richter & hess PACKAGING SERVICE

What richter & hess PACKAGING SERVICE does

richter & hess PACKAGING SERVICE is a German B2B manufacturer and trader of industrial and dangerous goods packaging solutions, headquartered in Chemnitz, Saxony, and operating across five production and logistics sites (Chemnitz, Elterlein, Meerane, Hartmannsdorf, Bitterfeld). Founded in 1990 and managed by Hans Ulrich Richter and Johannes Graf, the company operates through two legal entities — richter & heß VERPACKUNGS-SERVICE GmbH (the primary trading entity) and richter & heß INDUSTRIE- und GEFAHRGUTVERPACKUNGS GmbH (focused on industrial and dangerous goods packaging) — and serves industrial companies, chemical and pharmaceutical handlers, and recyclers rather than private consumers.

The core technology is corrugated cardboard (Wellpappe) processing extended to a comprehensive hazardous-goods packaging portfolio: corrugated and solid-board cartons, steel and plastic drums, canisters, IBC containers, big bags, underground-landfill (UTD) packaging, medical-waste packaging, oil and chemical absorbents, danger labels, transport/handling equipment, and storage systems for water-polluting liquids. A differentiating technical asset is the in-house BAM-recognized Prüf- und Inspektionsstelle (testing and inspection station) — recognized by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung — which performs prototype type-testing for 4G/4GV corrugated boxes and combination IBC type 31HA1 and supports a reconditioning/take-back service for drums and IBCs. Supporting capabilities include custom packaging engineering, an online carton configurator (FEFCO-based), FSC chain-of-custody sourcing, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, and a Karopacks sustainable paper-cushion product co-developed with Diamant.

The business model combines one-time product sales (standard catalog via a DACH B2B e-commerce shop with a €25 minimum order and €15 small-quantity surcharge below €100) with custom engineering and manufacturing services, quote-based pricing for large volumes, and a recurring reconditioning/inspection service for industrial packaging. Go-to-market is sales-led and B2B, leveraging inside sales, field sales, trade fair participation (JEC World, Kooperationsbörse Erzgebirge), regional networking, and association memberships (BDVI, FIRE e.V.), supported by digital channels including website, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), newsletter, and the carton configurator. Named anchor customers include Diamant (25+ year partnership for bicycle packaging) and Freiberger Werkstätten (sheltered-workshop supplier partnership); broader demand comes from industrial and hazardous-goods companies across the DACH region.

Name

richter & hess PACKAGING SERVICE

Legal name

richter & heß VERPACKUNGS-SERVICE GmbH

Website

https://richter-hess.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

richter & hess PACKAGING SERVICE is a Chemnitz-based German B2B manufacturer of industrial and dangerous goods packaging — corrugated boxes, drums, IBCs, and certified UN packaging — backed by a BAM-recognized testing lab, serving industrial, chemical, and pharmaceutical customers across the DACH region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial and Hazardous Goods Packaging Manufacturing

NAICS

Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing (322219), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191)

SIC

Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650), Metal Shipping Barrels, Drums, Kegs & Pails (3412), Metal Cans (3411)

akta.pro primary industry

Hazardous Materials & UN-Certified Transport Packaging (Dangerous Goods Packaging) (IMALAFAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corrugated Packaging & Boxes (RSC, die-cut, bulk bins) (IMAMAHAA), Hazardous Materials & UN-Certified Bulk Packaging (IMALAGAH), Hazmat Packaging, Labeling, Placarding & DG Documentation Services (TLACANAK), Chemical Drum, IBC & Packaged Chemical Warehousing (TLALAHAI)

Keywords

• Industrial packaging manufacturing
• Hazardous goods packaging
• Corrugated cardboard packaging
• UN-certified dangerous goods packaging
• Packaging testing inspection services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chemnitz

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Packaging Product Sales: Sale of standard and custom packaging products including corrugated boxes, dangerous goods packaging, drums, canisters, IBC containers, big bags, and related accessories through an e-commerce B2B portal and direct sales.
2. Custom Packaging Engineering & Manufacturing: Custom design and manufacturing of customer-specific packaging solutions. Experienced engineers analyze requirements with customers and create variants for packaging design and material selection prior to series production.
3. Reconditioning / Rücknahme (Reconditioning & Take-Back): Reconditioning of drums and IBCs, cleaning, repainting (for steel drums), and return to circulation. Includes inspection and certification services. BAM-recognized for reconditioning of large packaging.
4. Testing and Inspection Services: BAM-recognized testing and inspection station performs prototype testing and inspections for dangerous goods packaging. Provides certification services for packaging types 4G/4GV and combination IBC type 31HA1.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

richter & hess VERPACKUNGS-SERVICE GmbH manufactures and distributes industrial and hazardous goods packaging made primarily from corrugated and solid cardboard, along with steel and plastic containers (drums, canisters, IBCs, big bags), specialty packaging for medical waste and underground landfill disposal, and storage systems for water-polluting liquids. The portfolio is complemented by in-house services covering custom packaging engineering, manufacturing, BAM-certified testing and inspection, kitting, storage/logistics, and reconditioning/take-back. Customers order through a B2B online shop, an online carton configurator, or direct sales contact.

