After reporting on developments in the Energy Efficiency (E2) sub-sector last quarter, we turn our attention to Waste Management & Technologies (E5) in the current Sector Report. As packaging accounts for a significant proportion of all municipal waste and represents a major environmental burden, providers of packaging solutions play a central role in the sustainability sub-sector Waste Management. 

At a time when plastic pollution and resource scarcity are becoming increasingly pressing issues, it is essential to drive innovation in waste prevention, recycling and the development of environmentally friendly packaging solutions. In addition to increasing consumer demands, regulatory measures such as the EU packaging regulation (PPWR) are currently also driving companies to develop more sustainable solutions. These developments are making the Waste Management & Technologies (E5) sub-sector increasingly attractive for investors with a focus on sustainability and offer promising prospects for M&A in the packaging sector. Against this backdrop, we analyze recent developments in waste management and highlight the acquisition of the Pitreavie Group by the Macfarlane Group, which underlines the trend towards increased investment in sustainable packaging solutions.

Valuations in the sustainability sector remain largely stable in the period under review, with a slight increase in the first quarter of 2025. While the Food, Agriculture & Forestry sub-sector (E7) continues to lose value, the valuations of the Waste Management & Technologies sub-sector (E5) highlighted in this report are rising significantly. This means that the subsector is leaving its position at the lower end of the sustainability valuation scale, which it has held for over a year.

Our SektorReports are available in German language. If you have further questions regarding this topic, feel free to get in touch.