Packaging you can feel good about

Enjoying a bowl of soup with high-quality, sustainable and, where possible, regional ingredients has a certain feel-good factor about it. An increasing number of consumers are realising that what matters for food is also crucial for its packaging. Because packaging influences whether the contents can be enjoyed with peace of mind. Hügli Nahrungsmittel GmbH has pursued this way of thinking for years. The company has worked closely with Black Forest-based packaging specialist Karl Knauer on sustainable packaging for decades now. Both businesses share the conviction that environmental protection and sustainability are more than just buzzwords, that they need to be actively practised and embedded in as many areas as possible as part of an ongoing process.

Food for body and soul

Hügli, a member of the Bell Food Group, is an international company that specialises in the production and distribution of soups, sauces, bouillons, desserts and other food products. Sustainability is a key focus for the company, which has a German subsidiary in Radolfzell. Consequently, Hügli has been committed to fully offsetting carbon emissions from all its lined packaging since 2022. When it comes to producing this packaging, Hügli relies on its long-standing partner Karl Knauer. “We know that by working with Karl Knauer, we have a supplier that really takes environmental protection seriously and pursues it honestly and responsibly. We value that we share and live the same values,” says Joana Hänsli, International Brand Leader for Vogeley at Hügli.

Active environmental protection 

Karl Knauer warrants this trust by tracking and minimising all carbon emissions throughout the entire production process. This includes the selection of materials, production, and the packaging’s transport. Unavoidable emissions are offset by certified climate protection projects that meet the ‘Gold Standard’ developed by the WWF. The Gold Standard is only awarded to projects that demonstrate a reduction in greenhouse gases, protect local environments and take into account social aspects. The company established a sustainability management system to reduce and offset carbon emissions some years ago and has received several awards for this. Measures include the provision of employee training to promote sustainability awareness. As well as this, the production site in Biberach is supplied entirely with renewable electricity, in part from the company’s own photovoltaic systems. Unavoidable emissions from purchased energy and district heating are recorded and offset as well. Karl Knauer is also engaged in its own environmental protection projects, such as reforestation initiatives and a local bee pasture.

A shared environmental approach

“We are delighted to have Hügli on board as a partner who is willing to invest extra organisational effort so we can promote sustainability together,” says Philipp Beyler, Head of QHSE at Karl Knauer KG. “It’s a worthwhile journey – for the environment and ultimately for all of us.”

The long-standing relationship between Hügli and Karl Knauer is an impressive example of how shared values and goals can successfully drive sustainability-focused projects forward. The partnership proves that resolute action can have a positive impact on reducing climate-damaging greenhouse gases.

About Karl Knauer KG

Karl Knauer KG is a leading supplier of packaging solutions and promotional products, based in the Black Forest. The company places great emphasis on environmentally friendly production processes and innovative, sustainable packaging concepts. As an active member of the Climate Initiative of the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (bvdm), it sets a strong example for carbon neutral production.