FAQ

General questions about PAWI

What does PAWI do?

We develop and produce packaging made from paper and cardboard. Our offering includes individual packaging solutions, packaging concepts, standard packaging, as well as services related to design, production and logistics. In doing so, we combine construction, material selection, printing, finishing and logistics to create packaging solutions tailored to the product, industry and specific requirements.

At which locations does PAWI produce?

We produce at three sites: in Winterthur in Switzerland, in Singen in Germany and in Warsaw in Poland. This allows us to combine specialist expertise across several production sites and implement packaging solutions for different industries and requirements.

For which industries does PAWI develop and produce packaging?

We develop packaging solutions for food and non-food products in various industries. These include bakeries and confectioneries, chocolatiers, beverages, cosmetics, health, gastronomy and retail, among others.

Does PAWI offer both individual packaging and standard packaging?

Yes. We offer individual packaging solutions, packaging concepts and a standard range.

• We develop individual packaging solutions precisely tailored to the product, application, processes and brand presence. In doing so, we combine product protection, efficient processing, material-efficient constructions and economic feasibility. Depending on the area of application, we take into account industry-specific requirements such as hygiene, logistical resilience or the impact at the point of sale.
• We develop packaging concepts for brands, product lines and seasonal ranges. We coordinate different packaging types so that they create a consistent overall appearance – from design and material to printing and high-quality finishing.
• Our standard range includes more than 900 packaging solutions made from paper and cardboard. The unprinted items are available immediately, can be ordered directly from the webshop and are particularly suitable when suitable packaging is needed quickly and easily.

Packaging development and design

Can PAWI develop individual packaging?

Yes. We develop individual packaging solutions that are tailored to the respective product in terms of shape, material and finishing. We take into account not only appearance, but also function, construction, material, finishing and brand impact.

How does the development of a new cardboard packaging solution work?

Development starts with the requirements for the product, application and packaging process. These include, for example, product protection, dimensions, material, handling, storage, transport, packing and brand presence.

On this basis, we develop a suitable construction and select appropriate materials. Depending on the project, samples or prototypes are created to check function, stability, processing and appearance. Printing, finishing and production are then coordinated.

Does PAWI support packaging construction?

Yes. We work with our customers to plan effective packaging concepts. The aim is to create packaging that differentiates the product, presents the contents and appeals to potential buyers. Construction is a central element, also with regard to cost optimisation.

Does PAWI create samples or prototypes?

Yes. We develop prototypes, check feasibility and work out creative solution approaches. We also present material and finishing suggestions so that packaging ideas can be assessed and further developed at an early stage.

Does PAWI support material selection?

Yes. Thanks to our experience in processing various materials, we support customers in choosing the right paper or cardboard. Material selection is considered in relation to product, function, processing, design and sustainability.

What is important when constructing food packaging?

For food packaging, the product, application, processes and requirements must be considered at an early stage. Important aspects include product protection, hygiene, efficient processing, material selection and logistical resilience.

During development, we also consider fit, handling, stability and transportability. Depending on the application, material properties such as stability, printability, processability as well as grease and moisture resistance play a role. Among other things, we process virgin fibre board for high hygiene requirements, barrier board with dispersion barrier and low-migration, food-safe printing inks.

Can PAWI also support graphic design?

Yes. For graphic design, we work with our partner agency gleis1. This allows packaging design, branding and communication to be considered holistically.

Production, printing and finishing

Which printing processes does PAWI offer?

We produce packaging using offset printing, flexographic printing and digital printing. Offset printing is particularly suitable for large runs and high quality and precision requirements. In flexographic printing, we produce paper bags, among other things. Digital printing is suitable for lower runs because no printing plates are required.

Which finishing options does PAWI offer?

We offer various finishing options for high-quality cardboard packaging. These include embossing for tactile surfaces and 3D effects, hot and cold foil stamping for glossy accents, varnishing with matt, gloss or special effects, as well as laminations with glassine paper. We also use laser cutting to create particularly precise designs, delicate patterns and engravings.

Food and non-food packaging

Does PAWI offer packaging for food products?

Yes. We develop and produce packaging for food products. Depending on the application, we consider requirements related to material selection, product protection, hygiene, storage, transport and processing. This can also include topics such as direct or indirect food contact, grease and moisture resistance or suitability for frozen products.

Does PAWI offer packaging for non-food products?

We also offer individual packaging solutions made from paper and cardboard for non-food products. Depending on the product and application, the focus is on product protection, material selection, construction, transport, storage and processing. Topics such as visibility at the point of sale, brand presence, finishing, product securing, hanging options, opening mechanisms or logistical resilience may also be relevant.

