What PAPSTAR does

PAPSTAR is a privately held German manufacturer and wholesaler of disposable tableware, service packaging, and table-decoration products, with roots tracing back to an 1873 paper mill in Schleiden-Olef and a current headquarters in Kall, North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). The group is organized under the Austrian PAPSTAR Holding AG (Wattens) and operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries including PAPSTAR GmbH (distribution), PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH (circular economy services, founded 2019), PAPSTAR Service GmbH (POS merchandising and sales promotion), RICK Produktion GmbH, PPC Paper Print Converting GmbH (Austria), and Conpax Kartonnages B.V. (Netherlands), alongside sales subsidiaries in Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Croatia, Sweden, and Poland. The portfolio comprises over 5,000 consumable articles across three categories — disposable tableware and service packaging (with ~95% of SKUs from renewable raw materials such as wood, cardboard, sugarcane, palm leaf, bamboo, corn starch, and algae via Notpla), table top and room decoration (ROYAL Collection, DAILY Collection, soft selection nonwoven lines), and household/kitchen/care/hygiene (work-inn, medi-inn, STARPAK conventional disposables) — sourced from more than 200 production partners plus three in-house plants.

The company makes money primarily through B2B product sales to points of sale, cash-and-carry wholesalers, consumer and supermarket chains, specialist wholesalers, and direct customers across Europe, complemented by country-specific e-commerce storefronts (no minimum order, free shipping from €89) and tailored catalogue printing services. PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH layers a services revenue stream on top of the product business — encompassing consulting, supply of Oklin bio-converter composting machines (under exclusive German distribution rights from Oklin Global), the 'Zero Waste - Pure Pleasure' event circular-economy concept, and closed-loop recycling systems for PLA corn cups and uncoated paper cups that return secondary raw materials to production cycles. Distribution is anchored by a 130,000 sqm central warehouse in Kall with 70,000 pallet and 100,000 carton slots, a 15 Mercedes-Benz Actros fleet, and a ~400-person PAPSTAR Service GmbH field force handling merchandising and POS execution at retail accounts.

The customer base is distributed across HoReCa segments — gastronomy, catering, hospitality, sports venues (e.g., Kölner Haie ice hockey, SWD powervolleys Düren volleyball), and event operators — supplemented by SMB/individual buyers via e-commerce. The company publicly discloses no revenue or ARR; headcount stood at 916 group-wide (454 full-time, 462 part-time) as of December 31, 2025. Competitive positioning rests on a vertically integrated renewable-raw-materials portfolio, European-wide logistics, a stacked ESG/certification profile (EcoVadis Gold at 75/100, ISO 9001/14001/50001, FSC, PEFC, DIN EN 13432, ClimatePartner), 150-year heritage, and the only German circular-economy solution of its kind bundling disposables, bio-converter hardware, and recycling services into a single commercial offer.

Name

PAPSTAR

Legal name

PAPSTAR GmbH

Website

https://papstar.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

PAPSTAR is a privately held German manufacturer and wholesaler of disposable tableware, service packaging, and table-decoration products from renewable raw materials, serving HoReCa, retail, and event-catering customers across 10 European countries with 5,000+ articles, three in-house production sites, and integrated circular-economy recycling solutions via PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disposable Tableware & Service Packaging

NAICS

Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers (424130), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (333310)

SIC

Papers & Allied Products (2600), Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650), Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080), Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)

akta.pro primary industry

Napkins, Tableware & Foodservice Disposables (Plates, Cups, Cutlery) (CRADALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foodservice & Single-Use Plastic Packaging (Cups, Lids, Cutlery) Manufacturing (IMANAEAI), Foodservice/To-Go Packaging (Cups, Clamshells, Cutlery) (IMALAHAM), Disposables & Single-Use Foodservice Products Wholesale (AFAIALAC), Party & Entertaining Disposable Supplies (CRAJAGAL)

