Within the framework of the Packaging Talks event, organized by the Packaging Cluster on June 13, the conclusions of the digital barometer carried out together with the Kaizen Institute were presented, where the growing importance of digital transformation in the packaging sector was highlighted. The research indicates that digital transformation has ceased to be an exclusive differentiating aspect of innovative companies to become an unstoppable phenomenon to which all companies and sectors must adapt to guarantee their immediate survival.

The packaging sector is currently facing various challenges, such as sustainability and the need to use environmentally friendly materials. To address these challenges, more sustainable practices and innovative solutions are required. In addition, changes in consumer habits have increased customer expectations, which demands greater knowledge and the ability to offer personalized experiences. On the other hand, supply chains are under high pressure, which implies reducing delivery times, optimizing inventory levels and improving the visibility of products in transit. In this sense, the study underlines that the use of technology and digital transformation play a key role in survival and in obtaining competitive advantages.

According to the data obtained in the survey carried out with companies in the sector, 37% of the companies surveyed are allocating significant resources to digital transformation, with the expectation of obtaining a substantial economic return in a period of less than three years (64% of the companies). companies surveyed). Process optimization (40%), supply chain efficiency from material procurement to logistics (24%), and increased sales (14%) were identified as the main drivers of change. However, it is emphasized that the implementation of the technology itself should not be the only driver of transformation. The study also reveals that the adoption of new technologies can lead to new business models and transform operations in disruptive ways. 37% of the companies surveyed indicate that their business model has not changed, while 23% are taking advantage of the data collected to offer complementary services with greater added value or exploring new digital sales channels, such as e-commerce and platforms. online.82% of the companies surveyed have integrated their digital roadmap into the company's general strategy, and in many cases specific departments or the information technology department itself are in charge of leading these initiatives. To make digitization a reality, it is essential to develop the necessary skills within companies. However, it is common for companies to carry out specific training processes every time a new software is implemented (27%). In addition, the study highlights that 18% of the problems in digitization projects are due to solution providers not meeting the expectations generated in the initial value proposition. Likewise, the difficulty to quantify the economic return (15%) and the lack of involvement, training and resistance to change on the part of people (15%) are identified as important obstacles. Despite these challenges, the study shows that more than 77% of the companies surveyed consider that more than half of their digitization projects carried out in the last year have been successful. In conclusion, the digital barometer of the packaging sector shows that companies are committed to digital transformation and the necessary cultural change. Strategic planning and automation of physical processes stand out. However, challenges such as the elimination of paper, the exploitation of data and the need to offer greater added value to the client are identified. Adapting to digital trends will be key to maintaining competitiveness and taking advantage of opportunities. It is recognized that there is still a long way to go and much to learn. In this sense, people stand out as the true key to success in the digital transformation process.