PackBenefit receives the 2nd Innovation Award from UVa–Diputación de Valladolid

25 August 2025 · Awards Sustainability Innovation

PackBenefit has received the second prize of the 6th Talent Retention and Research Support Programme organised by the Diputación de Valladolid and the University of Valladolid Foundation (UVa). The award recognises the project “Pretreatment of cellulose trays for anaerobic digestion”, developed in collaboration with researchers from UVa’s Environmental Technology Research Group (GIR).

A further step towards sustainable packaging

This recognition strengthens PackBenefit’s position at the forefront of sustainability, providing certified compostable and recyclable cellulose packaging from forestry sources for the food industry. The award-winning initiative investigates how to improve the life cycle of cellulose trays through pretreatment processes that optimise their recovery in anaerobic digestion.

A programme that drives rural innovation

The award ceremony took place at the Palacio de Pimentel, headquarters of the Diputación de Valladolid. In this edition, three municipalities and two companies from the province were recognised for their innovative projects, reinforcing the commitment to rural innovation and the collaboration between institutions, universities and the business community.

Thanks to the team

At PackBenefit we would like to congratulate the entire team who made this achievement possible. We will continue working to provide innovative solutions that promote sustainability and competitiveness in the food packaging sector.

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PackBenefit sponsors CyLSkills 2025 and reinforces its commitment to vocational training

25 August 2025 · Sponsorship Young talent Vocational training

At PackBenefit, we are committed to constant evolution, continuous improvement and excellence. That is why we sponsored CyLSkills 2025, the regional Vocational Training Championships of Castile and León, where 210 students showcased their talent over three days of competition across 35 specialities.

Specialities and sectors represented

• Transport and logistics
• Construction and installations
• Electricity and electronics
• Mechanical manufacturing
• Information technology
• Services
• Hospitality, catering and tourism

PackBenefit’s participation in the jury

We would like to give special thanks to Alejandro Garres, our IT Manager, winner of these competitions in the past two editions and participant in both CyLSkills and SpainSkills. Thanks to his experience, this year he was invited to represent the company as a jury member, bringing a professional perspective directly into the competition.

“The connection between business and vocational training accelerates employability and raises the level of technical skills. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work.”

Towards SpainSkills, EuroSkills and WorldSkills

We wish the very best of luck to the winners of this edition in their next challenge: the national SpainSkills competition, a stepping stone to the European and World championships.

To find out more, please visit the official page: Castilla y León Skills 2025 .

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At PackBenefit we proudly highlight our CEO Manuel Guerrero, whose combination of human leadership, global vision and innovative drive is accelerating the company’s international expansion. The leadership of PackBenefit CEO Manuel Guerrero has been recognised with prestigious awards and, above all, through the tangible progress of an industrial project that places Valladolid as a growth platform for sustainable packaging.

Why the leadership of PackBenefit CEO Manuel Guerrero makes the difference

Manuel’s management style is not only measured by results but by the way they are achieved. From day one he insisted on three pillars: clear communication, trust in teams and excellent execution. This approach, both human and practical, has created an environment where innovation is not a department but a shared habit. His leadership has been publicly recognised with CEO of the Year awards, which value PackBenefit’s contribution to the real economy and the transition towards responsible materials.

International career and clear purpose

With more than 35 years of experience in the packaging and food processing and packaging machinery sector, PackBenefit CEO Manuel Guerrero has worked with a wide range of materials (glass, plastics, cardboard and metal) and has led teams in different countries. This experience gave him deep knowledge of both the industry’s capabilities and its limits, and led him to champion natural-origin, recyclable and compostable materials as a lever for long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

His arrival at PackBenefit in 2024 marked a turning point: transforming a solid technology into a scalable industrial reality, aimed at delivering value to manufacturers, retailers and foodservice operators. If you’d like to learn more about how we bring innovation to life, visit our innovation page.

