Track: From challenges to achievements

The round table will address crucial topics in the field of recycled plastics, from the current market situation to future perspectives in its use in packaging. We will discuss practical experiences, highlighting opportunities and challenges, as well as the impact of taxation and certifications on the industry. We will delve into the relevance of recycled plastic in contact with food and conclude by evaluating the role of chemical recycling in achieving sustainability goals. An essential meeting to understand the current and future dynamics of plastic recycling.

The best way to innovate is to make ideas tangible and validate them swiftly. We will explain how, at the Eurecat technological centre, we have developed a methodology to help companies to accelerate their innovation processes, from the phases of identifying innovation opportunities to conceiving solutions and validating them through agile concept testing.

SINGLE‐PACK pursues the creation of a new single-dose container made of 100% paper, free of plastic liners in its composition, and suitable for packaging sauces and olive oil. It thus aims to become the first reference for single-dose recyclable paper packaging in a compostable blue container. The strategy is based on the formulation of coatings, and on establishing a multi-coating concept that, applied to paper, provides the fat resistance, an oxygen barrier and sealing capacity, required by ACESUR products. The project, co-financed by CDTI-FEDER, is being led by Acesur with the collaboration of AINIA as a technological partner.

The GUILD of Industry and Graphic Communication of Catalonia presents this strategic project driving transformation. "Printing our Future" defines a new collaborative and circular productive model in which the engagement of companies is key to optimising/sharing technology and human capital. The session, chaired by Jordi Plà, a managing partner of plà&associats, will kick off the dialogue phase with the graphic companies and suppliers. 

In this talk, we explore the keys and trends that are shaping the future of the packaging industry. Through an exhaustive analysis of the data and emerging trends, we reveal how the packaging industry is evolving and adapting to changing market demands and consumer preferences. From the standpoint of sustainability and technological innovation to customisation and the user experience, we will be taking a look at the key factors that are driving the transformation of design, production and use of containers. What's more, we will be presenting hard numbers on the current state of the industry, providing valuable insight to companies and professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of the industry.

REBO2VINO is an innovation project that aims to analyse the impact and viability of a glass bottle reutilisation system in the Spanish wine making industry, applying the principles of the circular economy. The initiative framework includes performing a market study and the design and deployment of an experimental pilot programme, as well as the creation of digital tools.

New technologies applied in recent years to food and beverage packaging have presented a challenge for the right way to position products on the shelves for consumers and all the food distribution channels. The use of new materials, advanced logistics and e-commerce, among other factors, are vital if the industry is going to continue to be highly innovative.

The Spanish Branding Association (AEBRAND) proposes to address in this round table the challenges and trends in strategic packaging design and analyse the keys to promoting sustainable innovation. The colloquium will bring together brand managers, agencies and designers who will share success stories and packaging solutions with positive impact.

The Ecosmartpack 4.0 project forms part of the field of smart, sustainable and innovative packaging for the cosmetics industry. The project provides for the development of solutions for the transition from the traditional single-use container concept towards a smart, reusable container that also allows for traceability during its many life cycles. The initiative, geared towards Industrial Research, on the one hand envisages the design and execution of the digital platform required for the container's traceability throughout its different useful life cycles and, on the other, the securing of a functional smart packaging prototype, with a traceability identifier in a simulated environment and validation.

During the sessions, leading companies in the packaging and container value chain will be commenting on the implication of the future European law on packaging and packaging waste with regard to ecodesign, recyclability, compostability, reuse and the introduction of recycled material. The companies will also share their strategies and ongoing developments for regulatory compliance in view of a temporary scenario which, as scheduled, will maintain 2025 and 2030 as the key dates and establish new milestones in 2035 and 2040.

Only one step remains from the approval of new European packaging and packaging waste regulations, after the green light from European Parliament: Once the EU Council gives its official go-ahead, it will be of mandatory compliance by Member States. Its entry into force will entail amendments to Royal Decree 1055/2022 on Packaging and Packaging Waste and introduce, in some cases, more restrictive measures and extend, in turn, the terms for some of them until 2040. These differences with regard to the current regulation may have a direct impact on the companies of the European Union and the management of packaging and waste in the common market. To shed light on the implications for the entire packaging value chain, this talk will address in detail all the key points that the draft law sets out, placing special emphasis on reuse and returnable containers, as well as on prevention and recyclability.

