AUTOPACK IBERIA

Sustainable packaging: how packaging machinery is responding

Sustainability is no longer a secondary trend in the packaging sector. It's a real requirement coming from European regulation, from major distributors and, increasingly, from the end consumer. The question many production managers are asking today is: is my line ready for the new materials?

New materials, new challenges

For decades, multi-layer plastic was the standard: resistant, cost-effective and easy to process. Its problem is environmental impact. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), approved in 2024 with progressive targets through to 2030, is accelerating the transition towards recyclable, compostable and bio-based materials.

But these new materials, such as mono-material film, paper or bioplastics, behave very differently on the line. They are more heat-sensitive, less elastic and more prone to tearing if the machinery isn't properly adjusted. What worked with conventional plastic doesn't always work with these alternatives.

How machinery is responding

Modern packaging lines are incorporating several improvements to adapt to these changes.

Adjustable sealing systems allow working at lower, more controlled temperatures, protecting material integrity without compromising the seal. Servo motors are replacing traditional mechanical systems, delivering greater precision of movement and reducing damage to delicate materials. Modular designs make format changeovers faster, allowing different materials to be run on the same line with less downtime and less waste at startup.

Technology is also helping to reduce product waste. Smart sensors and vision systems monitor filling, sealing and alignment in real time, catching errors before they become rejects. Data management systems also allow energy consumption to be optimised and sustainability reports to be generated, something increasingly required by clients and certifications alike.

In fact, we recently took part in a session of the Pyme Sostenible 2026 Programme, organised by the Terrassa Chamber of Commerce, focused on energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction and the circular economy. Further proof that these challenges affect the entire industrial sector, and that at Autopack Iberia we follow them closely.

What does this mean for your line?

If you're considering an equipment upgrade, it's worth thinking about three things: that the machinery is compatible with current and future materials, that it's flexible enough to adapt without major stoppages, and that the supplier you work with invests in continually improving their solutions.

The initial cost matters, but it's not the only factor. A more advanced machine may require a higher upfront investment, but reductions in energy consumption, material waste and downtime will pay off in the medium and long term.

At Autopack Iberia we help companies in the food, cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors to design and integrate packaging lines ready for these changes.

 

We're available to answer any questions.
Write to us at info@autopacksl.com or call us on 936437335.