistatic/HeavyDuty, PlantWave, PaperWave, AquaWave, ClimaFilm), and automation components (overhead units, mobile platforms, containers). The core portfolio includes: AirWave1 (professional, 9 m/min), AirWave2 (enhanced, 20 m/min), AirWavePRO (high-performance), AirBoy nano3/nano4 PRO (compact), AirBoy Mini/Micro (smallest), and AP-502 (industrial). Film consumables span standard HDPE, thin ECO grades, antistatic ESD, heavy-duty, and eco-friendly options (paper-based, water-soluble, home-compostable, climate-certified). The Partner Cloud platform enables remote management. Starter sets bundle machines with film rolls for initial setup.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AirWave: Premium line of air cushion machines (AirWave1, AirWave2, AirWavePRO) and corresponding air cushion films for industrial and e-commerce packaging applications.
• AirBoy
• PlantWave
• PaperWave
• AquaWave
• PolyWave
• ClimaFilm

Products and services

• AirWave1 air cushion machine Professional air cushion machine that produces protective air cushion chains (Typ 7) and mats (Typ 8) on demand at up to 9 m/min from flat film rolls. Features program memory for 4 film types, variable air volume and seal temperature, lock function, power-save mode, and optional Bluetooth control via iOS/Android app. Aimed at commercial packing stations.
• AirWave2 air cushion machine Successor to the AirWave1. Professional-grade air cushion machine producing Typ 7 chains and Typ 8 mats at up to 20 m/min. Features program memory for 5 film types, interactive touch display, high-tech sealing unit reaching operating temperature in under 1 minute, and low-maintenance design. Aimed at commercial packing stations.
• AirWavePRO air cushion machine High-performance air cushion machine in the AirWave lineup designed for industrial-scale packaging operations with advanced features and higher throughput capabilities. Aimed at large fulfillment centers and industrial packing stations.
• AirBoy nano3 air cushion machine Compact air cushion machine designed for smaller operations and desktop use, compatible with Typ 9 narrow chains and Typ 9.8 wide mats. Entry-level model for on-demand air cushion production at small to mid-sized commercial packing stations.
• AirBoy nano4 PRO air cushion machine Enhanced compact air cushion machine with PRO designation and successor to the nano3. Compatible with foot pedal and infrared sensor accessories. Aimed at small commercial packing operations needing entry-level on-demand cushion production.
• PolyWave Industrial HDPE air cushion film Standard 100% recyclable HDPE air cushion film available as narrow chains (Typ 7 series) and wide mats (Typ 8 series) in various sizes. Standard all-round option for most packaging applications, designed for medium to heavy goods. Sold in roll format with volume tier pricing.
• PolyWave ECO and SuperECO thin air cushion films Thin-gauge and ultra-thin HDPE air cushion films with reduced material usage. ECO and SuperECO grades save material costs and CO2 while retaining full recyclability. Designed for customers seeking resource-efficient alternatives to standard HDPE films.
• PolyWave Antistatic (ESD) air cushion film Antistatic air cushion film with surface resistance below 1x10^9 Ohm (HP standard), available as Typ 7.1 pre-perforated chains and Typ 8.4 mats. Designed for protecting sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge during shipping. Sold in rose-colored rolls with volume tier pricing.
• PlantWave home-compostable bio-film 100% biodegradable air cushion film made from GMO-free potato starch, available as narrow chains (Typ 7.1, Typ 9.7.1) and wide mats (Typ 8.3, Typ 9.8.3). Can be disposed of in home compost or bio-bin, ClimatePartner certified (Climate-ID 4ASX7W). Suited for eco-conscious brands in food, cosmetics, and fair trade.
• PaperWave 100% recycled paper air cushion film Air cushion film made from 100% recycled paper, available in Typ 7 chain and Typ 8 mat formats. Plastic-free alternative with certified sustainability seal for companies seeking paper-based packaging solutions.
• AquaWave water-soluble air cushion film Water-soluble air cushion film that dissolves completely in water, designed for specialized packaging applications requiring complete dissolution of cushioning material. Available in Typ 7 chain format.
• ClimaFilm climate-certified air cushion film ClimatePartner-certified air cushion film with carbon offset, enabling carbon-neutral shipping packaging. Available as Typ 7 narrow chains and Typ 8 wide mats in the HeavyDuty ClimaFilm-40 variant. Aimed at customers seeking climate-neutral packaging credentials.
• Overhead installation units (Überkopfeinheiten) for AirWave machines Overhead gantry installation units for AirWave1, AirWave2, and AirWavePRO machines with a 0.42 m³ (75×75×75 cm) basket. Pre-assembled with lifting axis, motor control, and sensor; no technician required for installation. Enables AirWave machines to be integrated above packing stations, eliminating floor space for cushion storage and serving multiple packing stations from a single machine.
• Complete packing table systems (Packtisch Komplettsysteme) Complete integrated packing table systems combining AirWave machines, overhead units or mobile platforms, sensors, and storage into full workstations designed for efficient packaging operations. Includes Packtisch Komplettsystem with AirWave2 variant. Aimed at commercial and industrial customers seeking turnkey packing stations.
• Partner Cloud platform (cloud.floeter.com) Cloud-based platform available at cloud.floeter.com for distributors and partners to access FLÖTER products and manage AirWave air cushion machines. Supports 20+ languages including English, German, Spanish, and French. Operates on a monthly subscription billing model.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30% film material savings for a fashion e-commerce company with 64 packing stations
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GLS (General Logistics Systems)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGLS is used as one of FLÖTER's logistics partners for shipping products from Schwieberdingen, Germany to domestic and European customers. GLS handles parcel shipments, while Schenker handles freight and pallet shipments.
• Schenker (DB Schenker)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchenker (DB Schenker) is FLÖTER's logistics partner for freight and pallet shipments, complementing GLS for parcel delivery. Schenker handles heavier shipments and international freight forwarding including customs clearance.
• ClimatePartnercoreTechnology or IntegrationFLÖTER's ClimaFilm product line is ClimatePartner certified, enabling customers to achieve carbon-neutral shipping. FLÖTER holds ClimatePartner ID E9DMJH and displays the ClimatePartner label on certified products. This certification is a core sustainability differentiator for FLÖTER's product portfolio.
• Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)minorOthersFLÖTER is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), a US-based industry group focused on advancing sustainable packaging. FLÖTER displays the SPC member logo on its website, signaling commitment to sustainable packaging principles.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Rajapack: European packaging distributor (RAJA Group) with a broad catalogue that includes air cushion and void-fill products. Comparable in product overlap but operates as a multi-brand distributor across Europe rather than a specialist manufacturer.
• Kite Packaging: UK-based packaging distributor with a growing own-brand range of air cushion and void-fill solutions. Comparable in product overlap but concentrated in the UK/IE market, where FLÖTER has a less direct presence.

