Miguel Ángel Dora, general manager, Saica Flex, answers Packaging Scotland’s questions about developments in the flexible materials world
Q) What trends are you currently seeing in the flexible materials sector?
A) The flexible materials sector is currently seeing several key trends and is shifting toward sustainability. This has resulted in catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions from businesses and consumers, leading to a strong focus on recyclable materials to align with Saica’s commitment to providing greener alternatives.
A key development is the rise of paper-based flexible packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastic. Additionally, technological advancements also are playing a crucial role in improving the performance of flexible materials while maintaining sustainability. Innovations are helping to enhance product functionality to ensure that businesses can meet sustainability goals without compromising on quality and customer protection
Q) What are your thoughts on the sector’s response to sustainability challenges?
A) In my opinion, the level of innovation and response to sustainability challenges in the sector is very high. Nevertheless, I can speak only on behalf of Saica Flex, and we are totally committed with those challenges as they have a perfect fit with our values and our circularity DNA. We, as a family-owned company, have always had a long-term approach to any challenges, which allows us to strongly invest in innovation and product development in order to improve our product portfolio.
Q) What are some of the most recent Saica Flex innovations?
A) Saica Flex continues to drive innovation with sustainable packaging solutions that set us apart within a competitive market. One of our latest innovations is Paperflex, a designed for recycling (DFR) solution that aligns with the demand for eco-friendly packaging. We are also making progress in the reduction of virgin plastic usage by integrating Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content into our packaging solutions.
What makes us stand out is our commitment to sustainability by continuously developing recyclable and recycled-content packaging. We help businesses meet their sustainability goals whilst delivering high-quality and functional solutions.
Q) What do you consider to be some of the biggest challenges and opportunities around sustainable packaging?
A) One of the key challenges to consider is keeping a balance between sustainability and cost. Considering the increase in demand for eco-friendly packaging, we must ensure that our solutions are not only sustainable but cost effective. Another challenge is keeping up with the constant evolving regulations landscape, especially with the varied environmental standard across regions. These can also bring opportunities. With consumers becoming more aware of sustainability, brands are looking for packaging solutions that best align with their values.
Q) Are you doing a lot of activity in Scotland? Do you see scope for further expansion there?
A) Scotland is a very important market for us. I am aware about the strong sustainability commitment of Scottish customers, and this aligns very well with our company strategy and values. Also, we work on end-to-end projects with our customers, that include not only primary flexible packaging but also secondary corrugated packaging and waste management which we can do very effectively in Scotland due to the Saica Group footprint.
Q) How do you see the Flex division growing in the near future?
A) We see strong growth opportunities for the Flex division, driven by our focus on innovation, quality and sustainability. We’re enhancing our products with advanced materials, manufacturing and functional, eco-friendly designs. To meet the rising global demand for sustainable packaging, we are expanding our global market to serve our international clients and advance PCR materials, aiming for 100% design for recycling options for all our portfolio by 2025. We are investing in innovative materials and processes that will minimise environmental impact focusing on recycled content and paper-based products, to keep Saica at the forefront of sustainable packaging.
