LSD

What LSD does

LSD GmbH (Lettern Service Düsseldorf) is a second-generation, family-owned German packaging and media production company founded in 1965 and headquartered in Düsseldorf, with a secondary production site in Hamburg and a Belgian subsidiary (jointMedia nv, Pittem). The company operates an integrated full-service model spanning packaging design, technical artwork and final artwork (Reinzeichnung), in-house dummy and mock-up production under the pack-art® brand, print production (offset, digital, screen, UV offset, flexo, gravure) with finishing (hot foil, UV varnish, embossing), and digital solutions including augmented reality (snoopstar), QR-code-based Digital Product Passport integration (myPackaging with myMIM and GS1 Digital Link), and marketing workflow software (myWorkflow®) with an extensive module ecosystem.

Underpinning this is a substantial proprietary technology stack: the myWorkflow® platform links locations, clients, and service providers across prepress, marketing, and sales workflows; snoopstar and the 'snooperator' tool deliver AR content configuration; and myPackaging provides a DPP/QR/AR data routing layer aligned with GS1 standards. LSD holds over 25 registered trademarks covering these platforms and sub-brands. The company also operates the cool artwork creative unit, jointMedia for digital transformation, ID-CIRCLE event venues, and the LSD Campus training center.

LSD monetizes through custom, project-based B2B pricing with multi-year contracts, combining professional services revenue (artwork, dummies, print, finishing) with recurring/subscription revenue (myWorkflow licenses, snoopstar Trusted Partner agreements, DPP implementations) and workshop fees. Its primary customer segments are enterprise brand owners in FMCG/beauty/food/household care (notably Henkel, Bübchen, Bayer historically) and design agencies (Peter Schmidt Group and similar), which act as channel partners referring production work. GTM combines direct enterprise sales, agency referrals, and heavy industry-event presence (drupa, Fachpack, Digital X, Print & Digital Convention, and the company's own DESIGN MEETS INDUSTRY flagship).

Name

LSD

Legal name

LSD GmbH

Website

https://lsd.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LSD GmbH is a second-generation, family-owned German packaging and media production company offering full-service artwork, dummy, print, and digital packaging (AR, DPP) services primarily to enterprise FMCG/beauty brand owners and design agencies across Germany and Belgium.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Packaging Production Services

NAICS

Packaging and Labeling Services (561910), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191)

SIC

Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

E-Signature & Digital Transaction Management (DTM) (HDAEAGAF)

Keywords

• Packaging design services
• Media production services
• Augmented reality packaging
• Digital product passport
• Dummy mock-up production

Headquarters

HQ city

Düsseldorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Packaging Design and Production Services: Full-service packaging production from design concept support through final print-ready artwork, dummy production, and print. Revenue generated through project-based professional services. Clients include agencies (as execution partner) and direct brand owners. Services span artwork/final artwork, printing (offset, digital, screen), finishing, dummy/mock-up production, and digital solutions.
2. Digital Solutions (AR, DPP, Software): Revenue from augmented reality platform snoopstar, Digital Product Passport (DPP) solutions, and marketing resource management software (myWorkflow®). Sold as platform licenses, implementation services, and ongoing subscription/access arrangements. Targets brand owners seeking digital packaging and marketing process optimization.
3. Workshops and Training: LSD Campus offers workshops, onboarding programs, and training sessions for marketing/brand management staff on packaging solutions, printing techniques, and digital packaging topics. Revenue generated through workshop fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

LSD is a full-service packaging and media production company offering end-to-end packaging solutions from concept through production. The company delivers packaging design, technical artwork (Reinzeichnung), dummy/mock-up production, printing and finishing services, as well as digital solutions including augmented reality, QR code integration, and Digital Product Passport (DPP) implementation. Operations are supported by proprietary software platforms including myWorkflow® for marketing workflow management, myPackaging for DPP/QR integration, and snoopstar for AR-enabled brand experiences.

