PPC COMPANY TIMELINE
PPC Milestones: Our Journey Through the Colourful World of Napkins, Paper Plates and Disposable Tablecovers
From the first white paper plates in 1967 and our characteristic COTTONE napkins to fully paper-based, custom-printed paper plates, PPC’s story has been shaped by new ideas, continuous product development and proprietary innovations that still define our portfolio today.
COMPANY MILESTONES
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YEAR
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MILESTONE
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DETAILS
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1967
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PONAU GmbH Is Founded
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Founded by Dipl.-Ing. Herbert Kulterer in Spittal an der Drau, Austria. Production begins with white paper plates.
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1980
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Market Leadership in Austria
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The portfolio expands to include printed paper plates, solid-colour napkins and decorative napkins.
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1992
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Strategic Partnership with PAPSTAR
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In response to changing European market requirements, PONAU enters into a partnership with PAPSTAR Vertriebsges.m.b.H. Dipl.-Ing. Harald Hauke joins the management team.
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1994
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Acquisition by PAPSTAR and Company Restructuring
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PAPSTAR acquires PONAU, followed by the establishment of PAPSTAR Vertriebsges.m.b.H. & Co. Produktions KG.
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2003
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Introduction of the Royal Collection
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Development and launch of an exclusive, patented tissue napkin quality for the PAPSTAR Group. The Royal Collection remains one of the group’s flagship products today.
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2008
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Expansion into Tablecover Production
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Production of disposable tablecovers begins, expanding PPC’s tabletop product portfolio.
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2009
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A New Company Name
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The company becomes PPC Paper Print Converting GmbH.
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2011
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Investment in Eight-Colour Printing Technology
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Installation of a modern eight-colour printing press for decorative napkins.
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2012
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Five-Colour Printing Press and a New Subsidiary
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Printing capacity expands with the installation of a five-colour printing machine. Nouveau GmbH is established to supply high-quality napkins and tablecovers to specialist retailers and the hospitality sector.
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2014
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Introduction of NouveauTech Tablecovers
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Tablecover production expands with NouveauTech, a material innovation developed by PPC. NouveauTech combines a textile-like appearance with easy handling and excellent everyday performance. It can be used multiple times while remaining a disposable product.
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2021
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Fully Paper-Based, Printed Paper Plates
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PPC develops a new generation of custom-printed paper plates. PPC’s patented production process makes it possible to manufacture fully paper-based plates without plastic coating or varnish.
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2022
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Strengthening Our Multi-Channel Strategy
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Nouveau GmbH is integrated into PPC. Sales activities expand with a stronger focus on private-label partnerships and third-party brands.
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2024
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Expansion of Napkin Production Capacity
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Installation of a new high-capacity five-colour napkin production line to meet growing demand for Royal Collection and COTTONE napkins.
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2024
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A New Chapter in PPC’s Leadership
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After 30 years, Dipl.-Ing. Harald Hauke hands over the management of PPC to Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Achim Kieser, opening a new chapter in the company’s history.
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What comes next?
These milestones form the foundation of PPC’s product portfolio today. Explore our current products or find answers to the questions customers ask most often before starting a new private-label project with PPC.