Strong Partnership: Gmund Papier and Schabert

For over a decade, the paper manufacturer Gmund Papier and the binding materials wholesaler Schabert have worked successfully together to develop papers for the f.color brand—sustainable, durable binding materials and endpapers that set quality benchmarks in the book market.

Inga Krüger, Head of Marketing & Sustainability at Schabert, offers insights into this longstanding partnership and highlights the collaboration with Gmund Papier.

A Partnership Based on Shared Values

The collaboration between Schabert and Gmund Papier began in 2010 when Schabert sought a new producer for its f.color brand, which had existed since the 1970s. Their requirements were clear: a manufacturer offering quality, reliability, and flexibility. Initial contact with Gmund Papier had already been established, and after extensive discussions, it quickly became clear that the two companies shared the same vision.

By 2011, the newly designed color palette of the f.color collection was launched. Remarkably, Gmund Papier and Schabert introduced 135 new papers and f.color items across five different collections simultaneously. Today, the f.color range includes 225 items in ten different series.

For Inga Krüger, one of the decisive factors in choosing Gmund Papier was the team’s high level of creativity and enthusiasm: „When we approach Gmund with ideas, they immediately engage and help us develop them further. This mutual inspiration makes our collaboration incredibly exciting.“

Quality and Reliability as Cornerstones

One of the biggest challenges in transitioning f.color production was ensuring that customers continued to receive the expected high quality—ideally, with improvements. Alongside its innovative strength, Gmund Papier impressed with the exceptional quality of its materials.

f.color papers are durable, fully dyed, and especially suited for book covers, as they resist tearing or cracking, even during machine processing. „This was a clear requirement for Gmund, which their expertise enabled them to meet beautifully,“ says Krüger. External processors confirmed this quality in tests, where f.color was recognized as the best material for bookbinding.

To support the transition, Gmund Papier established a dedicated Schabert warehouse at the Mangfall River to ensure all colors were always in stock. „This allows us to reorder at any time without waiting for new production,“ explains Krüger. This ensures reliable and fast delivery to the end customer—a significant advantage in the dynamic book market.

Sustainability That Convinces

Another key aspect of the partnership is the shared commitment to environmental responsibility. Long before sustainability became a trend, it was a priority for both Schabert and Gmund Papier. The regional proximity between Tegernsee and Strullendorf near Bamberg facilitates logistical collaboration and reduces emissions.

Both companies are particularly proud of the Cradle to Cradle® certification, which confirms that f.color collections are fully recyclable and part of a circular economy. „This is now a cornerstone of our communication and proof of the sustainability of our products,“ emphasizes Krüger.

Creative Impulses and Innovation

The collaboration between Schabert and Gmund Papier extends beyond production. Inga Krüger notes that many creative ideas come from both the customers and the companies themselves. „Our f.color palette has grown significantly. Often, customers request new colors or special surfaces, and Gmund is always ready to make these ideas a reality.“

Future Outlook and Emerging Trends

The book industry faces challenges but also opportunities. While many markets are shifting, Schabert observes a positive trend toward physical books, particularly among younger generations. „Thanks to social media, book recommendations on TikTok, and other platforms, more young people are discovering reading for themselves.“

This trend demonstrates the merging of digital and physical worlds, creating new opportunities for innovative book projects.

The partnership between Schabert and Gmund Papier remains a driving force, shaping the book industry with creativity, quality, and sustainability. This collaboration enables publishers and agencies to rely on high-quality, eco-friendly materials—a strong signal for the future of the book market.