Product overview

richter & heß PACKAGING SERVICE operates as a manufacturer and trader of industrial and hazardous goods packaging solutions, comprising two entities: richter & heß VERPACKUNGS-SERVICE GmbH and richter & heß INDUSTRIE- und GEFAHRGUTVERPACKUNGS GmbH. The product portfolio centers on environmentally friendly circular packaging from renewable raw materials (corrugated cardboard packaging) complemented by a comprehensive range of industrial and hazardous goods containers including steel and plastic drums, canisters, IBC containers, and specialized packaging for medical waste and underground landfill. Supporting services include custom packaging design and engineering, in-house production, BAM-certified testing and inspection services for dangerous goods packaging, assembly and kitting, storage and logistics, and reconditioning/take-back programs. The company also provides an online B2B shop and a cardboard configurator tool for custom specifications. The portfolio spans from core corrugated and hazardous goods packaging through to transport equipment, storage systems, and sustainability-focused solutions like Karopacks paper cushion pads.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kartonagen aus Well- und Vollpappe Cardboard and solid-board packaging products made from corrugated and solid cardboard for industrial and consumer-goods customers, including custom configurations via the company's online carton configurator.
• Gefahrgutverpackungen aus Wellpappe UN-certified hazardous goods packaging manufactured from corrugated cardboard for the safe transport and storage of dangerous goods; BAM-recognized production and type testing at the company's Prüf- und Inspektionsstelle.
• Fässer, Trommeln, Kanister, Eimer, Flaschen, Dosen Industrial containers including steel and plastic drums, canisters, buckets, bottles, and cans for industrial and hazardous goods handling.
• Großverpackungen (IBC and large containers) Large-format packaging including Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) for bulk storage and transport, with associated reconditioning services.
• Säcke und Inliner aus Kunststoff sowie Ständersysteme Plastic sacks, inliners, and rack/stand systems for industrial packaging applications and container dispensing setups.
• Big Bags und Gewebesäcke Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs / Big Bags) and woven sacks for bulk-material handling and storage.
• Untertagedeponie (UTD)-Verpackungen Specialized packaging solutions designed for the underground landfill disposal of hazardous materials.
• Verpackungen für medizinische Abfälle Packaging solutions designed for the safe containment, transport, and disposal of medical waste.
• Aufsaugmittel für Öle und Chemikalien Absorbent materials (binders, mats, socks) used to contain oil and chemical spills in industrial settings.
• Gefahrenlabel und Kennzeichnung Danger labels and marking products for hazardous-goods identification and regulatory compliance labeling.
• Transport- und Handlinggeräte Drum grippers, drum lifters, drum carts, and similar handling/transport equipment for the safe movement of barrels and industrial containers.
• Lagersysteme für wassergefährdende Flüssigkeiten Storage systems for water-polluting liquids, including steel and plastic containment basins, drum cabinets, hazardous-substance cabinets, and rack systems.
• Konstruktion (Custom Packaging Engineering) Custom packaging design and engineering service in which experienced engineers analyze customer requirements, develop variants for packaging design and material selection, and provide samples before series production.
• Prüf- und Inspektionsstelle (BAM-Certified Testing and Inspection) BAM-recognized testing and inspection services for dangerous goods packaging, including prototype type testing of corrugated 4G/4GV boxes and combination IBC type 31HA1, plus certification inspections.
• Rekonditionierung / Rücknahme (Reconditioning & Take-Back) Reconditioning and take-back service for drums and IBCs: cleaning, repainting (steel drums), inspection, certification, and return to circulation; BAM-recognized for reconditioning of large packaging.
• Verpackungsset (Pre-Configured Packaging Sets) Pre-configured packaging sets offered through the B2B online shop, combining compatible cans, bottles, canisters, and cartons for fast ordering.
• Karopacks Paper Cushion Padding Paper-based cushion padding for bicycle and industrial packaging, filled with shredded corrugated-board waste instead of foam, developed jointly with Diamant; the solution saves up to 7.5 tonnes of foam annually.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cetex Institut gGmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2025Co-exhibited together at JEC World 2025 in Paris (world's largest trade fair for fiber-reinforced materials) alongside TU Chemnitz and other partners, representing Saxony and Chemnitz as European Capital of Culture 2025. Richter & heß contributed a Karl Marx head made from corrugated cardboard to the trade fair booth.
• TU Chemnitz — Professur Strukturleichtbau & KunststoffverarbeitungcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the Bio-Fassade 'NFK-Bio LIGHT' project — a multifunctional facade system using natural fiber-reinforced plastic with a corrugated cardboard core — awarded recognition at the Sächsischer Staatspreis für Baukultur 2019.
• Fiber-Tech Construction GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Bio-Fassade 'NFK-Bio LIGHT' project, contributing expertise in fiber-reinforced construction materials.
• DiamantcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner25+ year partnership. Developed the Karopacks (paper cushion padding) for bicycle packaging, using shredded corrugated cardboard waste in place of foam. The innovation saves up to 7.5 tonnes of foam annually and is produced on Diamant's machines. Richter & heß supplies corrugated cardboard boxes for Diamant bicycle packaging.
• Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum ChemnitzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organized and hosted the event 'Digitalisierung in der Produktion – Nachrüstung und Datenerfassung an Bestandsmaschinen' with IHK Chemnitz in July 2022. Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum provides digitalization support and expertise.
• IHK ChemnitzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organized digitalization event with Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Chemnitz and hosted company visit in July 2022. Also involved in organizing the Kooperationsbörse Zulieferindustrie Erzgebirge.
• Freiberger WerkstättencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership (many years) for cardboard processing and other services. Freiberger Werkstätten provides high-quality work and a wide variety of services. The partnership represents a commitment to social inclusion and lived diversity.
• Spedition SemmerminorOthersSpedition Semmer established its own company forest to improve air quality and offset CO2 emissions. Richter & heß is a proud tree sponsor and member of #teamsemmer, participating in environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Bund Deutscher Verpackungsingenieure e.V. (BDVI)minorOthersMembership ensures that the company's engineers and all other employees are firmly anchored in the packaging industry, keeping them connected to industry standards, developments, and professional networks.
• FIRE e.V. (Freiberger Interessengemeinschaft der Recycling- und Entsorgungsunternehmen)minorOthersRichter & heß is a member of FIRE e.V. and hosted a Fachkongress (expert excursion) for members at its facilities in October 2022, presenting the BAM-certified testing station and production facilities.
• Wirtschaftsförderung Erzgebirge GmbH (WFE)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of the annual Kooperationsbörse Zulieferindustrie Erzgebirge, a key regional networking event for businesses, institutions, and organizations to form partnerships and develop innovative projects.
• ErzgebirgskreisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of the Kooperationsbörse Zulieferindustrie Erzgebirge, supporting regional economic and innovation strength.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA: Global market leader in industrial packaging, particularly steel and composite IBCs and drum manufacturing. Comparable to richter & heß in the dangerous goods and industrial bulk packaging segments, and similarly offers reconditioning/take-back services and certified DG solutions.
• Mauser Packaging Solutions: Major global supplier of industrial packaging including steel/plastic drums, IBCs, and reconditioning services, with deep dangerous goods expertise. Directly comparable to richter & heß across the product portfolio and DG-certified offering.
• Greif, Inc. Global industrial packaging producer of steel, plastic, and fibre drums and IBCs, with a sizeable reconditioning business. Overlaps with richter & heß on UN-certified containers, reconditioning, and hazardous goods customers.
• Nefab Group: Engineered packaging specialist focused on dangerous goods and industrial export packaging with operations in Europe including Germany. Comparable offering of certified DG packaging, custom engineering, and engineered wood/corrugated solutions.

