KLOEPFEL by EPSA is your solution for sustainable savings in packaging procurement.
- Companies lack transparency in their packaging procurement because departments often make decisions autonomously and without close coordination.
- Packaging budgets are difficult to control, and at the same time, performance and the interplay between machine and material must be guaranteed.
- Pressure arises from legal requirements such as recycling, CO₂ reduction, and sustainability.
- Procurement often has little influence on decisions, limited control options, and rising, difficult-to-plan expenses.
- At the same time, compliance requirements (e.g. recycling guidelines and CSR requirements) must be adhered to.
KLOEPFEL by EPSA creates transparency, reduces material usage and CO₂, optimises costs through global sourcing and logistical efficiency, and is aware of compliance with PPWR, ISO, and EUDR.
Packaging purchase
KLOEPFEL by EPSA: Cost optimisation in packaging procurement
We have over 19 years of practical experience in the procurement and cost optimisation of packaging. Due to numerous projects, we possess in-depth knowledge of materials, production processes, specifications, and cost structures, enabling us to specifically implement savings potentials.
Our consultants possess in-depth commodity group expertise in the field of packaging. Thanks to cross-industry market knowledge and a robust international supplier network, we identify achievable savings potential while ensuring quality, functionality, and security of supply.
Sie möchten Ihre Verpackungskosten nachhaltig senken und bei Materialien, Lieferanten und Spezifikationen die besten Konditionen erzielen? Ohne Risiko? Dann sind wir der richtige Partner für Sie. Mit unserem 100 % erfolgsbasierten Modell zahlen Sie ausschließlich dann, wenn wir durch unsere Arbeit nachweisliche Einsparungen im Verpackungseinkauf realisieren. Alternativ bieten wir eine Abrechnung auf Tagessatz-Basis für eine planbare Budgetierung an.
We focus on holistic cost reduction through efficient material and design management, optimised supplier and raw material management, and lean logistics and handling processes. In doing so, we ensure sustainability and compliance as an integral part of our solutions. We achieve average savings of 5–25 %.
We support you in optimising costs in packaging procurement
and deliver targeted optimisation solutions.
We optimise paper-based packaging such as folding boxes, corrugated board/cartons, carrier bags, tubes and cut pieces. They combine sustainability with versatile design and meet the highest demands in terms of functionality and recyclability.
Our objective:
- Material reduction Use of lighter corrugated board grades (e.g. E-flute instead of B-flute) or substitution with more cost-effective materials
- Design-to-cost: Standardisation and harmonisation of carton sizes (reduction of complexity)
- Process Optimisation Using standards for optimised gluing or folding processes
- Sustainability: Increase in recycling rate, use of certified raw materials (FSC, PEFC)
We optimise plastic-based packaging such as cups, bags and films, buckets, drums and canisters, bottles, preforms, and closures. This packaging offers high functionality, flexibility in design, and meets all requirements for durability and recyclability.
Our objective:
- Material substitution Use of recycled or bio-based plastics
- Downgauging Reduction of material thickness with the same packaging performance
- Product and Process Optimisation Use of standardised dimensions and packaging processes
- Raw Material Management Establishment of price escalation clauses and the possibility of price fixing
We optimise glass-based packaging such as ampoules, vials, bottles, jars and pots. This packaging offers excellent barrier properties, is ideal for protecting sensitive products and meets the highest demands for aesthetics and recyclability.
Our objective:
- Light glass design Reduction of glass weight with the same stability and performance
- Standardisation Use of standardised bottle shapes and evaluation of reusable concepts
- Supply chain perspective: Regionalisation of glass procurement (CO2 reduction)
- TCO Consideration Considering packaging costs in conjunction with logistics costs
We optimise metal-based packaging such as cups, cans, buckets, drums, canisters, crates, transit packaging, tubes and closures. This packaging offers excellent strength, protection from external influences and is ideal for the safe transport and long-term storage of products.
Our objective:
- Material efficiency Wall thickness reduction, switch to light metal alloys
- Raw material optimisation Use of secondary raw materials (aluminium, steel)
- Supply Chain Optimisation Coordinated multi-site demand planning
- TCO Consideration Considering packaging costs in conjunction with logistics costs
We optimise wood-based packaging such as collar frames and cover frames, crates and pallets. This packaging offers high stability, is robust and ensures safe transport as well as reliable storage. It also represents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.
Our objective:
- Standardisation Use of standard pallets (EUR, CP, Chep, etc.)
- Material optimisation Use of plywood or blockboard instead of solid wood
- Repatriation systems or quotas Use of reusable circuits or repair concepts
- Procurement optimisation Setting up local suppliers and indexed price agreements
We optimise packaging aids such as adhesive tapes, adhesives and glues, cushioning and filling materials, and strapping materials. These products offer effective protection, ensure secure packaging, and help to minimise transport damage. Furthermore, they are a cost-effective solution for sustainable and efficient packaging.
