We have been working alongside the paper industry for over 150 years: Progress can only be achieved through change and joint dialog. In order to meet the constant challenges together, we need open forms of exchange and a clear, common voice in political communication. This is why we were both a participant and sponsor of the BayPapier annual conference this year.

The event provided plenty of valuable impetus, information and innovation. It was therefore a complete success for us. As well as the presentation by Dr. Martin Zehl, who highlighted the key tasks facing the paper industry. His message: For a sustainable future and a functioning circular economy, the path must lead to monomaterials. An appeal that goes far beyond the paper industry - and speaks directly to us as suppliers to the sector. We will be presenting the answer to this in the upcoming weeks with exciting insights into the mono-material approach in the field of doctor blades. 

Team- and innovative spirit

Another highlight of the conference was the Paper Challenge 2025 - a project that combined team spirit and the joy of innovation and from which it became particularly clear: the next generation is ready and they think paper-strong! Nadine Schünzel (State Institute for School Quality and Education), Michaela Ertl (Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH) and Patrick Zens (BayPapier) presented the Paper Challenge 2025, a project that shows how young talents bring the material paper to life with creativity and technical know-how. In just 2 hours of intensive teamwork, impressive paper bridges were created. Functional and, above all, resilient, resulting in a paper bridge that could withstand 720 kg! The message is clear: if we encourage team spirit and give young people space to create, they will not only build bridges out of paper - but also bridges to a sustainable, innovative future.

The future and staying power

In addition to innovation and young talent, uncomfortable truths were also openly addressed at the end of the conference. Jürgen Schaller (Chairman of the Management Board) spoke openly about the growing challenges facing the German paper industry, where production figures are rising - but turnover is not. The result? Site closures, which not only affect companies, but also people. The packaging tax and the water cent were also criticized. This is why politicians are being called upon to create reliable framework conditions and maintain competitiveness in Germany by reducing bureaucracy and ensuring competitive energy prices.  Anyone who wants value creation, innovation and sustainability must also create the framework conditions for this, because we stand by the industry! We would like to thank BayPapier, all the speakers and the participants for the open and constructive discussion. The BayPapier annual conference has shown us how important collaboration, innovation and a clear political position are for the future of our industry.

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