Product overview

LSD (Lettern Service Düsseldorf GmbH) is a full-service packaging and media production company founded in 1965, offering an integrated portfolio from design concept through final production. The core offering encompasses packaging design, artwork and final artwork services, mock-up/dummy production, digital solutions (including AR, QR codes, and digital product passports), printing production, and content/asset management. Key proprietary platforms include myWorkflow® (marketing software), myPackaging (digital product passport ecosystem), and snoopstar (augmented reality technology). The company operates sub-brands including cool artwork (creative), jointMedia (digital transformation), and pack-art® (dummy production), all under a unified holding structure with locations in Düsseldorf (headquarters) and Hamburg.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• cool artwork: Creative unit transforming brands into experiences; develops campaigns, logos, packaging, point-of-sale materials, influencer boxes, websites, apps
• snoop it! / snoopstar
• jointMedia
• myWorkflow
• ID-CIRCLE
• pack-art
• myPackaging
• myMIM
• LSD Campus

Products and services

• Packaging Design Comprehensive packaging design services from concept through production, developed in partnership with design agencies and brand owners for innovative packaging solutions.
• Full Service Artwork and Final Artwork (Reinzeichnung) Technical artwork services including prepress, final artwork preparation, color management, and quality control to produce print-ready files for packaging production. Adapts designs across varieties, formats, and language regions.
• pack-art® Dummy and Mock-up Production High-quality prototypes and dummies for presentations, TV shoots, and consumer tests. Capabilities include offset, screen, and digital printing; specialty coatings; finishing such as UV varnish, soft-touch, embossing, and hot foil; supports one-off to small-run production.
• Print Production and Finishing Full printing and finishing services including offset, digital, UV offset, flexo, screen, and gravure printing, along with refinements like hot foil stamping, UV varnishing, and holography.
• snoopstar / snoop it! Augmented Reality Platform

