| World exports. Source: Amec. Amec packaging held a meeting with the media on Tuesday, in which it shared the situation of the sector. Despite the pandemic and the crisis it has generated, amec packaging they have increased their turnover in 2020 by 3,2. Exports fell by 2,9%, although there is a clear change in trend, since in the first quarter of 2021 they have increased up to 17% compared to 2020. |
| "This 2021 we have noticed that the situation has normalized," said the president of amec envasgraf, Michele Palma placeholder image, who pointed out positive aspects of the problems experienced during the pandemic such as the drive for digitization and the rationalization of travel: “Companies are optimistic about the evolution of 2021 with the hope that little by little we will recover normality and face-to-face contacts with customers can be re-established. 2021 is being a difficult year for logistics and supplies. In this sense, the president of amec envasgraf explained how the industry is facing the increase in prices of raw materials, as well as the logistics and mobility problems of the goods, detailing how they are solving these new obstacles in the operations of the companies. Michele Palma admitted that there are problems of shortages of electronic products and that it is not known how long this situation will last, which is also affecting transport because there are fewer ships. Spanish imports and exports In 2020, "Spain continues to be in the top 10 among world exporters in the sector and is placed in eighth position, surpassing France", stated the director of amec envasgraf, Carmina Castella. The main markets have been resilient in 2020, although France or Portugal have suffered a slight decline in exports, slowing their upward trend. The United States remains the main destination and Russia confirms its growth during the last four years. Mexico loses some weight in exports. By subsectors, in recent years the sustained growth of the Packaging and Wrapping MachineryWhile Packaging and Packaging Machinery has suffered the consequences of the pandemic and has seen its positive trend slowed in 2020. On the contrary, the subsectors of Converting Machinery and Corrugated Cardboard Machinery they have been favored and have managed to change the negative trend that they had in previous years. Current situation and prospects for 2021 For 60% of companies, the situation in 2020 is valued as worse than that of the previous year, although packaging is one of the sectors in which this assessment is less negative. "For 2021 the prospects are better, although companies remain cautious," explained the director of amec envasgraf. Finding new customers and business partners has been the main difficulty that industrial companies have encountered in their international activity in 2020. Two other difficulties marked by the pandemic also stand out: the need to adapt safety protocols for workers and obtaining greater financial resources. Analyzing future risks, geopolitical instability continues to worry companies, but the appearance of future pandemics is among the main risks. There is also concern about competition from emerging markets and other sectors, and increasingly environmental demands. The main innovation activities carried out by companies focus on the creation of new products and internal R&D activities. However, the digitization of technical service is one of the main strategies to make value chains more resilient, with a strong investment by companies to provide a better technical service and to continue marketing. In addition to digitization, trends in 2020 have been the automation of the processes and 4.0 industry; the adaptability of the machines to changes in the format of the containers; the manufacture of more versatile, safer and productive lines at a lower cost; adaptation to e-commerce; as well as application of the Hygienic Design concept of the machines. "Companies have turned to offering customized solutions and, increasingly, complete solutions, in a firm commitment to providing the best technical service, incorporating in many cases the 24/7 365 days service", declared the director of amec envasgraf. Castellà pointed out that companies are adapting to growing environmental demands: lower energy consumption and a commitment to the circular economy and sustainability. Likewise, among future trends, we must be attentive to product traceability, smart packaging and the rapid evolution of e-commerce. Answer from amec to the challenges of the sector Carmina Castellà explained the measures that amec has undertaken to provide an effective response to the new challenges facing the industry in the sector. Pioneer in the implementation of its purpose, 'Contribute from the industry to make the change of era safe, transversal and positive for people and for the planet', amec eYou are acting to strengthen the positive industry and help it generate more progress. Among the services and actions undertaken by amec envasgraf, highlights a meeting between companies in the sector with engineering firms that develop turnkey projects. It has also made an international promotion platform available to companies in the sector so that they can reach any of their markets of interest. Likewise, it carries out training in key aspects for the competitiveness of industrial companies (adaptability and innovation, industrial marketing, digital marketing, sales for technicians). In addition, it provides them with the information and studies prepared by the Amec Observatory and promotes innovation by detecting and promoting new projects and accessing public aid and Next Generation Funds. The Amec Forum will be held on July 6. The companies that are part of amec They generate an export volume of more than 6.200 million euros, export on average 53,6% of their turnover and invest 3,9% in innovation. |
