PPC COMPANY TIMELINE
PPC Milestones: Our Journey in Napkins, Paper Plates & Disposable Tablecloths
From pioneering white paper plates in 1967 to developing plastic-free tableware and a patented premium tissue napkin quality—PPC’s legacy is one of innovation, quality, and sustainability.
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YEAR
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MILESTONE
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DETAILS
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1967
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Foundation of PONAU GmbH
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Founded by Herbert Kulterer in Spittal/Drau, producing white paper plates.
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1980
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Market Leadership in Austria
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Expansion into printed paper plates, solid-color napkins, and decorative serviettes.
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1992
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Strategic Cooperation with Papstar
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Responding to European market challenges, PONAU partners with Papstar VertriebsgesmbH. Harald Hauke joins the leadership team.
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1994
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Papstar Acquisition & Restructuring
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Papstar acquires PONAU. Creation of Papstar VertriebsgsembH & Co. Produktions KG.
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2003
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Launch of the Royal Collection
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Exclusive, patented tissue napkin quality introduced for the Papstar Group—still a flagship product today.
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2008
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Expansion into Tablecloths
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Start of disposable tablecloth manufacturing, expanding PPC's tabletop solutions.
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2009
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New Brand Identity
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Company renamed to PPC Paper Print Converting GmbH.
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2011
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8-Colour Printing Investment
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Installation of advanced napkin printing machine for high-definition decorative napkins.
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2012
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5-Colour Printing Machine & New Subsidiary
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New printing capacity added. Launch of Nouveau GmbH to sell premium napkins and tablecloths to specialist retail and hospitality sectors.
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2014
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Launch of NouveauTech Tablecloths
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Scaling up disposable table cover manufacturing with NouveauTech, reusable-yet-disposable—developed to align with PPC’s sustainability approach.
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2021
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Sustainable Innovation: Plastic-Free Plates
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Development of home-compostable, plastic-free paper plates, compliant with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)—a major leap in eco-design.
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2022
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Enforcement of Multi-Channel Strategy
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Nouveau GmbH integrated into PPC. Sales approach expanded to enforce private label partnerships and third-party clients.
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2024
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Next-Gen Printing Investment
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Installation of high-volume 5-colour napkin machine to meet growing demand for Royal Collection and Cottone Napkins.
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2024
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Leadership Transition
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After 30 years, Harald Hauke hands over management to Achim Kieser, initiating a new chapter of innovation and growth.
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Quality and Sustainability always at the centre
Sustainability and certified production have long been at the core of PPC’s approach—shaping not just how we work, but what we offer.