INTERVIEW WITH PAPER TRADING GROUP

Founded in 2002 Paper Trading Group is established in Neuchâtel Switzerland and is active in the production, sales and distribution of paper based premium packaging.

Interview with Simon Flury, Director Public Relations & Marketing at Paper Trading Group.

Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

Simon Flury: With a state-of-the-art production center in Ukraine, PTG SA develops the markets and sales of Premium Packaging in the Western European Region.

You can find our packaging in major renowned retailers across western Europe, like in Germany, Belgium or the Netherlands for example.

We are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and work with major paper producers in Europe and were always active in the trading of paper, paper-based product, publication and printing paper.

E.E: What’s the news about new products?

S.F: Currently, we invested to be able to produce packaging using profile F fluting. Meaning we can now offer a lot of new possibilities, for example for food packaging and can replace solid board. It is more cost effective and offer a great alternative for our customers.

We are also investigating the use of grass paper for our packaging, not only it is 100% recyclable, but also 100% compostable. The production of such kind of paper is also reducing up to 75% CO2 emissions and saves 99% water!

E.E: What are the ranges of products?

S.F: Thanks to our latest pre-print technology and in-house capabilities, we offer a unique packaging service for optimal cost and quality. From the design conception to the delivery, we take care everything!

We produce packaging for various industries, being trays for fruits and vegetables, retail packaging for the food and beverage industry, as well as for non-food industry. From in-store displays, to frozen food packaging or spirits packaging, we can produce almost everything our clients need.

We have flexographic and offset printing technology, a brand-new die-cut equipment, gluing machine and stamping & embossing possibilities directly in-house.

Our competitive advantage is that we are reliable, flexible in batch sizes, and have short production and delivery lead times.

E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?

S.F: After the global pandemic, where the demand was low because of low consumption, there is now again a very high demand for packaged goods, and we foresee as well continuous growth of paper-based packaging. 

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

S.F: The demand for recycled /sustainable material is growing in most EU markets and the legislation evolution supports this trend, especially to replace plastic packaging. With more and more ecological concerns from customers and the CO2 reduction initiatives around Europe, we foresee a long-term continuation of this trend.

E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?

S.F: Currently we see more and more sustainable, minimalist, natural look & feel packaging as a trend. On the opposite side, unboxing experiences remain an important part of brands reputation. Lastly, we saw illuminated packaging, I believe this is rather going in the opposite direction but is certainly highly innovative!

E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?

S.F: While our production facility is located in Lviv, Ukraine, and you all know the current situation is this country, our employees demonstrate enormous courage and resilience. At the time I write these words, we are still producing and pursuing our deliveries through the polish border. We are optimistic that we will continue to grow as a company and with the help of our current partners, increase our production volume. We have the capacity to double our production and have the support of major paper producers to supply us. We are ideally located at the border of the European Union and thanks to our excellent Polish logistics partner, we can deliver directly to your warehouse. So, my last word would be: If you want to support Ukraine, you should support its economy, we are ready, we just need some orders!