For a planet that can breathe.

We rely on materials that are responsibly sourced and
built to be used again and again. Through circular economy principles
and continuous emissions reduction, we minimize our ecological footprint and
develop products that are lighter on the environment – and stronger on impact.
For genuine sustainability, not empty promises or throwaway solutions.

Wood instead of plastic Our reusable systems

The solutions has always been in our nature

Plastikmüll Plastic waste is a problem visible on every construction site today.
Over 460 million tons of plastic are produced each year, yet only 9% of it is actually recycled. The rest endangers our ecosystems – and ultimately our health.

Founded in 1868 as a sawmill, Hildebrandt has always been a family-owned company. Our roots are therefore deeply in wood as a material. As a renewable resource, it combines natural origins with real climate impact. Every cubic meter of wood stores around one ton of CO₂ and binds it long-term.
The result is a material that not only delivers functionally, but also actively benefits our environment.

  • Plastic

    Fossil origins
    Based on the petrochemical industry and the consumption of non-renewable resources.

    Negative carbon footprint
    Manufacturing a plastic cable drum emits considerable amounts of CO₂.

    Permanent waste
    Low recycling rates and the breakdown into microplastics cause lasting damage to the environment.

  • Wood

    Natural origins
    A regional, renewable raw material sourced and processed close to home.

    Better carbon footprint
    Emits less CO₂ during production and additionally stores it long-term.

    Sustainable by Design
    Our wooden drums are modularly repairable, reusable and biodegradable.

Our reusable systems

With our reusable systems for all standard products, we come very close to achieving a true circular economy. We offer circular systems with efficient service for every product:

• the Refund Model for wooden drums,
• the Return Model for steel drums and
• individual solutions for plywood drums.

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Good drums keep going

Just register an empty drum for collection via the Release Reporting App. We coordinate the logistics across Europe – with no administrative effort on your part.

Our drums are built to be fixed

We restore drums directly in our own facilities. Thanks to their modular design, we only replace what is necessary – for maximum lifespan.

End of life? Back to nature

If a drum cannot be repaired, the wood is returned to the natural cycle – naturally, no problem at all.

Built for what is next.

The EU is responding to the plastic crisis – with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) coming into effect in August 2026. We help you make the shift: away from fossil materials and towards a circular economy.

Goal:
The EU is committed to minimizing packaging waste and promoting reuse.

Requirement:
Verifiable recyclability will become mandatory for all packaging in the EU.

Quota:
From 2030, a reuse quota of 40% applies to transport packaging – and 70% from 2040!

Consequence:
High regulatory uncertainty for users of single-use plastic packaging.

We are committed to the transition towards clean energy and dedicated to sustainable solutions. Our reusable systems are ready for what is next. They are not only sustainable, but also economically viable.

Key sustainability benefits

  • Reduction of the CO₂-footprint
  • Prevention of microplastic emissions
  • Closed-loop product design

 

Price advantage
Our reusable systems do not just bring a clear conscience – they bring a great price too. By using them multiple times, you reduce procurement costs and contribute to the success of your company.

 

 

Let us shape the future together

Are you planning a sustainable change in your logistics operations, or do you need assistance with PPWR implementation? Write to us – our experts will advise you personally and individually.

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  • How does the choice of the drum affect your environmental impact?

    Enormously. Wooden drums already save significant amounts of energy during production. As the raw material stores CO₂ during growth, every wooden drum actively and measurably improves your carbon footprint. Sustainability thus transforms from a theoretical obligation into a measurable business advantage.

  • How easy is it to return a drum?

    Simply and digitally. Empty drums can be registered for collection directly via our Release Reporting App. We coordinate the logistics across Europe. This way, you reduce administrative effort and ensure that resources remain part of the circular economy.

  • Why is wood the better raw material for procurement?

    Ecological criteria are increasingly decisive today. With our FSC/PEFC-certified wooden drums, you meet these ecological requirements effortlessly. This gives you a competitive edge over competitors who still rely on fossil single-use solutions.

  • What gives wood the technical edge?

    One decisive factor is repairability. When plastic drums break, they often result in a total loss. Wooden drums, on the other hand, are built modularly. Individual components can be replaced selectively. This saves energy, avoids waste and massively extends the lifespan of your equipment.

  • Is Hildebrandt just a drum supplier?

    No, we deliver complete system solutions. As Europe's largest full-range supplier with decades of experience, we understand the requirements of the cable, pipe and rope industry down to the last detail. We offer tailored solutions and take responsibility for the entire lifecycle – from the first delivery to the final recycling.