Saica Group brings together more than 650 professionals to discuss the future of packaging at its European Customer Event

·        The company held the 14th edition of this event in Málaga, where it discussed with customers and experts the key trends, regulatory challenges, and innovations that will shape the future of packaging.

On June 17 and 18, Málaga hosted the 14th European Customer Convention of Saica Group, an event that brought together more than 650 attendees from various European markets. Over the course of two days, the company showcased the innovative capabilities of its packaging divisions, Saica Pack and Saica Flex, and reaffirmed its commitment to developing sustainable solutions capable of addressing the regulatory, environmental, and consumer challenges facing the packaging industry.

The event was opened by Diego Compaired, Saica Group’s Director of R&D&I, who shared the company’s vision for the future of packaging and the role innovation plays in transforming the industry. He was followed by Rubén Breto, R&D and Applications Manager for Paper and Cardboard, who presented several success stories demonstrating how digital tools are helping drive more efficient packaging development.

Susana Alejandro, President and CEO of Saica Group, used her address to review the company’s progress since the previous convention held in Valencia in 2024. During her presentation, she highlighted the continuity of the strategic principles that have historically guided the group and explained how Saica is strengthening its capabilities to support customers in an increasingly demanding and rapidly changing environment.

Along the same lines, Enrique de Yraolagoitia, Managing Director of the Saica Group, analysed the key developments that have shaped the industry in recent years and reflected on the growing volatility of the economic and business landscape. He also highlighted the company’s investments in strengthening infrastructure, advancing decarbonization efforts, and developing more sustainable solutions to help tackle future challenges alongside its customers.

The program also featured contributions from several customers who shared their experiences. Representatives from Persan, Herta, and Mahou San Miguel discussed practical case studies related to emerging market trends, circularity, packaging sustainability, and the integration of commercial and environmental objectives within their organizations.

Bellatrix Vela, Environmental Technician at the Saica Group, examined the key factors for adapting to the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), one of the legislative frameworks set to shape the sector’s immediate future.

Product innovation also played a prominent role during the convention. Carlos Vallespín, Commercial Support and Sales Director at Saica Paper, and Jorge García Magdalena, Product Safety Manager at Saica Paper, presented new solutions suitable for direct contact with fatty foods. The company also unveiled Saica SKIN Origami, an innovative concept that combines flexible packaging with corrugated cardboard.

The consumer perspective was represented by Jorge Zúñiga Gómez, Senior Insights Consultant at Euromonitor International, who delivered a presentation focused on evolving consumer expectations and how factors such as sustainability, regulation, the emergence of new generations, changing lifestyles, and evolving needs are reshaping purchasing decisions and packaging development.

Eleven Years of Advancing Innovation in Packaging

Wednesday’s agenda also featured the 11th edition of the Group Innovation Contest, an initiative that has become a well-established part of the convention. This year, eleven finalists from different technical offices across the company took part in the contest.

The competition, divided into two categories, Saica Pack and Saica Flex, recognised the most innovative projects developed by the teams. The winners in the Saica Pack category were Laura Pérez and Ignacio Moreo for its proposal “Atomic Design”, while the Saica Flex award went to Ibón Aznar and Dario Cases for “Linerless Recycled Paper Tape”. The winners were selected through a direct vote by the event attendees.