Keywords

• Disposable tableware
• Service packaging wholesale
• Renewable raw materials
• Circular economy solutions
• HoReCa supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Kall

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. B2B Product Sales (Disposables & Packaging): PAPSTAR sells over 5,000 consumable articles across three product categories (Disposable Tableware & Service Packaging, Table Top & Room Decoration, Household/Kitchen/Care & Hygiene) to B2B customers including points of sale, cash-and-carry wholesalers, consumer/supermarkets, specialist wholesalers, and direct customers across Europe. This constitutes the core revenue stream. Nearly 95% of articles in the Disposable Tableware category are made from renewable raw materials.
2. E-Commerce / Online Shop: PAPSTAR operates a comprehensive e-commerce platform (papstar-shop.de) selling products directly to customers with features including individual napkin printing, no minimum order value, free shipping from EUR 89, and delivery options including parcel and freight. This channel complements the B2B sales motion.
3. Solutions Services (Circular Economy): PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH (founded 2019 as a spin-off) generates revenue through consulting services, the sale and technical maintenance of Oklin bio-converter machines, event catering circular economy solutions (Zero Waste - Pure Pleasure), and material recovery and recycling services. The subsidiary manages complete value cycles including Beratung (consulting), Wareneinsatz (goods procurement), Kreislaufwirtschaft und Recycling (circular economy and recycling), and Kommunikation (communication).
4. Service Organization (POS Management): PAPSTAR Service GmbH provides field sales and POS services across Germany, including merchandising, shelf management, sales promotion, troubleshooting, and layout implementation for retail partners, serving approximately 400 field employees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

PAPSTAR manufactures and wholesales more than 5,000 disposable consumer articles organized into three product categories: disposable tableware and service packaging (plates, bowls, cups, cutlery from renewable raw materials such as wood, cardboard, sugarcane, palm leaf, bamboo, PLA corn starch, and agricultural residues); table top and room decoration (premium ROYAL Collection and DAILY Collection tissue napkins/tablecloths plus soft selection nonwoven tablecloths); and household/kitchen/care and hygiene products (work-inn, medi-inn). The company also operates PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH, providing circular economy solutions (Zero Waste - Pure Pleasure event concept, Oklin bio-converters, corn cup and paper cup recycling cycles) and PAPSTAR Service GmbH for in-store merchandising across Germany.

Product overview

PAPSTAR is a leading European supplier of disposable tableware, service packaging, and table decoration products with a portfolio of over 5,000 articles from more than 200 production facilities (including three internal production sites). The company organizes its offerings into three main product categories: (1) Disposable tableware and service packaging featuring products from renewable raw materials including wood, cardboard, sugarcane, palm leaf, bamboo, corn starch (PLA), and agricultural residues, with sub-brands like STARPAK for conventional materials; (2) Table top and room decoration encompassing the premium ROYAL Collection and everyday DAILY Collection of napkins and table linens, plus soft selection nonwoven products; and (3) Household, kitchen, care and hygiene products including work-inn work safety equipment and medi-inn medical gloves. Central to PAPSTAR's value proposition is its circular economy solutions through PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH, which offers the Zero Waste - Pure Pleasure event concept, corn cup and paper cup recycling programs, and Oklin bio-converter composting machines for fiber recovery. The company operates European-wide logistics and e-commerce platforms to serve points of sale, cash-and-carry wholesale, consumer supermarkets, and direct customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STARPAK: Sub-brand offering disposable tableware and service packaging from non-renewable materials including plastic, plastic composites, and aluminum.
• ROYAL Collection
• DAILY Collection
• work-inn
• medi-inn
• soft selection / soft selection+