Broad incumbents

• Smurfit Kappa Group: One of Europe's largest corrugated packaging manufacturers with broad product portfolio spanning paper-based packaging, including hazardous goods applications. Much larger and more diversified than richter & heß, but competes in corrugated DG packaging.
• Mondi Group: European paper and packaging major producing corrugated, paper-based industrial packaging, and flexible packaging. Significantly larger than richter & heß, but overlaps on corrugated boxes and sustainable industrial packaging.
• DS Smith Plc: International packaging group focused on corrugated and sustainable packaging solutions with significant European footprint. Comparable in corrugated packaging and increasingly in sustainable/certified industrial formats.
• Jokey Group: German-headquartered plastic packaging manufacturer specializing in rigid containers (pails, canisters, IBCs) for industrial and consumer markets. Comparable to richter & heß on plastic canisters and containers, particularly for hazardous goods and chemical applications.

Regional players

• MAPAL Dr. Aug. Schmitz GmbH & Co. KG: German-based manufacturer of special industrial and hazardous goods packaging with corrugated and wooden formats. Closely comparable mid-sized German competitor with similar UN-certified DG packaging focus.
• Zippel Packaging GmbH: German manufacturer of drums, canisters, and IBC containers for industrial and hazardous goods applications. Directly overlaps with richter & heß in metal/plastic industrial containers and DG-certified offering.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookde-de.facebook.com/richter.und.hess.Verpackungen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/36652061
• Instagraminstagram.com/richter.hess

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 richter & hess PACKAGING SERVICE