Materials and cardboard qualities

Which types of cardboard does PAWI process?

We process paper and cardboard for various packaging applications. The cardboard quality used depends on the product, construction, print image, processing and the requirements for protection, stability and presentation.

Which factors influence the choice of the right cardboard?

Material selection depends, among other things, on product weight, format, stability, storage, transport, processing, printability and finishing. For food packaging, additional requirements such as hygiene, grease or moisture resistance and direct or indirect food contact may be relevant.

When is virgin fibre board suitable and when is recycled board suitable?

Virgin fibre board is often used when there are high requirements for appearance, stability, printability or hygiene. Recycled board can be a suitable solution depending on the application, provided the packaging, the product and the legal requirements allow it. The specific material selection is reviewed on a project-specific basis.

Which cardboard quality is suitable for food packaging?

This depends on the food product, the application and the type of contact. Relevant aspects include product protection, hygiene, grease and moisture resistance, storage, transport and processing. Whether direct or indirect food contact exists must also be considered when selecting the material.

Which materials are suitable for frozen products?

For frozen products, material and construction must be matched to temperature, moisture, storage, transport and handling. Depending on the product, stability, moisture resistance and safe processing during packing can be important criteria. The suitable cardboard quality is therefore determined based on the application.

What role do coatings and barriers play in cardboard packaging?

Depending on the application, coatings and barriers can provide additional functions. These include, for example, protection against grease, moisture or other external influences. Whether a coating or barrier is required depends on the product, storage, contact with the food and the intended area of use.

Can packaging made from paper and cardboard be suitable for direct food contact?

Yes, packaging made from paper and cardboard can be suitable for direct food contact depending on the material, coating, printing ink and application. Whether this applies to a specific packaging solution must be reviewed on a project-specific basis.

Standard range and webshop

Does PAWI offer a standard range?

Yes. The standard range includes more than 900 packaging solutions made from paper and cardboard. The items are available from stock and can be ordered directly from the webshop.

Which standard packaging items are available in the range?

The standard range includes cake boxes, paper bags, praline boxes and round bowls for salads, bircher muesli or similar products, among others. There are also various packaging lines, including Christmas, Easter, good&go (take-away) and NATURE (natural materials with a simple design).

Is standard packaging also available in small quantities?

Yes. Fast delivery of small quantities is possible. The specific order quantities depend on the respective item in the webshop.

Can standard packaging be individually printed or finished?

Yes, many standard packaging items can be customised. Depending on the item, options may include individual printing, finishing or adaptation to the company’s own corporate design.

The available options depend on the respective packaging, material quality, desired execution and order quantity. We will be happy to review your individual enquiry.

Are seasonal packaging solutions available for Christmas, Easter or Three Kings’ Day?

Yes. We offer seasonal packaging in our standard range, including for Christmas, Easter and Three Kings’ Day. The packaging can be ordered directly from the webshop.

Depending on the season, the range includes various packaging solutions made from paper and cardboard, for example for confectioneries, bakeries, pastry shops or specialist retailers.

Quality and certifications

Is PAWI certified according to the BRC Global Standard?

Yes. All three PAWI Group plants in Switzerland, Germany and Poland have passed certification according to the BRC Global Standard Packaging Materials. The standard is particularly relevant for packaging manufacturers and sets requirements for hygiene, safety and quality management.

Why is BRC certification important for packaging customers?

For many customers in the food and consumer goods industry, BRC certification is an important requirement when selecting packaging suppliers. It supports supplier qualification and shows that processes in the areas of hygiene, product safety and quality management are audited according to a recognised standard.

Which ISO certifications does PAWI have?

PAWI holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management. The Swiss and German sites are additionally certified according to ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management. The current certificates are listed on PAWI’s certificates page.

Logistics and storage

Does PAWI also offer logistics services? (applies only to PAWI Winterthur)

Yes. For Switzerland, we offer an individual and reliable logistics service. This includes climate-appropriate interim storage, call-off storage in Winterthur and supply chain management.

Can PAWI store packaging and deliver it on call-off? (applies only to PAWI Winterthur)

Yes, we offer call-off storage at the Winterthur site. You can call off packaging as needed and therefore do not have to store the entire quantity yourself. This can reduce storage space and allow packaging to be delivered according to demand.

How does PAWI deliver?

Within Switzerland, we deliver directly to the customer warehouse with our own trucks. In Europe, we work with freight forwarders.

Enquiries and advice

How can I enquire about packaging at PAWI?

On the website, we offer the option to send an enquiry or arrange a personal consultation. Customers can describe their project and request a customised quotation.

Can I get advice before sending a packaging enquiry?

Yes. We offer personal consultation, which can be arranged via the website.