Products and services

• Disposable Tableware & Service Packaging PAPSTAR's primary product line: plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery made from renewable raw materials such as wood, cardboard, sugarcane, palm leaf, bamboo, corn starch (PLA), and agricultural residues. Approximately 95% of products in this category are manufactured from renewable resources.
• STARPAK Sub-Brand (Conventional Disposable Tableware) Affordable disposable tableware and service packaging from non-renewable, primarily mineral oil-based raw materials including plastic, plastic composites, and aluminum. All products are recyclable through dual systems.
• ROYAL Collection (Premium Napkins & Table Linens) Premium line of fabric-like napkins, tablecloths, and table runners made from FSC-certified tissue quality materials. The collection offers 19 standard and trend colors with designs coordinated for professional hospitality settings.
• DAILY Collection (Everyday Tissue Napkins & Tableware) Everyday tissue napkin and tableware line made from FSC-certified, recyclable primary fibers in best tissue quality. Designed for daily use in HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) and consumer markets.
• soft selection / soft selection+ (Nonwoven Tablecloths) Wipe-clean, water-repellent (soft selection) and waterproof (soft selection+) tablecloths, table runners, place mats, and table sets made from polypropylene (PP) nonwoven materials. Color-matched to ROYAL Collection with tear-resistant properties.
• Notpla (Seaweed/Algae-Based Food Trays) Algae and seaweed-based snack trays and food containers with grease-resistant coating. Notpla products are naturally sourced, recyclable fresh fiber cardboard trays representing one of the fastest-growing renewable raw materials. PAPSTAR offers Notpla products (e.g., Foodtrays and Boxen) in its range.
• PLA Corn Starch Products Transparent, recyclable cold beverage cups and packaging materials made from Polylactide (PLA), derived from corn starch. Optically and functionally similar to conventional plastic but biodegradable per DIN EN 13432.
• Zero Waste - Pure Pleasure (Event Circular Economy Concept) Complete circular economy solution for catering tableware and cutlery at events. Includes consulting, product supply from renewable materials, circular economy and recycling services, and communication components to enable sustainable catering without waste.
• Corn Cup Cycle (PLA Cup Recycling) Recycling system for PLA corn starch-based transparent cups. Used cups are collected, returned, and recycled into secondary raw materials for producing new bio-based plastics used in automotive and other industries.
• Paper Cup Cycle (Uncoated Paper Cup Recycling) Recycling system for uncoated paper cups made from fresh fiber cardboard. Cups can be disposed in standard paper recycling bins and processed up to 25 times for paper fiber recovery into magazines, newspapers, notebooks, and cardboard packaging.
• Oklin Bio-Converter (Kompostiermaschine) Composting machines using patented microbiological technology to process organic waste and single-use products from renewable raw materials. Reduces volume by up to 90% within 24 hours through fiber extraction, producing cellulose-rich secondary raw materials. PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH holds exclusive German distribution rights.
• work-inn (Work Safety & Protection Equipment) Work safety and protection equipment brand including nitrile gloves rated for high-risk applications, protective clothing, and safety gear for professional use.
• medi-inn (Medical Examination Gloves) Medical examination gloves brand offering colored nitrile gloves and biodegradable nitrile glove options for healthcare and professional hygiene applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Volume reduction of up to 90% within 24 hours for compostable waste via Oklin bio-converters
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Oklin / Oklin Global / GGOK Bio-TechcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019PAPSTAR Solutions GmbH holds the exclusive German distribution rights for Oklin composting machines (bio-converters). These machines use patented microbiological technologies to decompose organic waste and disposable products from renewable raw materials, reducing volume by up to 90% in 24 hours and producing a cellulose-rich secondary raw material.
• Kölner Haie (Cologne Ice Hockey Club)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kölner Haie, founding club of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), use PAPSTAR catering products made from renewable raw materials at their training center. An on-site Oklin bio-converter processes used products into secondary raw materials. Joint sustainability initiatives include awareness campaigns.
• SWD powervolleys Düren (Volleyball Bundesliga)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SWD powervolleys Düren volleyball team partnered with PAPSTAR for a sustainability game day in Bundesliga Season 2024/2025. All cups at the arena were collected and recycled into a secondary raw material. Players and fans jointly promoted circular economy solutions.
• WWM GmbH & Co. KGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAPSTAR partners with WWM GmbH & Co. KG, a trade fair construction company based in Monschau, for the conceptualization and setup of trade fair booths. The long-standing relationship is characterized by ongoing exchange and innovation, with booth design adapted season by season.
• Ramboll (Environmental Consultancy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAPSTAR references Ramboll's life cycle assessment study 'Disposable vs. Reusable' (Ökobilanz 'Einweg vs. Mehrweg') to substantiate the claim that single-use packaging made from renewable raw materials can perform better than reusable solutions in many areas. This study informs PAPSTAR's circular economy messaging.
• RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAPSTAR's certified candle assortment uses palm oil from RSPO-certified sources. The RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) was founded on the initiative of WWF to promote sustainable palm oil cultivation methods. PAPSTAR's candle products comply with RSPO certification requirements.
• DEKRA Certification GmbHminorOthersDEKRA certifies PAPSTAR GmbH for DIN EN ISO 9001 (Quality Management), DIN EN ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and DIN EN ISO 50001 (Energy Management) for the scope of 'Vertrieb, Logistikmanagement und Servicedienstleistungen für Nonfood-Warenkonzepte' at the Kall location.
• UN Global Compact (UNGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAPSTAR joined the United Nations Global Compact and commits to the ongoing support and continuous improvement of the ten universal principles regarding human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. This aligns with the company's sustainability positioning and Agenda 2030 goals.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Coveris: European flexible and rigid packaging manufacturer with foodservice packaging lines including paper-based tableware and cups. Directly comparable in product categories and European B2B/retail customer overlap.
• Sabert Corporation: US-based manufacturer of sustainable and innovative foodservice packaging, including compostable and recyclable tableware. Comparable in fiber-based and bio-based disposable product ranges serving the HoReCa channel.
• Huhtamäki: Finnish-listed global manufacturer of foodservice and consumer goods packaging, including paper and plastic disposable tableware. Directly comparable in product mix (cups, plates, tableware), European B2B distribution, and sustainable fiber-based offerings.
• Duni Group: Swedish-listed supplier of disposable tableware, napkins, and table-top concepts to the HoReCa sector across Europe. Closely comparable in premium napkin/table-cover positioning (e.g., Dunilino/Elegance) and foodservice distribution footprint.

