In a significant move for the European packaging industry, creditors have approved the sale of Inapa Packaging to an investment vehicle owned by Portuguese entrepreneur Carlos Martins. This development marks a new chapter for the packaging division of Inapa Group, a company traditionally associated with the paper distribution business but with increasing relevance in the packaging sector.

The sale, valued at 11.8 million euros, was approved as part of a debt restructuring process, aiming to reduce Inapa Group’s overall liabilities and sharpen its strategic focus. With this transaction, Inapa Packaging – which operates in Germany, France, and Portugal – will be carved out of the group and integrated into the business ecosystem of Carlos Martins, known for his ventures in industrial and infrastructure sectors.

The acquisition could revitalize Inapa Packaging’s market trajectory. Under Inapa’s umbrella, the packaging unit generated €85 million in revenue in 2023, representing 15% of the group’s total turnover. Despite this solid performance, the segment lacked the capital autonomy and strategic visibility required to scale competitively across European markets. Now, as a standalone entity, Inapa Packaging is poised to benefit from more targeted investments and operational flexibility.

According to statements from Inapa’s board, this transaction will enable the company to concentrate more intensively on its core business – paper distribution – while reducing its net debt by more than €11 million. The sale comes amid increasing pressure on traditional paper businesses to adapt to digitalization trends and sustainability demands, prompting a reallocation of capital toward more agile and growth-oriented segments.

Carlos Martins, who chairs Grupo Martifer and other industrial ventures, has not yet disclosed specific strategic plans for Inapa Packaging. However, industry analysts expect a repositioning of the brand to focus more intensively on sustainable packaging, automation, and international expansion. Martins’ track record of reviving undervalued industrial assets gives confidence that the company could soon re-emerge as a leading mid-sized player in the European packaging supply chain.

The packaging sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by environmental regulations, consumer preferences, and ecommerce growth. In this context, the acquisition of a structurally sound but under-leveraged player like Inapa Packaging signals a growing appetite for consolidation and specialization in the packaging supply chain. Market observers are now watching closely how this deal will influence regional dynamics, particularly in Germany and France, where Inapa Packaging holds a solid client base.

This transaction also highlights a broader trend: packaging divisions within larger industrial groups are increasingly being spun off or acquired as independent growth assets. Investors are beginning to recognize packaging not as a subsidiary activity, but as a strategic pillar capable of driving innovation, especially in areas like circular economy materials and sustainable logistics.

As Inapa Group simplifies its portfolio, and Carlos Martins prepares to invest in the standalone potential of Inapa Packaging, the European packaging industry welcomes a new chapter – one where focused ownership and strategic agility may be the competitive advantage needed to navigate a fast-changing market.