Quantifiable outcome

• Save up to 40% in time through centralized marketing information management and automated production processes
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GS1 GermanycoreTechnology or Integration · 4 September 2025GS1 Germany participates in the DESIGN MEETS INDUSTRY panel on 2D codes, Digital Product Passports, and AR alongside snoopstar. GS1 provides the standards framework (GS1 Digital Link) for DPP implementation. Critical partnership for DPP and QR code standardization in packaging.
• Peter Schmidt GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 September 2025The Peter Schmidt Group (renowned brand design agency) provided packaging designs for the Somat relaunch project executed by LSD. Represents the core agency partner model where LSD serves as production execution partner for design agencies.
• Print & Digital ConventionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 May 2023LSD and snoopstar participate as exhibitors and presenters at the Print & Digital Convention in Düsseldorf. Jürgen Hein (LSD) and Thilo Reichert (snoopstar) present on print with added value, multichannel marketing, and digital integration at the industry convention.
• Verband Druck + Medien Nord-WestminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2023LSD and snoopstar co-hosted the 'Printhouse Talk' event with Verband Druck + Medien Nord-West, Impressed, and Zaikio. Event focused on web-based data management, AR as a marketing tool, and digital transformation in print and media production.
• ImpressedminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2023Impressed co-hosted the Printhouse Talk at LSD alongside Verband Druck + Medien Nord-West, snoopstar, and Zaikio, focusing on digital transformation in print production and marketing workflows.
• ZaikiominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2023Zaikio co-hosted the Printhouse Talk at LSD alongside Verband Druck + Medien Nord-West, Impressed, and snoopstar. Focused on digital data management and open workflow standards in media production.
• f:mp (Fachverband Medienproduktion)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022f:mp hosted its annual Tech Innovation Circle event at LSD in Düsseldorf, presenting three technologies with high potential for media production: NFT, blockchain, and augmented reality. Positioning LSD as a thought leader and venue partner.
• bayern designminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022snoopstar was invited by bayern design and NürnbergMesse to the Fachpack special show, demonstrating how print and packaging come to life with AR and how augmented reality creates unique customer and brand experiences.
• LEIPA GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022LEIPA Group (market leader for environmentally friendly paper and packaging solutions) invited snoopstar to present daily at Fachpack, bridging print to digital and demonstrating how AR enhances sustainable packaging communication.
• cool artworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partnercool artwork is the creative unit operating under the LSD GmbH umbrella. It transforms brands into experiences through impactful campaigns, logos, packaging, point-of-sale materials, influencer boxes, websites, and apps. Operates as an internal creative agency with short decision paths and integrated production capabilities within the LSD group.
• snoopstar / snoop it!coreStrategic or Co-development Partnersnoopstar is the award-winning AR platform developed and operated by LSD. It connects print with digital interactivity via QR codes and AR, transforming every printed product into a multimedia experience. The platform includes 'snooperator' for customized AR content configuration. Used for Digital Product Passports, brand experiences, and interactive packaging. Pre-launched 2018, full launch 2019. Led by Thilo Reichert (CGO).
• jointMediacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerjointMedia supports digital transformation with expertise in AR, VR, and e-commerce solutions. Founded 2014 as jointMedia nv (Pittem, Belgium) and jointMedia Deutschland GmbH (2016). An agile team helping clients optimize business processes and implement state-of-the-art digital project ideas. Integrated as a core member of the LSD network.
• myWorkflow®coreTechnology or IntegrationmyWorkflow is the proprietary marketing workflow software of LSD, offering efficient planning, structured media management, and consistent project execution. Platform links locations, clients, and service providers worldwide. Includes extensive module ecosystem (myProjects, myPublish, myMedia, myMIM, myPIM, myCorrections, myTranslations, etc.). Licensed directly to enterprise clients and agencies.
• ID-CIRCLEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerID-CIRCLE provides flexible event spaces and inspiring environments for workshops, creative meetings, seminars, and industry events. Used by LSD for client workshops, team events, and the LSD Campus training sessions. Partners with LSD for venue and event collaboration.
• drupa touchpoint packagingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLSD and snoopstar are partners of drupa touchpoint packaging, transforming the exclusive forum into an interactive experience world at Messe Düsseldorf. Showcases AR packaging, digital solutions, interactive content, and future POS concepts. Keynotes presented on May 29 and June 2, 2024.
• Deutsche Telekom (TechBoost / snoopstar)minorGTM or Marketing Partnersnoopstar participates as TechBoost partner of Deutsche Telekom at Digital X, Europe's leading digitalization initiative. Deutsche Telekom's TechBoost program supports innovative technology companies with marketing visibility and community access, positioning snoopstar as a digital innovation partner.
• MONIN Deutschland GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMONIN Deutschland GmbH collaborated with snoopstar (Thilo Reichert, CGO) at Print & Digital Convention 2023 to present the interplay between digital and analog communication, demonstrating how premium food/beverage brands can use AR-enhanced print for brand experiences with added value.
• Marketing Club DüsseldorfminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing Club Düsseldorf hosted an event at LSD facilities, featuring Wolf Schäfer (zwoelf consulting) and Thilo Reichert (snoopstar) on brand storytelling, AR, and experience branding. Klaus and Chris Finken (LSD CEOs) hosted the event.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Peter Schmidt Group: Peter Schmidt Group is one of Germany's leading brand design agencies, known for packaging design for major FMCG clients including Henkel. It is directly comparable to LSD both as a channel partner (referring production work) and as a packaging design competitor for end clients.
• Esko (Veralto): Esko is the leading global provider of prepress, artwork, and structural design software for the packaging industry, including ArtPro and Automation Engine. It is directly comparable to LSD as a specialized supplier of packaging artwork tools and prepress workflow for brand owners and converters.
• WoodWing: WoodWing provides multi-channel publishing, digital asset management, and content workflow software widely used in publishing and brand-driven packaging production. Its Studio and Enterprise platforms overlap directly with LSD's myWorkflow and myPublish capabilities for managed content workflows.
• Bynder: Bynder is a leading digital asset management (DAM) and brand portal platform used by enterprise marketing teams to centralize assets, manage approvals, and distribute content globally. It is directly comparable to LSD's myWorkflow/myMedia/myApprovals software stack for marketing workflow and asset management.
• Aprimo: Aprimo is an enterprise marketing resource management (MRM) platform that orchestrates marketing planning, content operations, and digital asset workflows. It competes directly with LSD's myWorkflow suite for marketing operations software at large brand owners.
• Zappar: Zappar is an augmented reality platform focused on packaging, print, and product visualization, including QR-triggered AR experiences and 3D model delivery. It competes directly with snoopstar for AR-driven brand experiences on physical packaging.

Broad incumbents

• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen is a German global market leader in printing presses, software, and services for the commercial and packaging printing industry. As a broad incumbent it sits upstream of LSD's print production services and competes in the broader German print and packaging ecosystem.
• Smurfit Kappa: Smurfit Kappa is a global paper-based packaging leader offering design, manufacturing, and supply of corrugated and consumer packaging at industrial scale. It is a broad incumbent in the packaging value chain that overlaps with LSD's packaging design and print production services for large CPG customers.
• Serviceplan Group: Serviceplan Group is Europe's largest independent communications and marketing group, with integrated brand, digital, and content capabilities. It is a broad incumbent comparable to LSD's integrated brand-and-packaging offering for enterprise clients across multiple touchpoints.
• Amcor: Amcor is a global packaging manufacturer with extensive flexible and rigid plastic packaging operations serving healthcare, food, and consumer goods customers. As a broad incumbent, it offers integrated design-to-production services that partially overlap with LSD's packaging and digital solutions offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lsd-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/lsdgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries8 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 LSD