The Folding Box Industry Association (FFI) has elected Matthias Bauer as the new spokesperson for its board. The managing partner of Druckerei Bauer GmbH succeeds Andreas Helbig, who held the position. with a brief interruption seven years. According to the association, Bauer particularly wants to strengthen the competitiveness of the German folding box industry.
The election took place during the FFI's Ordinary General Meeting on 18 and 19 June 2026 in Travemünde. Matthias Bauer is the managing partner of Druckerei Bauer GmbH in Pfedelbach near Öhringen and has been running the family business in the third generation since 2013. The company produces folding boxes under the brand „db bauer packaging“ and specialises in packaging for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and automotive industries.
Competitiveness as a focus
According to the FFI, Bauer wants to further develop the association as a platform for exchange, knowledge transfer and lobbying. At the same time, the competitiveness of the German folding box industry should be strengthened.
„I am very pleased about the trust of my board colleagues and about the new task. Our industry is facing major economic and regulatory challenges. This makes a strong association even more important, one that offers guidance, pools interests, and promotes exchange. Together, we want to continue the successful work of the FFI and set important impulses for the future.“
Matthias Bauer
The sector remains under economic pressure.
During the annual conference, the association also highlighted the economic situation of the industry. According to the report, the market volume and industry revenue of the German folding carton industry slightly declined in 2025. The FFI cites structural changes in the European packaging market, the weak economic climate, geopolitical uncertainties, and hesitant consumer demand as reasons.
Against this backdrop, association work is gaining further importance. According to the FFI, current projects include the employer branding campaign „Better Box Up,“ which aims to support member companies in recruiting junior and skilled workers.
Source: FFI
