Rohrer blends sustainable materials, smart design, and customer-focused solutions to create packaging with the wow factor
Rohrer’s award-winning team uses state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to provide innovative retail packaging solutions, with industry-leading speed, quality and value, as well as beautiful design. The company’s custom packaging programs and packaging solutions help build brands and bottom lines.
“When we last spoke, our focus was very much on strengthening our internal operations, really honing our business systems and driving a relentless push toward on-time delivery and repeatable, high-quality results,” begins CEO, Tim Swanson. “That foundation has paid off, and now we’re investing heavily in our sales team and refining our commercial processes because, in today’s market, customers have plenty of strong options. To stand out, we’ve embraced what we call a consultative selling model, which means really listening to customers, understanding their pain points, and helping them solve problems before we try to sell them anything.
“A big part of that dialogue centers on sustainability, meeting customers where they are on their journey and supporting them along the way,” he continues. “That approach has resonated strongly. At the same time, we’ve maintained a focus on our M&A pipeline with the intent to build scale and capability across the business.
“In June, we were proud to see our EcoVadis score rise 12 percent year on year, which is a great reflection of our progress in sustainable manufacturing. We also deeply engaged in a marketing campaign focused on cosmetics and personal care, which is a fast-growing, high-potential market where our innovation and customer collaboration are really shining. It’s been a busy and exciting 12 months.
“This is an attractive segment in the packaging space,” Tim shares. “Those products are marketed using a lot of color, innovative graphics and unique packaging concepts that really highlight the product. This segment gives us a great opportunity to showcase not only our decorative capabilities in foiling and windowing for example, but it’s also an opportunity for us to work with a set of customers in the cosmetic space who really focus on impressive packaging that has a positive sustainability story. Many of these customers are committed to the circular economy and want to ensure their products reflect that commitment.”
Indeed, Rohrer’s new EcoVolve™ paperboard line brings together cutting-edge materials and environmental responsibility, allowing brands to enhance their eco-friendly efforts without sacrificing quality. With the company’s EcoVolve-30™, featuring a blend of virgin and 30 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fiber, customers can take the 30 percent PCR claim to the front of their package.
“As we spend time in the cosmetic space, we’re engaging with customers about sustainable innovations like our EcoVolve paperboard,” Tim elaborates. “What excites us most about cosmetics and personal care is how dynamic it is. Brands are constantly evolving, introducing fresh ideas and new product lines, and we love being part of that process.”
Similarly, the all-paper blister is an exciting concept that’s quickly gaining traction across many end markets and packaging segments. Cosmetics and personal care are particularly attractive areas for this innovation, while household goods currently show the greatest adoption. What makes the paper blister so compelling is that it takes a bold step forward on the path to sustainability, removing petroleum-based plastics entirely from the package.
“Of course, that creates new design challenges,” Tim continues, “because paper isn’t transparent, we need creative ways to showcase the product inside. Windowing concepts become critical, as does the way the product is held and encapsulated within the paper structure. That’s where much of the innovation happens. Our team works closely with customers to balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in a way that truly highlights their product.
“For personal care and cosmetics brands, where presentation is everything, this is both a fascinating design opportunity and a complex packaging challenge. But we embrace it as an exciting project; one that pushes us to think differently and deliver solutions that make an impact. We’re already seeing significant growth and adoption in the market, and as the shift toward paper continues, the all-paper blister will become an even bigger part of what we do.”
As packaging becomes more sustainable, it often incorporates more regrind or post-consumer content, which affects material performance. For example, in paper-based packaging, higher recycled content shortens fiber length, reducing strength and rigidity. Similarly, in plastic packaging like clamshells, clarity diminishes as recycled content increases.
“These are the kinds of trade-offs we navigate in the sustainability journey,” Tim shares, “balancing environmental progress with performance and durability. Shorter fiber lengths can compromise structural integrity, which is critical in packaging that must withstand handling on the retail floor without tearing or detaching from hang tags. Structural strength also plays an important role in theft deterrence, particularly for higher-value or heavier products. For that reason, some household goods still face limits on how far we can push sustainable materials without sacrificing performance.”
“We address these challenges through thoughtful design and innovation. Many of our customers now integrate RFID tags into their packaging, allowing retailers to track inventory, prevent theft, and streamline replenishment systems. Additionally, we work with advanced adhesives, inks, and coatings that maintain both structural stability and visual appeal. From UV stabilizers to anti-static agents, every element is carefully considered. As a full-service visual packaging partner, it’s our responsibility to help brands achieve both sustainability and shelf impact.”
The team at Rohrer wants to make it easy for customers to do business. As such, the ezCombo® program was designed to make the packaging process streamlined, quick, affordable, unique, and flexible. The program is a unique manufacturing solution where several different printed or plastic packaging pieces are created as a combo-run. It streamlines the packaging process by combining the orders of several customers into one production run. This shared tooling arrangement increases speed, reduces start-up costs, and minimizes set-up times for all customers.
“We’re also investing in private label, a growing segment of the packaging industry,” Tim adds. “In November, we’ll be at the PLMA Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, engaging with customers to understand their needs. We want to ensure packages maintain integrity, showcase products effectively, and meet cost and sustainability requirements, all while helping solve unique packaging challenges.”
As a growing company, Rohrer prioritizes diversity of thought, experience, and background to build a team that drives high performance while keeping work engaging and fun. “We hire both from within the packaging industry and outside,” Tim shares. “Diverse experiences often spark innovation and new approaches. Today, with the competition for talent, it’s critical to offer a balanced, supportive workplace where people want to lean in, solve problems and help run the business, and building that culture is an ongoing effort.”
Looking ahead, Tim shares Rohrer’s strategy for the future. “We remain laser focused on executing our strategy to double the size of our business through organic growth, penetration of existing markets, and applying our existing knowledge to new markets. We’ll also focus on M&A activity to bring new capabilities to the company. In 2026,” he concludes, “we’ll continue to focus on expansion of our commercial efforts. For us, success is about being alongside our customers; showing them new products, supporting them in bringing products to market, and helping them feel confident in and proud of what they’re offering.”