New Strategy for Constantia Flexibles: CEO David Spratt on His Vision

Constantia Flexibles, one of the world's leading suppliers of flexible packaging solutions, has appointed David Spratt as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will take up the position on January 1, 2025, succeeding Uwe Röhrhoff, who has been in office as interim CEO since September 2024. In a dynamic and highly competitive market, Spratt now faces the task of driving the company forward. What strategy will he use to lead Constantia Flexibles into a successful future? We asked him.

Mr Spratt, can you tell us a bit about your professional background and how your experiences have prepared you for your new role as CEO of Constantia Flexibles?
I began my career in finance at KPMG in London, which provided me with a strong foundation in financial management and strategic planning. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in the flexible packaging industry, particularly in leading key markets such as snacks and confectionery, dairy, and healthcare at Amcor. My expertise in mergers and acquisitions has been pivotal, and as we refine our strategy at Constantia Flexibles. The market remains highly fragmented, presenting significant opportunities for consolidation, and our innovation capabilities position us well to serve our customers effectively.

What attracted you to the CEO position at Constantia Flexibles?
The CEO role at Constantia Flexibles appealed to me for several reasons. First and foremost, it is an industry I am deeply familiar with and one where I am confident I can make a significant positive impact. Constantia Flexibles stands out as a global leader in flexible packaging, recognized for its customer-centric approach, agility, and advanced technological expertise. The company’s culture and people resonated with me, and I saw an excellent opportunity to drive high growth while making a meaningful difference for the industry and our customers. Additionally, I appreciate the company’s down-to-earth, low-hierarchy environment, which fosters continuous performance improvement. 

What are your strategic priorities for Constantia Flexibles in the coming years?
Our primary focus is establishing a clear strategy that guides our decision-making and lays the foundation for sustainable growth. A key priority is accelerating commercial expansion by strengthening customer relationships and identifying new business opportunities.

Sustainability remains at the heart of our approach. We are committed to helping customers transition to more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. At the same time, we recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success. That’s why we continue to invest in building a high-performance team and fostering a positive, empowering work environment.

Ultimately, all these efforts are geared toward delivering strong returns for our shareholders, ensuring long-term financial health, and creating value.

What trends or developments in the packaging industry do you consider most important for the company’s growth?
Sustainability is undoubtedly the most significant trend shaping the packaging industry. Consumers, regulators, and businesses are increasingly demanding packaging solutions that are recyclable, compostable, or made from renewable materials.

Additionally, the industry remains highly fragmented, and we expect further consolidation. 

Innovation in flexible packaging is another critical growth driver. It is essential to ensure that flexible packaging remains the preferred choice for customers due to its efficiency, product protection, and versatility. Lastly, decarbonization is becoming a top priority. Constantia Flexibles is well-positioned to lead in this area, thanks to our clear vision for sustainable products and deep understanding of customer needs.

How do you think consumer behavior will change in the coming years, and what impact will this have on packaging requirements?
Consumer behavior is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and transparency. More than ever, consumers want to understand the environmental impact of their purchases, including the packaging they come in.

This shift means that brands and packaging providers must prioritize clear communication about recyclability, material sourcing, and carbon footprint reduction. At the same time, packaging must remain visually appealing and functional, ensuring products stand out on the shelf while meeting sustainability standards.

We anticipate several trends shaping packaging requirements. The transition from rigid to flexible packaging will continue, driven by efficiency and sustainability benefits. Additionally, advanced technologies — such as digital printing and anti-counterfeiting features for pharmaceuticals — will gain traction. These developments will require continuous adaptation, and Constantia Flexibles is committed to staying ahead by offering innovative, more sustainable packaging solutions.

Editor: Alexander Stark