Getting to know director Jonas Elvikis: what did professional sports teach him and how does Bagfactory differ from other companies?
Sports helped me develop a mindset that is now very useful in business: never give up, constantly look for ways to do better, and understand that even every failure is an opportunity to grow,” says Jonas Elvikis, director of Bagfactory. The director’s thoughts are based on solid foundations, as Elvikis not only has solid experience working in various businesses, but also more than a decade of experience playing professional basketball.
How does J. Elvikis feel working at Bagfactory? What were his first impressions when he joined the company? What does the director see as unique here, and how does he think Bagfactory will look in the near future?
All this is discussed in a short interview with the director of Bagfactory.
What was your first impression when you started working at Bagfactory? What had you heard about the company before?
My first impression was very positive – when I joined Bagfactory, I immediately felt the high energy, diligence, and motivation of the company’s team, as well as how important it is for the company to strive for the highest goals.
Even before joining Bagfactory, I was well aware that it is the largest manufacturer of eco-friendly non-woven and paper bags in the Baltic States. The company has received numerous international awards and collaborates with well-known global retail chains such as Lidl, Aldi, and Netto. Perhaps most importantly, I knew that the principles Bagfactory stands for are not merely part of its communications—they are reflected in the company’s actual business and production decisions.
Tell us more about your work experience. Where did you gain your knowledge and skills?
Before joining Bagfactory, I gained more than a decade of management experience working in various manufacturing and industrial companies in the areas of sales, export, and business development. During this time, I not only worked actively in sales and marketing, but also developed strategic plans for company growth.
I managed the sales department at one of the largest polyethylene film manufacturers in the Baltic States, where it was important not only to ensure financial results, but also to implement more sustainable solutions in production. These experiences gave me a broad understanding of production process management, team motivation, and long-term business value creation.
Sustainability is not just a business direction for me—it is also a personal value. I believe that the world we leave for future generations is very important, so I believe that both businesses must take the lead and set an example in the area of sustainability, and all residents of the country must care about sustainability as much as possible.
I am pleased that Bagfactory’s philosophy closely aligns with my personal values. We do not merely talk about sustainability—we put it into practice through material selection, keeping materials in circulation and designing products for repeated use.
How does working at Bagfactory differ from other companies?
Bagfactory is a very dynamic organisation—we never stand still. We are constantly experimenting, improving our production processes and looking for more efficient technological solutions. At Bagfactory, sustainability is not treated as a separate area of activity; it is reflected in various decisions and processes throughout the company. People come here not only to carry out their daily tasks but also to contribute to the company’s shared goals. The team is highly engaged—people understand why we do what we do and work together to find ways to improve.
Tell us about your daily life and hobbies outside of work.
I spent a large part of my life – more than ten years – playing professional basketball, so it is only natural that sport and an active lifestyle are still very important to me and part of my everyday life. My free time is also filled with active pursuits – I enjoy exercising regularly and continuing to take care of my physical fitness. Promoting activity and movement in my free time helps to clear my mind and provides me with additional energy for work.
Be to, laisvalaikiu stengiuosi daug laiko skirti šeimai – manau, kad labai svarbu išlaikyti balansą tarp profesinių tikslų ir asmeninių santykių. Laikas su artimaisiais man suteikia daug vidinės motyvacijos ir primena, dėl ko verta stengtis.
Can years of experience in sports be applied to work?
Without a doubt. My many years of experience in professional sports have taught me not only discipline, but also the ability to achieve results regardless of the circumstances. Sports shape your mentality: never give up, constantly look for ways to do better, and understand that every failure is an opportunity to grow. Team management, strategic thinking, and stress resistance are skills that I picked up on the sports field and now apply in a business environment.
Where do you see Bagfactory over the next 3–5 years?
I would like Bagfactory to make a significant qualitative and quantitative leap over the next 3–5 years. From increased production capacity and technological innovation to even greater international visibility and recognition. I hope the company will grow not only in terms of business performance, but also as an organization where people genuinely want to work. I believe that in the coming years we will be able to further strengthen our team culture, attract motivated talent, and create an environment in which employees are proud of their contribution to a sustainable future.
