El 5th Packaging Startup DayOrganized by the Cluster of Innovation in Container and Packaging, has brought together startups and companies in the sector to promote collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
Jesús Pérez, director of the Cluster, has highlighted that “the objective of this session is to connect and make known to the industrial sector the latest technological innovations of startups, establishing lines of collaboration that allow the development of innovative projects”. In recent years, these meetings have brought together more than 50 startups to collaborate with the sector, promoting technological development projects that have marked a before and after in the industry.
Open innovation: keys, incentives and alliances to boost ecosystem growth
Before the intervention of technology-based companies, Maria Sanz de Galdeano, Director of Innovation at Ayming, shared with attendees a series of keys to promote open innovation, an essential approach in a context where sustainability and efficiency have become fundamental requirements.
“Clear governance, a win-win relationship and an entrepreneurial culture are some of the fundamental pillars to guarantee the success of open innovation projects,” said Sanz de Galdeano. He also stressed the importance of creating meeting spaces such as Startup Day, since collaboration between companies and startups is a powerful tool to drive the transformation of the sector.
“Strategic collaboration has enabled companies to increase their competitiveness, access emerging technologies, improve sustainability and maintain a constant flow of innovation,” he added. In this regard, he stressed that open innovation not only optimizes resources and shares risks, but also accelerates time to market, generating a transformative impact.
Among the incentives to promote innovation, the director of Innovation at Ayming has mentioned the Patent Box, which reduces corporate tax by up to 60%, and the Tax Equity, which facilitates private financing for R&D projects. She has also highlighted the Public Procurement of Innovation (CPI) as a key tool to solve sector-specific challenges.
Innovative solutions presented by startups
Following Ayming's presentation, several startups presented their disruptive solutions for the packaging sector.
Blue Room has presented CircularPass, a digital solution that Laia Perez, su CMO He explained that it is based on blockchain for products, materials and waste, which guarantees traceability, promoting efficient recycling and good regulatory compliance, allowing data to be shared in a secure and verified manner.
Meanwhile, fiber tray, hand in hand with his General Manager, Pablo G. Monera, has exhibited a patented system for manufacturing 100% natural fiber trays that stand out for their continuous, flat edge without steps, which guarantees 100% reliability in conventional or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) processes.
Meanwhile, Andrea Cabanes, Co-founder and CEO de Fych Technologies has exposed the patented technologies for generating high-quality recycled plastics that they rely on to help industries operate more efficiently and make their waste profitable.
Likewise, Nuria Gómez, Senior Scientist at the CSIC has presented Lignoecopack a solution derived from agroforestry waste that reinforces the role of cardboard boxes to make them more resistant, recyclable and biodegradable and aims to reduce food waste.
In this lineSergio Otero, commercial director de OPTICS, has shared with the attendees its platform for communication and traceability of products called Oko Cloud. A software that enables smart packaging labelling, improving the consumer experience and encouraging personalisation to connect brands with their customers.
Meanwhile Marta Sainz, its Founder and CEO de POTS has released Its packaging management system collects, sanitizes and returns the containers, creating a 100% circular model. The system includes a washing plant with the capacity to process 3.000 bottles per hour.
Specifically, QRtracing, hand in hand with his CEO, Jose Carlos Miñana, has explained its traceability system based on blockchain and QR technology, designed to adapt to European regulations. This solution allows the life cycle of packaging to be controlled, facilitating its reuse and ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Lastly, Solublion, led by his CEO Daniel Domene, has introduced its bio-based and water-soluble materials, specifically designed to minimise environmental impact. The company supports its customers in the implementation of these solutions, from the design phase to production, ensuring a comprehensive and environmentally friendly approach.
To conclude the day, Jesús Pérez, director of the Packaging Innovation Cluster, has reiterated that the Cluster's mission is to be facilitators of technology and innovation. He has therefore encouraged participating companies and startups to align themselves to continue promoting the sector.
