Packaging

Adapt your production to the new challenges of the sector.

Familiarize yourself with the challenges that are already emerging for the near future of Packaging and fine-tune your production environment.

Packaging

The packaging sector is a key player within the supply chain and the global economy. Factors such as product presentation (and, therefore, how consumers receive them), the distribution of more/less stock, and greater/lesser investment in packaging depending on the material depend on it.

Currently, it is going through one of its most critical moments: on the one hand, companies have more resources at their disposal to present more elaborate and user-centered designs, which increases competition. And on the other hand, the importance of implementing more efficient and sustainable processes is growing.

The EU Council adopted a negotiating position in December 2023 on new rules to reduce packaging waste and promote high-quality recycling in the EU, with the aim of addressing the increase in packaging waste generated in the territory and promoting the circular economy.

Current Packaging Challenges

Thus, the challenges facing the sector today are:

Sustainability and responsible use of materials

Because not everything is acceptable. In addition to being attractive and useful in terms of physical space, packaging must be recyclable and contain minimal substances of concern, and incorporate clear information for consumers.

Supply chain improvement

The introduction of more tools to the supply chain increases the number of processes and can make it more difficult to keep them all under control. This difficulty disappears when the appropriate solutions are introduced to manage the total asset cycle (from logistics to inventory).

More energy efficiency

Accustomed to working with traditional fuels and very long processes, companies must invest in cutting-edge technologies and clean resources that optimize their operations. Here, we would include both those associated with manufacturing and transportation.

Increased productivity and efficiency of the workforce

As in most industries, productivity is closely linked to the success of companies. This depends on the importance given to the operators’ environment (HSE), as well as their knowledge and the resources they have available in the plant.

How to address them? Four good practices to start with

Adopt advanced technologies

These improve the entire life cycle of packaging, from design to production and distribution.

Optimize processes

Solutions such as automation or standardization avoid unnecessary waste and increase efficiency.

Develop futuristic strategies

That include sustainability in all stages of packaging. This implies evaluating the environmental impact, reuse, recycling, or waste minimization.

Train and raise awareness among staff

If the people who are day after day in the plant do not understand or know the importance of sustainability, they will not be able to follow responsible practices.