History
On December 14, 1957 Jakob Müller founded RKW Group as Rheinische Kunststoffwerke GmbH in Worms, Germany. Today, the family owned company has evolved into one of the world's foremost manufacturers of innovative and sustainable film solutions.
Present - 2010
2023
RKW received German Brand Award for the market launch campaign of RKW Horizon MDO-PE films #ExpandYourHorizon.
2020
Relocation of the company headquarters: RKW moves its headquarters to Mannheim.
2019
Reorganization of the ownership structure: the Fischer and Lang/Helms family members acquire the shares in JM Holding GmbH and Renolit SE, the Müller and de Alvear family members the shares in RKW SE.
2019
With our sustainable film solutions, we enable our customers to improve the daily lives of consumers all over the world
2016
RKW Lotus changes name to RKW Vietnam
2015
Inauguration of RKW Guangzhou Company Ltd., RKW´s first site in China
2015
RKW Danafilms, Franklin, USA, becomes RKW North America
2014
Acquisition of Hyplast NV, Hoogstraten, Belgium, and Biofol Film GmbH, Unseburg, Germany
2011
Acquisition of the North American company Danafilms, Inc. in Westborough, MA and Franklin, USA
2009 – 2000
2009
Foundation of RKW’s first greenfield project in Egypt“
2008
RKW AG Rheinische Kunststoffwerke becomes RKW SE
2007
Acquisition of HydroSpun Nonwoven GmbH, Germany
2005
Acquisition of Werra Plastic GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
2004
Acquisition of RKW Lotus Ltd., Vietnam
2003
RKW becomes independant; name change to RKW AG Rheinische Kunststoffwerke
2002
Acquisition of four former BP plants in Germany (Wasserburg, Michelstadt, Nordhorn, Gronau), RKW US Inc., USA, and Castelletta S.A.S., France
2001
Further acquisitions: Rémy S.A., France, and RKW Guial S.A.S., France
2000
Acquisition of RKW St. Frères Emballage S.A.S., France, and Rosenlew RKW Finland Oy
1999 - 1957
1999
Acquisition of RKW Sweden AB
1998
Acquisition of ACE SA, Belgium
1972
Expanding film conversion capacities through integration of Hersbruck plant
1965
Integration of Site in Echte
1962
First European expansion: Industrias Iter S.A., Spain
1962
Integration of Petersaurach plant
1957
On December 14, 1957 Jakob Müller founded RKW Group as Rheinische Kunststoffwerke GmbH in Worms, Germany. Today, the family-owned company has evolved into one of the world's foremost manufacturers of innovative and sustainable film solutions.
1957
Foundation of Rheinische Kunststoffwerke GmbH
Headquarters of Rheinische
Kunststoffwerke GmbH in Worms, Germany.
The idea of RKW founder Jakob Müller was to develop the best polyethylene films for a wide range of applications and to become independent of raw materials that were scarce at that time. Back then, RKW produced mainly everyday consumer products. Since 1957, the small company has grown relatively quickly.