German carton maker Baiersbronn Frischfaser Karton files for insolvency
The €80 million producer says its plant remains fully operational as Europe’s carton industry faces high energy costs and overcapacity.
2026-06-24
Baiersbronn Frischfaser Karton GmbH, a German maker of virgin-fiber carton used in folding boxes, has filed for insolvency with the district court in Rottweil as pressure builds across Europe’s carton industry from high energy costs, structural overcapacity and weak market conditions.
The court appointed restructuring specialist Dr. Jan Markus Plathner of Brinkmann & Partner as preliminary insolvency administrator, according to the law firm. He will be supported by Christoph Enkler and Sebastian Netzel.
The company said operations at its Baiersbronn plant are continuing without restrictions. Wages for its roughly 220 employees have been secured through insolvency wage pre-financing for June, July and August 2026.
Baiersbronn Frischfaser Karton produces high-grade virgin-fiber board, especially folding boxboard used mainly in packaging for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The company operates a carton mill in Baiersbronn and recently generated about €80 million in annual revenue, making it one of Europe’s more significant producers in this segment.
Brinkmann & Partner said the company had taken operating steps to cut costs but was unable to stabilize its liquidity on a lasting basis. Plathner said his immediate focus is to stabilize operations and maintain delivery capability while reviewing restructuring options and seeking an investor solution through a structured process.
Initial talks have already begun with key customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to support operating stability, the firm said. The stated goal is to keep the business running while developing a sustainable restructuring plan that could preserve jobs over the long term.
The case could matter beyond the immediate packaging market. Folding boxboard is widely used in consumer goods packaging, and any disruption or tighter supply from a producer of this size could add pressure to carton availability and costs for beverage companies that rely on paperboard formats, with possible effects on distribution margins.
