The Packaging Cluster and the Food+I Cluster jointly organised an online session to address challenges and share innovations in the field of food packaging.

Mireia Andreu, Innovation Manager of the Packaging Cluster, started the session with a presentation on the current legislative status, the objectives of the Green Deal, the directives for non-financial sustainability reporting and the food waste regulation. Andreu focused his presentation on the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) approved by the European Union, which aims to make all packaging on the market recyclable by 2030. He explained the ecomodulation process, which will detail which materials and packaging are recyclable under current recycling systems. The regulation places particular emphasis on plastics, calling for greater use of post-consumer recycled material. It also sets targets for the reuse of packaging, especially in supermarkets and restaurants, and bans non-compostable labels for fruit and vegetables, as well as very light bags and packaging for fruit and vegetables of less than 1.5 kg.

Carolina Peñalva, from the AITIIP technology centre in Saragossa, continued the session by discussing the challenges in the search for new packaging. Among the main challenges, he highlighted the reduction of plastic use, the increase of recycled content, design for recyclability, reuse and barrier properties, biodegradability and compostability of materials, food safety, consumer acceptance, costs and infrastructure. Peñalva presented the Terrific project, focused on the injection of compostable packaging for coffee capsules, as an example of his work.

Gerard Parés, Sustainability Manager at Rotorprint, presented the company's efforts in the development of sustainable flexible packaging. Rotorprint is dedicated to the printing and lamination of flexible film and pre-formed sleeves for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Parés highlighted the advances in the creation of mono-material packaging that maintains the necessary properties, reducing the weight and the number of layers, which reduces the environmental impact.

Guillermo Mayayo, commercial director at Indugraf, talked about the current connectivity and NFC technology developed for cardboard packaging, especially for premium products. This technology allows a more precise traceability of the product and interaction with the end consumer, using paper materials that do not interfere with the recyclability of the packaging.

Sandra Palacín from Mahou San Miguel presented the company's sustainability plan "Anem 2030", which focuses on optimising processes to improve sustainability. Mahou San Miguel is implementing new lines of action in line with the SDGs, promoting packaging circularity, the use of green energy, sustainable mobility and the reduction and offsetting of emissions. The company works on projects to harness renewable energies and recycling, including recyclable and reusable packaging, aluminium cans with recycled content, returnable glass bottles and cardboard cans rings. She has also developed circular furniture for bars and restaurants and is part of the start-up Gloop, which converts beer waste into edible covers.

Finally, Sonia Muro from Florette presented the efforts of her company, dedicated to 4th range vegetables, in the eco-design of packaging. Florette has reduced the thickness of its bosses by using mono-materials, reducing the amount of plastic placed on the market by 247 tons, 10% of the material used by the company. Muro explained that Florette will continue to work on the reduction of packaging waste, recyclability and the use of recycled material.

These types of webinars allow members of both clusters to show their outstanding projects and serve as a reference for other companies in the sector.