Global Paper Sack Summit 2025 – A Great Success
Windmöller & Hölscher brings together the global paper sack industry in Lengerich. Under the motto “Connect. Discover. Innovate”, Windmöller & Hölscher hosted the very first Global Paper Sack Summit from May 19 to 21, 2025, welcoming more than 170 participants from around the world. Over the course of three days, customers, partners, and industry experts experienced an inspiring and multifaceted program at W&H, GARANT Maschinenhandel GmbH, and HAVER & BOECKER OHG.
Dr. Sina Thimme, Managing Director Business Unit Converting at W&H
Connecting the Industry
“Our goal was to create a summit where guests could exchange ideas on innovations, current political developments, and the future of the paper sack market,” said Dr. Sina Thimme, Managing Director Business Unit Converting at W&H. “Unlike a typical EXPO, the focus wasn’t solely on machines – we wanted to spotlight the topics shaping the industry and strengthen personal connections and partnerships within the community.”
A Diverse Program: Insights, Innovations & Interaction
The agenda offered live machine demonstrations at W&H, as well as at GARANT and Haver & Boecker in Oelde. In addition, a range of external speakers enriched the program:
- Prof. Dr. Jens Südekum provided an impactful keynote on how current geopolitical tensions affect the global economy – sparking high engagement and discussion.
- W&H customer Ailu shared insights on “Paper, Packaging, Sustainability” from a Chinese market perspective.
- Partners such as Billerud and Gröning presented valuable content reflecting key trends and developments in the paper sack industry.
A short event film with the best moments
In short pitches W&H presents current R&D topics and ideas.
A Highlight: R&D Pitches
For the first time at a W&H customer event, the R&D team from GBV offered exclusive insights into ongoing development projects. In six short presentations – so-called “pitches” – W&H project duos introduced innovative concepts from their research. Attendees were invited to give direct feedback via live voting. “We opened up and gave our customers a look behind the curtain. The live interaction allowed us to receive relevant feedback at an early stage,” said Dr. Sina Thimme.
Hands-On Technology: Machine Demonstrations
In the Technology Center Printing, the focus was on the digital printing machine concept, drawing much interest from the audience. A complete, high-tech paper sack line was on display during the live demos, featuring:
- FLYMATIC unwinder
- FLEXA II stack-type printing press
- AM 8715 DP tuber
- AD 8930 bottomer
- The new ARCOMAT 5 palletizer
GARANT shows its used paper sack machine division
Day Two: Visits to GARANT AND Haver & Boecker
On the second day, guests visited GARANT Maschinen, where they explored the company’s used paper sack machine division, learned about future trends in paper bag production, and discovered digital service solutions in collaboration with W&H.
Later in the afternoon, the group continued to Haver & Boecker in Oelde, where the management team welcomed them with a tour and an introduction to modern sack and filling technologies.
Genuine Industry Dialogue
Beyond the presentations and demonstrations, there was ample time for networking, knowledge sharing, and building relationships – supported by two evening events in a relaxed atmosphere.
Customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
“It was perfect – the organization, the presentations, the networking. Paper sack manufacturers from around the world came together in Lengerich.” – Lukas Raschbauer, Agrana Starch
“There was nothing to improve – everything was extremely well organized. We really enjoyed it!” – Vedrana Tomljanović, Carta d.o.o.
“The keynote by Prof. Südekum was outstanding – but really, the entire agenda was impressive.” – Customer comment from the feedback form
A Strong Signal for the Industry
With this inaugural summit, Windmöller & Hölscher has set a strong foundation for regular industry exchange. The event highlighted not only the technological leadership of W&H and its partners, but also the power of collaboration and customer-focused innovation.
