The packaging and logistics industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it evolves to become more sustainable, smarter, and even better connected. As governments, businesses, and consumers increasingly demand more environmentally conscious solutions, businesses must adapt to meet these expectations. Innovation is at the core of this transformation, driving the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions that address the challenges of the modern supply chain.
In this spirit of innovation, 2024 marks a special milestone for Nefab as the company celebrates 75 years of pioneering growth and sustainability. From its beginnings as a Swedish bread box manufacturer in 1949, Nefab has evolved into a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions and logistics services. This legacy of innovation continues to shape Nefab’s mission to meet customer needs through continuous improvement, cost reduction, and carbon footprint minimization across global supply chains. The upcoming FACHPACK 2024 provides a unique platform for Nefab to showcase its latest advancements and comprehensive packaging solutions, designed to optimize and future-proof supply chains in line with the industry's evolving demands.
Innovation-Driven Circularity
Innovation is at the heart of Nefab's approach to sustainability, enabling the development of rapid and cost-effective solutions for its clients. Rui Garrido, Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa at Nefab, highlights that “sustainability presents a unique opportunity for innovation. We are on a constant lookout for new, sustainable materials that allow us to design packaging solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.” In a traditional linear economy, packaging that has reached the end of its lifecycle becomes waste. However, Nefab embraces the principles of a circular economy, designing packaging solutions that can be repurposed through take-back programs to keep materials in a closed loop. Rui explains, “Our approach to sustainability goes beyond mere compliance; it’s about leading the market towards a future where waste is minimized, and resource efficiency is maximized. We are committed to reducing the impact of our customers' supply chains on the environment.”
Rui Garrido, Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa at Nefab
A prime example of this approach in returnable flows is Nefab’s thermoformed trays. These trays are collected at the end of their lifecycle and repurposed into new products. Rui points out that “by reusing materials and creating new products from old packaging, we reduce the need for virgin resources across the value chain.” In one-way flows, transitioning to alternative materials is a way to go. Straw-based solutions, for instance, are recyclable in the paper recycling system, and generate less CO2-eq emissions.
Accurately measuring the impact of sustainable initiatives is essential for understanding their effectiveness. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, such as GreenCalc™, offer concrete metrics to visualize and evaluate the environmental footprint of packaging solutions. As Rui puts it, “Measurement is key to making real progress. Tools like GreenCalc™ allow us to see the tangible benefits of our sustainability initiatives and guide our efforts.”
Embracing Digitalization
As the market evolves, the complexity and high value of modern products require innovative approaches to visibility and responsiveness throughout the supply chain. Digitalization is at the forefront of addressing these demands, with advanced technologies like track-and-trace equipped connected packaging offering solutions to manage the intricate needs of today’s logistics challenges. “In our industry, the sophistication of products and the expectations of customers are growing. We must leverage digital tools to maintain visibility and control, ensuring the products reach their destinations safely and efficiently,” says Rui.
In addition to enhancing visibility, digitalization plays a crucial role in the shipping and installation phases, where precise management is essential to prevent damage during shipment. “The success of our operations hinges on the ability to detect and resolve issues before they impact our customers. Connected packaging technologies enable us to monitor conditions and take immediate action, ensuring the highest standards of product safety and customer satisfaction,” Rui adds.
Thinking Outside the Box
As the global supply chain landscape becomes increasingly regionalized, the need for global coordination and local support has never been greater. Companies are now focusing their resources on core activities and seeking one-stop-shop partners that can offer quality products and services on a global scale. “The regionalization of supply chains requires a new level of coordination and integration," says Rui. “Businesses are looking for partners who can not only meet their immediate needs but are also ready to step in and provide consistent and customized packaging and services across different regions.” As the trend to integrate packaging and logistic services continues to grow, Nefab leverages its extensive packaging knowledge and tailor-made logistic services solutions such as storage, inbound and outbound handling, and value-added solutions, aiming to provide efficient and customized logistics and packaging options.
Nefab’s growth exemplifies how companies can adapt to changes by delivering reliable products and evolving their services to meet new challenges. “Our approach has always been to turn challenges into opportunities for development," Rui adds. “Our global footprint allows us to provide the same level of quality and consistency in all markets, ensuring that our clients benefit from reliable performance and dependable delivery.”
What’s the Future of Packaging?
Nefab’s vision for the future focuses on three core areas: leveraging connectivity for better visibility and cost management, advancing sustainability through circularity and reusability, and integrating valuable services into the customers' operations to avoid waste management through cleaning or repairing the packaging and promoting recyclability. “Creating value for our customers by redesigning packaging solutions to enhance sustainability and efficiency is at the heart of our strategy,” says Rui. Advancements in engineering, sustainability, and digital technologies will drive the future. Innovations in circularity, such as new materials and improved recycling processes, will define the industry’s path forward. As he emphasizes, “Engineering excellence and a commitment to sustainability are crucial for developing packaging solutions that meet both client needs and environmental goals.”
High-level integration with clients' systems and data will be essential, as Nefab aims to deliver efficient, innovative, and client-focused packaging solutions. As Rui notes, “Effective client integration and advanced technologies, including connectivity and testing, will be key to offering solutions that are both professional and responsive to the evolving demands of the packaging industry.”
Visit Nefab at FACHPACK 2024!
Celebrate 75 years of innovation with Nefab and discover how the company is shaping the future of packaging and logistics. Visit Nefab’s booth at FACHPACK 2024 to learn more about sustainable solutions, cutting-edge technologies, and integrated services that are setting new industry standards.
Date: FACHPACK 2024: September 24 –26
Location: Hall 6, Booth Number 6-228