Global Paper Sack Summit 2025 Brings Industry Together in Lengerich

The first-ever Global Paper Sack Summit, hosted by Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), wrapped up with enthusiastic reviews after drawing more than 170 industry professionals to its headquarters from May 19 to 21.

Held under the theme “Connect. Discover. Innovate,” the event brought together paper sack manufacturers, partners, and technology providers from around the world for three days of collaboration, machine demos, and forward-thinking dialogue. Unlike a traditional trade show, the summit focused not only on technical innovation but also on strengthening relationships and exploring the future of the industry.

“We didn’t want just another machine expo,” said Dr. Sina Thimme, Managing Director of the Converting Business Unit at W&H. “This was about the bigger picture—innovation, policy, and the challenges shaping our sector.”

The program featured a mix of hands-on technology demonstrations and expert talks. Visitors toured W&H’s facilities, as well as those of GARANT Maschinenhandel and Haver & Boecker, getting a close-up look at new machinery and production technologies. Highlights included a full paper sack line in action, complete with the company’s new ARCOMAT 5 palletizer.

For the first time at a W&H event, the company’s R&D team presented early-stage projects in a series of short, dynamic pitches. Attendees gave live feedback via real-time voting—offering a rare chance to help shape the future of product development.

The summit also tackled broader economic themes. In a keynote that sparked lively discussion, economist Prof. Dr. Jens Südekum unpacked the impact of current geopolitical tensions on global trade. Other sessions explored sustainability trends, digital service solutions, and regional insights—including a presentation from Chinese company Ailu on paper packaging in Asia.

Day two saw attendees visiting GARANT’s division for used machinery, followed by a tour and tech presentations at Haver & Boecker in Oelde.

Beyond the conference halls, guests connected at evening social events, making time for informal conversation and building new business relationships.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“It was perfect—the organization, the people, the content,” said Lukas Raschbauer of Agrana Starch.
“There was nothing to improve,” added Vedrana Tomljanović of Carta d.o.o.

With the success of this debut event, W&H has signaled its commitment to ongoing, global dialogue in the paper sack industry—putting innovation and collaboration at the heart of its vision.