Below are reliable packaging suppliers and platforms commonly used by European buyers, grouped by type (large integrated converters, specialised suppliers, and flexible/SME-friendly web-to-print). I’ve included each supplier’s strengths and what to ask them (certifications, lead times, minimum order quantities) so you can vet them quickly.

Large integrated converters / pan‑European (good for high volumes, multiple sites, supply‑chain reliability)

• Smurfit Kappa — market leader in corrugated, containerboard and bag‑in‑box with a very large European footprint and strong chain‑of‑custody (FSC/PEFC) and food‑contact capabilities. Good for retail/industrial cartons, transit packaging and multi‑site programs. (smurfitkappa.com)
• Mondi — major European supplier of kraft paper, speciality kraft and corrugated converting; strong technical services (R&D, food‑safety labs) and capacity across Western & Central Europe. Good for paper‑based solutions and eco replacements for plastics. (mondigroup.com)
• Stora Enso — focused on renewable cartonboard and fibre‑based packaging (folding cartons, CUK/FBB) with recent investments in high‑capacity board lines for food and FMCG packaging. Strong sustainability credentials for fibre solutions. (packaginginsights.com)
• DS Smith — large pan‑European corrugated converter and packaging solutions provider (used widely by retailers and e‑commerce). (Industry consolidation is active — check current plant coverage for specific countries). (wsj.com)

Specialised & regional suppliers (flexible manufacturing, specialty materials, rigid plastics, or innovative materials)

• Huhtamaki (Europe) — specialist in flexible packaging, retort pouches, tubes and certain food‑contact formats; strong for FMCG and foodservice packaging. (huhtamaki.com)
• Greiner Packaging — European supplier for rigid plastic and mono‑material recyclable solutions (food, non‑food). Useful when you need rigid containers or sustainable mono‑PP/PE solutions. (Search their local sites for country availability.)
• Amcor / Sealed Air / Berry Global — global suppliers with sizeable European operations for flexible films, barrier laminates, protective packaging and thermoformed trays (suitable for food & pharma). (Confirm local plant capabilities and food‑contact certifications.)

Web‑to‑print / SME / e‑commerce friendly (low MOQs, fast turnaround, branded retail/unboxing)

• Packhelp — web‑based custom packaging marketplace (mailer boxes, product boxes, biodegradable mailers) aimed at SMEs and DTC brands; low MOQ options and online design tools, distributed across EU markets (Netherlands support available). Good for short runs and rapid prototyping. (Packhelp.com)

Sustainable/innovative material suppliers (bio‑based films, novel coatings)

• Stora Enso (cartonboard) and a growing set of startups (e.g., Xampla for plant‑protein films) — use these if you’re replacing plastics with fibre or bio‑films; expect slightly longer qualification times. (news.europawire.eu)

What to request from any supplier (quick checklist for vetting)

• Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSC/PEFC chain‑of‑custody (for fibre), BRC/IFS/ISO 22000 (for food contact), and REACH compliance for chemical safety. Ask for up‑to‑date certificates. (These are commonly held by the large converters noted above — check the supplier’s site or ask sales for copies). (eu.smurfitkappa.com)
• Sample & technical data: request free/proof samples, technical drawings, barrier and migration test reports (for food), and shelf‑life data for barrier packs.
• Minimum order quantity (MOQ) & lead time: large converters — higher MOQs but stable lead times; web‑to‑print — low MOQs (from tens to hundreds) and 1–3 week lead times typical (Packhelp advertises small orders and quick turnarounds). (Packhelp.com)
• Sustainability claims: request chain‑of‑custody documentation, recycled content certificates, end‑of‑life instructions and LCA or EPDs if sustainability is a buying criterion. Stora Enso, Smurfit Kappa and others publish circularity initiatives you can reference. (storaenso.com)
• Supply continuity: ask about backup production sites, lead‑time guarantees, and stock programs (useful for pan‑EU distribution).

Practical buying tips for European buyers (Netherlands perspective)

• Local presence: prefer suppliers with conversion or distribution sites in Benelux / Netherlands to reduce transit time and simplify returns/inspections (Smurfit Kappa, Mondi, Packhelp have regional services). (smurfitkappa.com)
• Consolidate specs: give suppliers a single, clear spec sheet (material, grammage, print, varnish/coating, barrier needs, intended market/country) so quotes are comparable.
• Audit & small pilot runs: for new suppliers — run a paid pilot order (small batch), check print quality and functional tests, then arrange an on‑site or remote audit for larger contracts.
• Watch consolidation/news: the packaging industry is consolidating (Mondi deals, mergers) so plant ownership and lead times can change; verify plant/service status before large contracts. (reuters.com)

If you’d like I can:

• Produce a tailored shortlist (3–6 suppliers) for your product type (e.g., food cartons, e‑commerce mailers, barrier pouches) plus direct contact pages and estimated MOQs and lead times for buyers in the Netherlands; or
• Prepare an RFP template you can send to suppliers summarising the technical/quality/sustainability requirements.

Which would you prefer?