EU regulations on packaging and waste address environmental issues and the harmonisation of the internal market. Despite apparent success, the amount of waste is still on the rise (188.7 kg/inhab in 2021). This is underscored by the challenges of plastics recycling. Spain, the third leading country in plastics recycling, is still tackling this issue, with 36% of its plastic waste ending up in landfills. This raises waste management concerns and suggests the need for more effective policies and the promotion of alternatives such as reuse and recycling. These topics will be addressed by the round-table discussion “Impact of Plastics on Packaging Waste Management”.

Debate with leading companies in the sector about the environmental sustainability of food packaging and the need to combine it with the high barrier functionality that the market demands for the conservation of these products and the fight against food waste.

During this session, the Advanced Materials Cluster of Catalonia will present the collaborative projects it’s undertaking within the framework of the association, while two of its member companies will showcase their innovative solutions for sustainable and advanced materials for packaging: - OIMO is a start-up that develops new materials for sustainable packaging. It currently offers biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions for manufacturers and final brands. - MOLECUAR GATE is a spin-off of the ICMAB-CSIC that offers a unique and effective security system for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, electronics and fashion markets, helping to verify the authenticity of products and guaranteeing their proper handling during storage and transport. Nanomaterial-based technology guarantees product authenticity by means of smart optical elements printed on the products.

Find out more about the latest advances in smart packaging with ColorSensing, which will present past and future pilot tests with manufacturers of meat products and ready meals. Its innovative smart label incorporates chemical sensors into QR codes for critical functions such as leak detection and cold chain monitoring. Learn how these technologies can not only improve product security and traceability, but also facilitate automatic digital readouts throughout the supply chain.

In our round table, we will talk about key sustainability and circularity indicators and strategies in primary and secondary packaging applied through ecodesign. Leading companies in various sectors (food, pharmaceutical, furniture and textiles) will share their experiences and learnings in projects that apply sustainable strategies throughout the value chain, adapting to the new regulatory and socioeconomic context.

Packaging has become a core element within companies’ comprehensive sustainability strategies. Leading companies such as Mahou San Miguel, Nauterra (formerly Calvo) and Grupo Incasa will show attendees how they apply these plans in sectors such as beer, water, preserves, home care and personal care, including the creation of new packaging designed to meet certain consumer demands.

The plastics industry is in the midst of a transition towards a circular, net-zero ecosystem. To drive this change, in late 2023 Plastics Europe published “The Plastics Transition”, the roadmap for the industry toward circular plastics in Europe with net-zero emissions by 2050. The path ahead on this roadmap is supported by several pillars and levers that will have to be activated in order make a reality of the ambitions of an industry united around a common vision: one of sustainable plastics that continue to meet society’s needs and remain a key asset of the European economy.

I invite you to find out how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of packaging.We’ll explore the latest creative innovations and their impact on our daily lives, redefining the interaction with the products that we consume.Don’tmiss out on this chance to delve into the thrilling future of packaging powered by artificial intelligence.” 

This session will explore how leading brands in product manufacturing and industrial goods are leading the transformation towards sustainability, decarbonisation and minimising environmental impact by innovative bottling and packaging strategies. Experts from major brands will share their experience in implementing environmental and social governances (ESG), highlighting the critical role of packaging as an innovative tools to improve sustainability metrics and foster responsible business development.

The debate will analyse various strategies and success stories focused on reverse logistics and reuse of materials and products. The aspects examined will include current regulations, technologies that can contribute to sustainability and the challenges that companies face in this area. The aim is to find solutions that drive the transformation of the supply chain towards a more environmentally responsible model.

At Hispack 2024 ITENE will present a new series of interviews with sustainability ambassadors from companies that are leading the change towards the circular economy, who will provide first-hand explanations of their strategies and success stories in the development of sustainable packaging.

At Hispack 2024 ITENE will present a new series of interviews with sustainability ambassadors from companies that are leading the change towards the circular economy, who will provide first-hand explanations of their strategies and success stories in the development of sustainable packaging.