100 YEARS OF INNOVATION
DEBATIN: A century of history & innovation
In 1923, Anton Debatin and Rudolf Berger founded the “Debatin & Berger Paper Company” in Bruchsal. The company began its story in a former horse stable, where it focused on producing and trading paper goods and short-run print products: bags and pouches, paper for packaging and wrapping, and wax paper.
Today, from its headquarters in Bruchsal and subsidiary in Hoenheim (France), the DEBATIN Group is one of the market leaders in the industry and has made a name for itself as a specialist and solution provider for the entire transport and logistics process.
We hope you enjoy this fascinating and varied journey through a century of innovation during an exciting period of history!
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DEBATIN from 1923 to 2023
100 years of DEBATIN: value-oriented, innovative and committed to sustainability.
1923
Debatin & Berger Paper Company is founded in Bruchsal
Core business: trading and processing paper
1935 / 1947 / 1951
Name changes
1935 A new company is founded: ADB = Anton Debatin Bruchsal
1947 The company is renamed Anton Debatin KG, Paper Processing Company
1951 Following restructuring, the company becomes Anton Debatin GmbH, headed by CEOs Anton and Regina Debatin
1953
The company begins to process plastic films
1973
New products
The company develops UNIPACK® and UNIPOST® self-adhesive document pouches and mailing bags (for Deutsche Bahn)
1985
Debatin SARL (France) is founded
Headquarters and production move to Hoenheim in 1996
1988/89
The company moves into new premises
on Vichy Strasse, Bruchsal
1989
Market leader in Europe
with UNIPACK® bags
1990s/2000s
Invention/development of DEBASAFE® safe bags
2001/2002
Production of 35 million security bags
for Deutsche Bundesbank to facilitate the transition to euros/collection of Deutsche Marks
2006
New aviation security regulations
DEBA S.T.E.B.® security bags for duty-free & hand luggage
2015
DEBATIN certified as a “family-friendly company”
2017
The company and its products achieve carbon neutrality
2018
The DERIBA Group is founded
2019
Acquisition of L.E.S.S. France
Partnership strengthens steadily with ongoing development of the DEBAMED® product range
2019
Values Day
DEBATEAM jointly defines the corporate values
2021
Sustainability in focus
Launch of the sustainability webcast “Grow with us” and DEBATIN’s first sustainability report is published voluntarily
2022
Building and renovation work in Hoenheim
L.E.S.S. joins SARL in the Hoenheim premises
2023
Awarded again
DEBATIN makes it once again onto the list of Germany’s “TOP 100” most innovative companies and is voted a “Leading Employer” (in the top 1% of employers in Germany)
2024
The sign and seal of success
Once again, DEBATIN numbers amongst Germany’s top employers. What’s more, it’s one of the most innovative companies in the country!
The DEBATIN exhibition
To mark our centenary year, we’ve put together a small exhibition that will be on permanent (and, of course, sustainable!) display at DEBATIN. (German and French only)
The early years
From paper to plastic film
DEBAPACKAGING®
DEBASAFE®
DEBAMED®
DEBAYOURS® & DEBAPRINT
Sustainability
Family-owned since 1923
DEBATIN as an employer
Communication in transition
Mission, vision and values
Yesterday, today and in the future
100 years of innovation – in the DEBATIN blog
“Since 1923, DEBATIN has been synonymous with innovative products and solutions. Over the years, needs and demand have fluctuated and shifted. We’ve kept looking to the future and responded to our customers’ requirements and market trends; we’ve remained flexible and agile, adapting to the times. The materials we use and the products we make today meet the highest safety and sustainability requirements. That’s because we are fully aware of our responsibility to our world. We want to do our bit and be a part of a better future.”
Veronika Debatin, stockholder
“‘What will be, not what is’ is the motto on Anton Debatin’s gravestone. A motto that Anton Debatin followed during his lifetime. For a full century, we have boldly tackled challenges – and mastered them magnificently. We have set new standards, stepped off the beaten track, and helped to shape our industry. We have a reputation for our innovative spirit, expertise and flexibility, as well as our courage and resolve to strike out in new directions.”
Thomas Rose, CEO