Emerging players

• Vegware: UK-based specialist in compostable foodservice packaging made from plant-based materials. Comparable in sustainable/renewable disposable tableware positioning, with a narrower geographic reach and product focus.
• Notpla: UK-based maker of seaweed/algae-based packaging and edible films. Already a partner brand carried by PAPSTAR (Foodtrays, Boxes); comparable as an emerging sustainable-packaging innovator intersecting PAPSTAR's portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Pactiv Evergreen: North-American-headquartered foodservice and beverage packaging giant with a broad portfolio of disposable cups, lids, containers, and tableware. Comparable in product categories but at significantly larger scale and with a more plastic-centric mix.
• De Ster / Berry Global (HHS): Berry Global's foodservice and tableware portfolio (including De Ster and the former Huhtamäki Foodservice Europe) covers paper, plastic, and compostable plates and bowls. Comparable in foodservice disposables and European distribution.
• Sealed Air: Global packaging solutions company with foodservice and protective packaging divisions. Overlaps in disposable foodservice packaging, sustainability positioning, and circular economy initiatives, but operates at a much broader scale.

Regional players

• Weita AG: Swiss-based sales partner and distributor of disposable tableware and hygiene products, already a wholly-owned PAPSTAR subsidiary. Comparable as a regional DACH foodservice/wholesale supplier.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/papstarpure
• Facebookfacebook.com/PAPSTARinternational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/papstar-gmbh

Compliance13 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries14 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 PAPSTAR