Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel

What Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel does

Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel GmbH & Co. KG (PKV) is a privately held, family-owned German paper and cardboard manufacturer founded in 1938 and headquartered in Varel, Lower Saxony. The company produces corrugated base papers (fluting and liner in white and brown) and cardboard grades (350–1,400 g/m²) exclusively from 100% recycled waste paper on four modern production lines — two paper machines (PM4, PM5) and two board machines (BM2, BM3) — yielding an annual capacity of approximately 970,000 tonnes, equivalent to roughly 10% of total German paper and board demand. Operations are vertically integrated with an in-house cogeneration plant (92% energy efficiency), a reject processing facility that converts plastic waste into fuel pellets, and a power-to-heat module that utilizes surplus wind electricity, supporting a roadmap targeting 42% Scope 1+2 CO2 reduction by 2031 and full climate neutrality by 2045.

PKV generates revenue through direct B2B sales of paper and cardboard to German (59%) and international (41%) packaging manufacturers who convert its materials into food, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, industrial, and e-commerce packaging. The company operates within the HZI Group, which bundles PKV with sister converters (Jade-Pack, Heynen Packaging, Wenner, Baypack, GHR Karton, 1punkt5), providing captive demand and integrated supply. Customer relationships typically span decades, and products are FSC-certified, EN 13430-compliant, and backed by ISO 9001/14001/22000/45001/50001 certifications, with EcoVadis Gold (2024, previously Platinum) recognition.

The business model is capital-intensive and feedstock-driven: roughly 3,300 tonnes of waste paper from 13 countries (≈90% within a 500 km radius) are processed daily. A seven-year €280 million strategy program funds quality, energy efficiency, and capacity expansion, complemented by up to €30 million in BIK federal-state climate protection funding for industrial heat pumps. Distribution combines direct truck delivery with container shipping via the adjacent JadeWeserPort and eco-friendly rail-ship / rail-truck combinations. PKV is led by Managing Directors Ralf Schu and Rolf Bauer, with ownership held by the Barthel Foundation and the Evers and Dieball families; principal shareholder Kristian Evers serves as public spokesperson.

Name

Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel

Legal name

Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://pkvarel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1938

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

PKV is a family-owned German manufacturer producing corrugated papers and cardboard from 100% recycled waste paper across four production lines at its Varel site, with 970,000 tonnes of annual capacity supplying packaging converters in Germany (59%) and internationally (41%).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Paper and Cardboard Manufacturing

NAICS

Paper Mills (322120)

SIC

Paper Mills (2621), Paperboard Mills (2631)

akta.pro primary industry

Recycled Containerboard (Testliner) Manufacturing (IMAMAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corrugating Medium (Virgin & Recycled) Manufacturing (IMAMAFAC)

Keywords

• Corrugated paper manufacturing
• Recycled cardboard production
• Linerboard fluting paper
• Industrial packaging materials
• Sustainable paper mill

Headquarters

HQ city

Varel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Paper and Cardboard Product Sales: PKV generates revenue through manufacturing and selling corrugated base papers (fluting and linerboard in white/brown) and cardboard (gray, brown, pigmented, white coated, and laminated grades) to the German and international packaging industry. Products are sold directly to packaging manufacturers as the core business.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel (PKV) manufactures corrugated base papers (fluting and linerboard in white/brown) and cardboard grades (gray, brown, pigmented, white coated, laminated) from 100% recycled waste paper. The company operates four modern production lines with an annual capacity of 970,000 tonnes, supplying the German and international packaging industry with sustainable packaging materials certified to ISO and FSC standards.

Product overview

Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel (PKV) operates as a paper and cardboard manufacturer producing sustainable packaging materials from recovered paper since 1950. The company operates four production lines (two paper machines and two board machines) with an annual capacity of 970,000 tonnes, producing 70% corrugated papers and 30% cardboard. The core product portfolio includes JadeBoard (gray/brown board), JadeWhite (white coated papers), JadeKraft (brown kraft liner), and JadeLiner/JadeWelle/JadeFlute (liner and fluting papers). Production assets include Paper Machine 4 and Paper Machine 5 for corrugated papers, and Board Machines 2 and 3 for cardboard grades in basis weights 350-1400 g/m². Supporting services include a Waste Paper Center for raw material collection and comprehensive logistics services including container shipping via JadeWeserPort. All products are FSC certified and 100% recyclable.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• JadeBoard: Cardboard product brand from PKV, including JadeBoard, JadeBoard Duo, and JadeBoard Pro variants.
• JadeLiner
• JadeWelle
• JadeFlute
• JadeKraft
• JadeWhite

