Billionaire Profile
U
Global Rank
#1224

Image: Publications Office of the European Union | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Udo Schütz & family

CEO, Packaging
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.451B
Estimated based on Packaging stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
89
Source
packaging
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

Udo Schütz, born in 1937, is a German entrepreneur renowned for founding Schütz-Werke, an industrial packaging company in 1958. His career, spanning from race car driving in the 1960s to yachting, reflects his diverse interests. Schütz's source of wealth is packaging, a sector where his innovations, particularly the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), revolutionized the industry. His commitment to sustainability and innovation earned him the Rudolf Diesel Medal in 2024. His leadership has propelled Schütz-Werke to global prominence with plants worldwide and a workforce of 7,000. As of April 1, 2025, Udo Schütz's net worth was $3.1 Billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Racing Career

Udo Schütz was born on January 11, 1937, in Selters, Germany. Before his business endeavors, Schütz was a successful race car driver in the 1960s. He competed in various racing events and secured numerous victories. Schütz's racing career included 50 race wins and the German Sports car championship in 1966. He contributed to the 1969 World Sportscar Championship win for Porsche.

Rise to Success in Packaging

In 1958, Udo Schütz founded Schütz-Werke, a company focused on industrial packaging. His entrepreneurial vision led to significant innovations, including the development of the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in the mid-1970s. This innovation revolutionized the packaging industry, setting a new benchmark for quality, safety, and sustainability. The company manufactures products in packaging, recycling, energy systems, and the aerospace industry.

Key Business Strategies

Schütz-Werke expanded globally with manufacturing plants in the U.S., Brazil, Japan, China, and Indonesia. A key business strategy has been the company's commitment to sustainability, including a global return and reconditioning program for used IBCs. In 2024, Schütz was awarded the Rudolf Diesel Medal for his contributions to sustainable packaging solutions.

Philanthropy

Udo Schütz has given 25.5% of the company's shares to the family's charitable foundation, Else Schütz Stiftung.

Career Milestones

1958

Founded Schütz-Werke

Established the industrial packaging company Schütz-Werke.

1966

German Sports car championship

Won the German Sports car championship.

1967

1000km Nürburgring race

Won the 1000-km race at the Nürburgring.

1969

Targa Florio victory

Won the Targa Florio race.

1969

World Sportscar Championship

Contributed to Porsche's World Sportscar Championship win.

1970s

Development of IBC

Developed the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC).

2024

Rudolf Diesel Medal

Awarded the Rudolf Diesel Medal for sustainable innovations.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

General Philanthropy

Else Schütz Stiftung

$0.0

25.5% of the company's shares given to the family's charitable foundation.