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2025 Report: Coming soon

Sustainability at Prinzhorn Group

Prinzhorn exemplifies circularity like no other. Every day, we demonstrate how a circular business model can succeed and lead to constant, reliable results. Our value chain forms the foundation of this success and is at the same time the driving force.

Our three business units, Hamburger Recycling, Hamburger Containerboard and Dunapack Packaging, both form the value chain and generate the financial result. Each division plays a pivotal role and contributes to the achievements of the others. One business area shapes and promotes the other and together they are fully committed to Prinzhorn’s common goal of economic and sustainable growth.

The basis for our circular business model is easily explained: fibre-based packaging enables real recycling. In fact, 100% of our products are recyclable, and they are made from over 90% recycled raw material. Thanks to the circular networking of our divisions, we keep valuable raw materials in use for as long as possible and contribute to relieving the burden on the system in times of constant scarcity of resources. That is how we live circularity.

Our Core Values

People

We take care of our people, live a spirit of trust and empower our teams.

Performance

With passion, pride and fun, we develop valuable solutions and create success.

Responsibility

We act sustainably for a brighter future of the society and the environment.

Latest Initiatives

Driving Decarbonisation at Hamburger Containerboard Spremberg

 

At the Hamburger Containerboard site in Spremberg, Germany, the EBS2 energy plant is a key project to significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint while strengthening energy self‑sufficiency. With a thermal capacity of 80 MWth and net steam production of around 100 tonnes per hour, the plant will generate 7.8 MWel of electricity, increasing to 16 MWel including the RDF power boost.

Representing an investment of approximately EUR 185 million, EBS2 is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 116,200 tonnes per year. Scheduled for first start‑up in July 2026, the project stands for a forward‑looking energy concept that combines technological excellence with a clear commitment to climate responsibility.

 

High‑Efficiency Energy Generation in Pitten

 

At the Hamburger Containerboard site in Pitten, Austria, a modern combined heat and power project significantly improves energy efficiency and climate performance. Two gas turbines provide a total electrical output of 2 × 14 MW and generate up to 2 × 45 tonnes of steam per hour, supplying paper production with a total efficiency of around 90% through innovative cogeneration technology.

By replacing coal with natural gas, the project reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 15,000 tonnes per year. Surplus waste heat is supplied to the local district heating network, providing sustainable heat for around 250 to 600 households. With an investment volume of about EUR 50 million, the project enables full electrical self‑sufficiency and demonstrates how industrial energy generation can actively support the energy transition.

 

 

Energy Data Management System | Dunapack Packaging

 

The Energy Data Management System Project is a key enabler of transparent and data‑driven energy management at Dunapack Packaging. Through the group‑wide implementation of an Energy Data Management System (EDMS), energy consumption is monitored, analysed and compared across production sites using a standardised approach.

Developed in close collaboration with Siemens, the system is already fully operational in Türkiye, with further sites in Hungary, Vienna and Spremberg at an advanced stage of implementation. By turning energy data into actionable insights, the project supports continuous efficiency improvements and strengthens Dunapack Packaging’s long‑term sustainability ambitions.

 

More About Prinzhorn Group

With a strong commitment to sustainability, the Prinzhorn Group lives circularity across its fully integrated value chain, spanning recycling, containerboard, and packaging. The Group embeds ESG principles throughout its operations, supported by robust governance structures and engaged employees. Operating across multiple countries, Prinzhorn Group focuses on responsible growth, resource efficiency, and long-term value creation for customers, society, and the environment.

Prinzhorn Group

With a reputation for excellence, Hamburger Containerboard continues to push the envelope with sustainable paper production, supplying industry-leading brands such as AustroLiner, RiegerCoat, SpreeWhite, and SpreeGips to customers across Europe. In 2024, Hamburger Containerboard operated 7 production sites across 4 countries, employing 1,765 people and selling 2,246,120 metric tons of corrugated base paper.

 

 

Hamburger Containerboard

Dunapack Packaging is setting new standards for innovation and sustainability. Using over 90 percent recycled paper – primarily sourced from Hamburger Containerboard – it manufactures transport- ready and shelf-ready packaging for diverse industries. Dunapack operates 24 production facilities across 12 countries, employing arounnd 6000 people. The division is committed to increasing automation and digitalization, ensuring efficiency and future-ready production processes. 

 

Dunapack Packaging

Hamburger Recycling is the first link in our circular value chain. By collecting, processing, and treating recycled materials, it ensures that they are reintegrated into production. While most materials remain within Prinzhorn Group, a portion of Hamburger Recycling’s output is supplied to external industries, amplifying our sustainability impact. Hamburger Recycling operates 40 production sites across 12 countries, employing 1,067 people, and processing 1.6 million of recycled paper.

 

Hamburger Recycling