Products and services

• Wellpappenpapiere (Corrugated Papers) Fluting and liner papers (white and brown) made from 100% recovered paper for corrugated board manufacturing; basis weights 100-170 g/m². Used by packaging manufacturers to produce corrugated packaging for food, consumer goods, industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, and online retail.
• Karton (Cardboard) Gray and brown board, pigmented, white coated, and laminated qualities in basis weights 350-1,400 g/m². Used for versatile packaging applications including food, hygiene, medical, consumer, and industrial goods packaging.
• JadeBoard Cardboard product brand from PKV produced from 100% recovered paper; available in JadeBoard, JadeBoard Duo, and JadeBoard Pro variants for packaging applications in food, hygiene, medical, consumer, and industrial goods sectors.
• JadeWhite / JadeWhite Classic White coated liner paper for high-quality corrugated board production with excellent printability; supports premium finishing such as embossing and hot foil stamping.
• JadeKraft Brown kraft liner paper for corrugated board production providing high strength and sustainability characteristics.
• JadeLiner / JadeWelle / JadeFlute Liner and fluting paper brands for corrugated board production. JadeLiner is available in white and brown varieties; JadeWelle and JadeFlute are fluting papers providing the wave/corrugating structure in cardboard.
• Waste Paper Center / Recycling Station Certified waste management facility (EfbV certified disposal facility) accepting waste paper, glass, and clothing for recycling; open Monday–Saturday 8:00–19:00. Secures raw material supply for production.
• Logistics Services Production and on-demand warehousing, container shipping via JadeWeserPort, and eco-friendly transport using truck-ship or truck-rail combinations; includes truck scheduling to minimize empty runs and waiting times.
• Career Portal Online job application portal with current vacancies, training programs (6 apprenticeship occupations), and information for students and professionals; functions as PKV's careers and recruiting platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% energy efficiency in cogeneration plant (vs. <50% for coal plants)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 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

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK)coreOthers · 20 January 2026Federal government approved BIK (Federal Industry and Climate Protection Program) funding for PKV's decarbonization project including large industrial heat pumps and high-temperature heat storage. Federal and state governments will jointly cover up to 22% of project costs, capped at €30 million.
• State of Lower SaxonycoreOthers · 20 January 2026State government jointly approved climate protection funding with federal government for PKV's decarbonization plans. Part of BIK program supporting industrial transformation in Lower Saxony.
• EWE NETZ and AvaconcoreTechnology or IntegrationGrid operators planning new high-performance power infrastructure including 110 kV grid branch and corresponding substation to support PKV's increased electricity needs for industrial heat pumps and decarbonization.
• EWEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in enera project testing power-to-heat module that converts surplus wind electricity into steam for paper production. Jointly presented climate protection module at Varel facility.
• HZI GruppecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPKV is a company of HZI Gruppe which combines efficient paper/board producers, converters, and packaging manufacturers. Parent company structure provides supply security and diverse raw material selection for customers.
• Jade-Pack GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company producing specialty papers that complement PKV's product range. Also cooperates on special solutions for demanding technical requirements in food and industrial goods packaging.
• Heynen PackagingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company (part of HZI Group) using Varel cardboard for packaging solutions including premium whisky packaging for William Grant brands like Glenfiddich.
• Immerbunt (Oldenburg)minorOthersEnvironmental initiative partner for PKV's biodiversity campaigns; with 50+ successfully implemented projects, Immerbunt supports long-term success of tree planting and biodiversity projects.
• Barthel FoundationcoreOthersFoundation established by company founder Hellmut Barthel; supports civil society and cultural diversity in the region; together with Evers and Dieball families forms company ownership basis.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Stora Enso: Finnish/Swedish forest products company producing paperboard, containerboard, and consumer packaging boards across European mills (Oulu, Heinola, Fors, Anjala) using virgin and recycled fibers. Comparable as a major European containerboard and folding-boxboard producer with similar sustainability positioning.
• Sappi Europe: South African/European paper manufacturer producing coated woodfree paper, dissolving pulp, and packaging board (solid bleached board, folding boxboard) at European mills (Ehingen, Maastricht, Gratkorn, Kirkniemi). Comparable as a major European paper producer competing for similar specialty paper and board customers.
• Mondi Group: UK-listed global paper and packaging manufacturer with significant European containerboard, kraft paper, and corrugated operations (Štětí, Świecie, Frantschach). Comparable as a major multi-segment player in PKV's core recycled containerboard markets and a direct competitor to PM5-equivalent assets.
• Smurfit Westrock: Irish/American global paper-based packaging manufacturer formed via the 2024 merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock; the world's largest paper-packaging company with extensive European containerboard, recycled fiber, and converting operations. Comparable as a broad incumbent with deep vertical integration across paper-to-customer supply chains.

Direct peers

• Gascogne Papier: French paper manufacturer specializing in recycled containerboard (testliner, fluting, kraft liner) and natural kraft papers from mills in southwestern France. Comparable as a European recycled-fibre containerboard peer of broadly similar capacity and product focus.
• Heinzel Group: Austrian paper and pulp group producing containerboard (semi-chemical fluting, testliner) and magazine paper across facilities in Austria, Germany, and Eastern Europe (Raubling, Laakirchen, Ezerelis). Comparable as a European containerboard peer of similar scale and recycled-fiber orientation.
• Reno de Medici (RDM Group): Italian-headquartered European producer of recycled-fiber packaging board (cartoncino, WLC, folding boxboard) with mills in Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. Comparable as a multi-site European recycled paperboard manufacturer serving converters.
• Mayr-Melnhof Karton: Austrian-listed manufacturer of recycled folding boxboard and solid bleached board for consumer and pharmaceutical packaging across multiple European mills. Comparable as a European paperboard producer with overlapping end-customers in food, pharma, and consumer goods.
• Klingele Papierwerke: German family-owned paper and packaging group producing containerboard (testliner and fluting) from 100% recycled paper at German paper mills and integrating forward into corrugated converting. Most directly comparable to PKV by location, single-country recycled-fiber base paper model, and product portfolio.

Regional players

• Palm Paper: UK-based paper manufacturer producing newsprint and recycled containerboard (testliner and fluting) from its Aylesford mill. Comparable as a European recycled containerboard producer serving the corrugated converter industry, albeit with primary UK geographic focus rather than German.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PKVarel

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries6 records

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 Papier und Kartonfabrik Varel