Our objective:
- Material substitution Switch to alternative materials (e.g. paper tape)
- Consumption optimisation Article standardisation and material usage
- Logistics integration Reduction of article variety, stocking and warehousing concepts
- Contract management Bundling by Product Groups and Suppliers (Product and Process Cost Optimisation)
- Process OptimisationUsing web shops and reducing administrative costs
Central measures and tools for optimising indirect purchasing
Cost optimisation
- Implementation of immediate cost reductions
- Development of category strategies
- Optimisation and bundling of purchasing volumes
- Supplier relationship and risk management
- Use of own category management
- Sustainable support in indirect purchasing
Digitisation
- Digitalisation of procurement processes
- Using advanced eProcurement tools
- Improving internal approval processes
- Maximising existing framework agreement conditions
Classic purchasing levers
- Direct negotiations with suppliers
- Demand consolidation and volume bundling
- Conduct market analyses and design tenders in a structured manner
- Organisation of supplier days and conferences
- Consolidation and optimisation of the supplier base
- Detailed analysis of cost structures
- Implementation of global sourcing strategies
- Use of auctions and game-theoretic approaches
We have competence teams for all product groups in packaging procurement.
Cost optimisation in packaging purchasing
Hotel toiletries
Our client, a globally operating, medium-sized manufacturer of hotel cosmetics, was faced with the challenge of replacing expiring packaging material patents while simultaneously optimising products and costs. The previous manual process of inlay assembly by suppliers led to long cycle times and increased unit costs.
The aim was to replace the manual production step with an automated production line, enabling more efficient utilisation of staff capacity and significantly reducing cycle times.
Through our measures, a significant cost reduction of 25–30 % could be achieved.
Dried fruit
For our client in the food industry (dried fruit), a procurement cost optimisation project was carried out in the purchasing department. The procurement of raw materials and packaging materials had previously been spread across various suppliers and specialist departments.
The objective was, among other things, to review current conditions, identify alternative suppliers, and establish a second-source structure for risk mitigation. Additionally, transparent pricing models were to be developed and conditions secured through sliding scale clauses. For our customers, we achieved savings in main product groups in the double-digit percentage range, among other benefits.
Your experts for efficiently reducing packaging costs
With over 19 years of experience and more than 1,000 successful projects, we are the experts in optimising packaging procurement. Our specialised competence teams possess in-depth knowledge in sourcing packaging materials and deliver tailor-made solutions for every company.
Customer satisfaction you can rely on
Satisfied customers from the indirect costs sector
CLAAS
The European market leader for combine harvesters and the global market leader for self-propelled forage harvesters also produces, among other things, tractors, grassland harvesting machinery, agricultural balers, and innovative agricultural IT. The family business, founded in 1913, has sites in Europe as well as branches in America and Asia. The company's focus is on efficiency and responsibility for future generations.
Dalli
The Dalli Group combines the tradition and values of its more than 160-year company history with the demands of an innovative, high-performing and future-oriented corporate group. The internationally active group specialises in the private label business and has established itself as the second-largest manufacturer in this sector within eight years. The products are manufactured at five sites in Germany and the Netherlands. The product portfolio includes washing, cleaning and household cleaning agents, as well as cosmetic and sun protection products.
Eissmann
Eissmann Automotive is a leading global partner for the automotive industry, specialising in high-quality interior components. The company is renowned for its excellent leather and surface processing, innovative control modules, and complete solutions for vehicle interiors. With state-of-the-art technology, design expertise, and an international presence, Eissmann develops bespoke solutions that perfectly blend functionality, comfort, and aesthetics.
Grimme
„Throughout the entire project duration, they achieved a minimisation of procurement costs of approximately €2.5 million.“ – Klemens Kalverkamp (Management). Founded in 1861, Grimme Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG is a world-leading manufacturer of potato technology, with its headquarters in Damme (Lower Saxony). Since 2003, the company has also produced machinery for the sugar beet harvest and vegetable cultivation, employing over 1,450 people worldwide.
Kamps
The family-run company, Kamps, operates a bakery chain and is present at over 500 locations. They produce and sell baked goods daily in over 65 Kamps bakeries. The chain places particular emphasis on the precise adherence to Kamps' recipes and the many years of expertise and experience of their master bakers in the baking trade. With nearly 540 employees, they generate a turnover of 85 million Euros.
Kistenpfennig
With around 430 employees at 34 sites and sales offices in Germany, Romania, Poland and Luxembourg, Kistenpfennig AG is a widely established technical wholesaler. The family-run company is headquartered in Mainz and supplies its customers, who are primarily from the industrial sector, with 500,000 articles from over 18 product areas, including plastics, power tools, lubrication and hose technology, and lifting gear. Kistenpfennig AG offers optimal supply and a reduction in storage costs, as well as a user-friendly online shop. The customer-oriented service also includes a free shop app and an in-house kitting and customisation service.
Kuka
Kuka AG is an internationally operating company with an annual turnover of around €3 billion. With approximately 12,300 employees, it is a world-leading provider of intelligent automation solutions – headquartered in Augsburg and all over the globe. Kuka AG's customer base consists of the automotive industry on the one hand and general industry on the other.
