In an interview with Thomas Reiner, CEO of the German Packaging Institute (dvi), we take a look at current developments in the packaging industry. The interview took place at the German Packaging Congress 2025 - one of the most important events in the industry, which discusses key topics, challenges and innovations every year.

It becomes clear right at the beginning of the interview: the expectations of the packaging industry are enormous - but can it fulfil them at all? Thomas Reiner gets to the heart of the matter:
 „The packaging industry is literally just the packaging. The real issue is consumption, people and products. We can do what we have to do - as long as the framework conditions are right.“

A central topic of the discussion is the labour shortage. There is not only a shortage of skilled labour, but increasingly also of unskilled workers. Automation is becoming the solution, but the industry is struggling with inefficiency and increasing demands.
„People used to talk about a skills shortage, but today we have a labour shortage. Companies can no longer rely on employees, they have to become more productive and efficient.“

Of course, the EU packaging regulation (PPWR), which has recently come into force and provides more questions than answers for many companies, should not be overlooked. Reiner gives the new regulation a school grade of 3 minus - a cautiously positive assessment.
„There is a great desire to finally have clear facts. In an ideal world, we would rather be at a 4 or 5, but at least there is now a first step forwards.“