Fifty professionals from the cardboard packaging sector attended the event on April 24th Cardboard Packaging Meeting, organized by ASPACK at the Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII Hotel in Madrid. The event served as a meeting point for reflection on the present and future of the industry, marked by the challenges of automation, sustainability, and attracting young talent.
The president of ASPACK, Joseph M. Berga, opened the event by emphasizing that "competitiveness is no longer an option; it's a condition for survival in a global environment that is changing at a dizzying pace." In his speech, he presented some relevant data from the sector and emphasized the need to advance automation, digitalization, and employment, while underscoring the importance of addressing absenteeism, adapting to new regulations, and sustaining significant investment in technology and innovation.
Then Jordi Llinares, Director General of Industrial Programs at the Ministry of Industry, offered an institutional overview of the sector's key role within the country's industrial policies. He thanked ASPACK for its work as an intermediary with the government and emphasized that "the cardboard packaging industry represents an example of the circular economy, innovation, and quality employment." He emphasized that cardboard, as a renewable, biodegradable, and highly recyclable material, is essential in strategic sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Llinares defended the need to reindustrialize Spain, committing to a sustainable, digital, and resilient production model, and positioned industry as a driver of ecological and digital transformation. He noted that Spain has favorable competitive conditions, such as controlled energy costs and a skilled workforce, which must be leveraged to consolidate a strong industrial fabric.
During his speech, he also highlighted the support programs underway by the Ministry, such as the €1.600 billion PERTE (Perte Industrial Decarbonization Program), and encouraged companies to participate in the various calls for aid to strengthen their innovation capacity. "The Ministry aims to act as a regulatory bank that fosters sustainable growth in the sector," he stated, emphasizing that public-private collaboration is essential to ensuring strategic autonomy and long-term competitiveness.
The general secretary of ASPACK, Pablo Serranopresented the association's new Strategic Plan for the next four years. He also offered some economic indicators that reflect the sector's evolution and announced that the association's next congress will be held in Ibiza.
The day concluded with a cocktail luncheon where attendees shared experiences and generated new opportunities for collaboration.