Leifheit
For over 50 years, Leifheit has been one of the leading suppliers of household goods in Europe. True to the motto „Always one idea better“. Characteristic of the Leifheit brand are its innovative products of the highest quality and pioneering design, to make life at home easier and more beautiful for its customers.
LUEHR Filter GmbH & Co. KG
LÜHR Filter GmbH & Co. KG is a developer and producer of air pollution control systems. The family-owned company was founded in 1938 and is now active worldwide. LÜHR Filter also offers its customers engineering, service and maintenance as well as a product range including gas acquisition.
LUXHAUS
The Bavarian energy-efficient house manufacturer Luxhaus has been in existence since 1924. The family-run company places great importance on quality assurance and proves its competence in construction experience to its customers with various awards. Luxhaus makes the dream of owning a home come true for around 250 customers every year. From property search, architecture and fittings to the guarantee: Luxhaus offers the complete package as well as state-of-the-art technologies to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability.
Metz
Metz Aerials GmbH & Co. KG is the leading company in aerial rescue and sees itself as a competence centre for aerial work platforms. Metz is part of the Rosenbauer Group, the world's leading manufacturer of fire-fighting vehicles. Around 240 employees produce turntable ladders and aerial rescue platforms for fire brigades around the globe at the Karlsruhe site. The turntable ladders from the company, founded in 1998, are among the most reliable operational vehicles today. For decades, the turntable ladder technology from Karlsruhe has saved the lives of many thousands of people.
Schmitz Cargobull
Schmitz Cargobull is Europe's leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers, and bodies. With innovative transport solutions, state-of-the-art technology, and a dense service and spare parts network, the company ensures reliable and efficient logistics worldwide. Whether refrigerated vehicles, flatbed or box trailers – Schmitz Cargobull stands for quality, durability, and partnership in the transport industry.
Seidensticker
Seidensticker is one of Europe's best-known shirt and blouse manufacturers, and for over 100 years it has stood for quality, style, and innovation. The family-run company combines classic craftsmanship with modern design, creating timeless fashion that unites elegance and comfort. With an international focus and a commitment to sustainability, Seidensticker remains true to its credo: fashion with character for every occasion.
SITA Airport IT GmbH
„Your communication and presentation to our suppliers were always in the interests of SITA Airport IT GmbH and characterised by a professional and structured approach.“ – Dr. Christian Jahncke (Managing Director). SITA Airport IT was founded in 2005 as a joint venture between SITA and Düsseldorf Airport. SITA Airport IT is an outsourced IT department that focuses on IT and communication solutions, such as setting up Wi-Fi and hotspots, as well as ticket machines and video surveillance in car parks, for airport operators, airlines, and airport-related areas. Since September 2013, SITA Airport IT GmbH has expanded its Parking Solutions repertoire through the operation of the Parkvogel car park (undefinedwww.parkvogel.de). The subsidiary employs over 100 members of staff.
Swisslog
With more than six locations worldwide, Swisslog's Healthcare Solutions provide automation for hospital pharmacies, nursing areas, material transport, and process optimisation. They improve pharmacy storage systems, enhance transport, and optimise workflows in warehouses and laboratories. Warehouse & Distribution Solutions from Swisslog can be found in over 20 countries worldwide. Swisslog's Warehouse & Distribution Solutions improve processes in warehouses. The transportation of goods is significantly simplified and accelerated through the mechanical „carriers“.
Vaillant
Headquartered in Remscheid, the Vaillant Group specialises in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology. The internationally active family business develops and produces tailored products, systems, and services for domestic living. These include, for example, heating devices based on conventional energy sources or system solutions for the use of renewable energies. The Vaillant Group is committed to responsible action towards the environment, its employees, and society, and places great importance on sustainability.
Valensina
„Despite the partly high complexity of procurement issues due to our product diversity and multiple locations, initial savings were implemented in a short period of time.“ – Tino Mocken (Management). Valensina GmbH, headquartered in Mönchengladbach, produces and markets a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages covering all segments of this market. Valensina GmbH includes sportfit Fruchtsaft GmbH & Co. KG in Mönchengladbach, Wolfra Kelterei GmbH in Erding, Dr. Siemer Getränke GmbH in Vechta, and FSP Frischsaft FRISCHE Produktions-GmbH in Mönchengladbach. The main brands of sportfit GmbH are the well-known premium fruit juice brands „Valensina“ and „Hitchcock“, the cult children's drink brand „Dreh + Trink“, as well as the brand „Donath“ from Germany's oldest juice press.
Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken Münster
The cooperative financial group Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken is a confederation of independent companies. Since the foundation of the first credit cooperatives over 160 years ago, the group has grown into a vital pillar of the German financial sector – with around 190,000 employees today and total assets exceeding one trillion euros. The Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken are part of the financial group.
Voss
VOSS Automotive is an international partner to the automotive industry, specialising in innovative line systems, couplings and components for fluid and air management. With state-of-the-art technology, high development expertise and decades of experience, VOSS delivers solutions that improve efficiency, safety and sustainability in vehicles worldwide. As a reliable system partner, the company actively shapes the mobility of the future – from classic drives to e-mobility.
Let's optimise your packaging procurement sustainably together.