Beatrix Praeceptor, CEO of Greiner Packaging International, sees the packaging industry facing a fundamental transformation. At interpack 2026, the long-established Austrian company will be presenting concrete solutions for sustainable packaging under the motto „Driving the Circular Revolution“.
From Invitation to Drive
„A few years ago, we started with ‚Join the Circular Revolution‘. That was an invitation to all our partners along the value chain,“ explains Praeceptor. „We now see ourselves as drivers of this transformation.“ This development reflects the company's increased self-awareness, having operated as a family business for over 150 years.
Greiner Packaging is showcasing several World Star Packaging Award winners. The „Cubo“, for example, optimises logistics through its shape, allowing for 15 percent more cups per truck load. The „Click-in Sealing Lid“ reduces components and assures the consumer of a securely sealed container with an audible click.
K3 Series and the Eurovision Cycle
The K3 series, which combines cardboard and plastic, is particularly innovative. „The cardboard gives the product rigidity, allowing us to minimise the amount of plastic,“ explains Praeceptor. These self-separating packaging solutions received family certification from Recyclas.
A concrete example of a functioning circular economy is provided by the cooperation with OMV for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. „We have an Austrian closed-loop cooperation with the Austrian recycling agency,“ reports Praeceptor. The material is collected, sorted, re-granulated, and processed into new cups – with a chip to track the cycle.
Vision: Circular economy as an industrial standard by 2030
Praeceptor's vision for the future is clear: „My wish would be that by 2030 we no longer have to talk about the circular economy. It must become an industrial standard.“ She compares this to food safety – you are either compliant or not on the market.
Greiner Packaging is demonstrating that sustainable packaging solutions are already market-ready. The challenge now lies in widespread market introduction and establishing the circular economy as an inherent industry standard – not as a differentiator, but as an entry barrier.