Direct peers

• Ranpak: Specialist in paper-based protective packaging (PadPak, FillPak, WrapPak). Closely comparable as a machine-plus-consumable business serving the same e-commerce and industrial customers, but competing primarily on paper-based cushioning vs. FLÖTER's air-cushion core.
• Packsize: Provider of on-demand, right-sized box-making systems for e-commerce and industrial fulfillment. Comparable to FLÖTER in its machine-plus-consumable, on-demand packaging automation model, though focused on corrugated boxes rather than air cushion.
• Storopack: German-headquartered protective packaging specialist with a major air pillow (AIRplus) product line. Direct competitor to FLÖTER in on-demand air cushion machines and consumables across Europe and the US.

Broad incumbents

• Pregis: US-based protective packaging manufacturer with air pillow, paper, and foam systems. Overlaps with FLÖTER on the AirSpeed/Sharp Packaging air-cushion lines and serves many of the same industrial and e-commerce accounts.
• Intertape Polymer Group: North American manufacturer of packaging materials and systems, including protective packaging films. Competes with FLÖTER on the consumable film side in North American industrial and e-commerce channels.
• Sealed Air: Global protective packaging incumbent (Bubble Wrap, Cryovac, SEE) with a broad portfolio that includes inflated and paper-based cushioning solutions. Competes with FLÖTER in the same B2B void-fill/ cushioning category, but at significantly larger scale.

Emerging players

• noissue: Sustainable packaging startup offering compostable mailers, tissue, and protective packaging to e-commerce brands. Comparable to FLÖTER's PlantWave/PaperWave sustainability positioning, though much smaller and focused on brand-facing packaging rather than fulfillment automation.

Others

• Shorr Packaging: US packaging distributor and integrator that resells and services protective packaging systems, including air cushion solutions. Comparable as a go-to-market channel in the US for the same end customers FLÖTER targets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100063737720696
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/floeter-verpackungs-service-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/floe_air_cushion
• Xx.com/FloeterUa

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FLÖTER Verpackungs