What we do at PackBenefit and why it matters

PackBenefit designs and manufactures food trays made of cellulose fibre sourced from responsibly managed forests. Our solutions are recyclable and compostable, suitable for fresh, frozen and cooked foods, and compatible with oven, microwave and air fryer. For customers, this means combining convenience and food safety with a real reduction in environmental impact; for consumers, a practical, reliable experience aligned with their sustainability expectations.

• Circular economy: products designed for a responsible end of life (recycling/composting).
• Less food waste: barrier properties and heat resistance adapted to multiple uses.
• Competitiveness: stable industrial quality and capacity to scale into new categories and markets.

Discover our framework on sustainability, where we detail commitments and metrics.

Valladolid as an industrial driver

The new Valladolid factory represents a leap in capacity and efficiency. Here we strengthen quality control, process standardisation and productivity, enabling us to respond quickly to European demand. We also consolidate skilled employment and foster a local supplier ecosystem that grows with us.

International expansion on solid foundations

From Valladolid we project a clear roadmap: the United Kingdom and Central Europe as the first focus of expansion, followed by later phases in the USA, Australasia and South America. This is not about growth for growth’s sake, but about bringing technology where it creates the greatest value, with close technical support, distinctive intellectual property and partners who share the ambition to transform the sector.

Having investors specialised in the circular economy provides discipline, ambition and networks. This governance framework helps us prioritise investment in R&D, sales and operations, and sustain growth with measurable impact.

Awards and external validation

Recognition of PackBenefit CEO Manuel Guerrero through prestigious awards is, for us, an external validation of our path. It reinforces the idea that sustainability is compatible with profitability when managed with vision and industrial rigour. To see the public mention, check the official LinkedIn post.

A vision of human (and very practical) leadership

Manuel explains his role with a clear metaphor: that of the orchestra conductor. No matter how virtuous each section may be, the whole only reaches excellence if there is a shared score, a coherent tempo and a common purpose. At PackBenefit this translates into:

• Measurable goals shared across the entire organisation.
• Informed decisions based on data, operations and active listening to customers.
• Autonomy and trust in diverse, responsible teams.
• Celebration of achievements to consolidate learning and pride of belonging.

Sustainable innovation: three levers

1) Materials and design

We optimise fibres, structures and treatments to improve barrier properties, heat resistance and end-of-life performance, without compromising consumer experience or client efficiency.

2) Processes and industrialisation

Standardisation, statistical control and advanced traceability allow us to produce consistently, scale categories and maintain stability in demanding markets.

3) Co-development with customers

We work on end-to-end projects with manufacturers and retailers to accelerate approvals, line integration and commercial rollout. Innovation is faster and more effective when done in collaboration.

The future that drives us

• Responsible internationalisation: presence where we add the most value, with ongoing local learning.
• Purpose-driven R&D: new tray families, performance improvements and process versatility.
• Measurable impact: circularity metrics, carbon footprint and value chain performance.
• Talent and safety: development of high-performance teams, diversity and safe working environments.

Conclusion: purpose, execution and team

At PackBenefit we believe that the combination of clear purpose, industrial execution and team is the foundation of growth. The leadership of PackBenefit CEO Manuel Guerrero is an essential part of this equation: it aligns strategy, people and results with a vision that transcends the short term. We will continue to demonstrate that innovation in packaging can — and must — be sustainable, competitive and scalable. That is the commitment we share today and invite customers and partners to join us on.

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Project Objectives

The main objective of this project is to automate the quality control in the laminating process through the use of advanced Machine Vision technologies. Thanks to the installation of high resolution cameras and specialized software, we are able to identify defects in real time, minimizing material waste and ensuring that each package meets the highest quality standards.

Benefits and Impact

The implementation of this technology has brought a number of key benefits to our production:

• Reduced waste: We decrease the amount of non-conforming product, thereby reducing environmental impact and improving efficiency in the use of raw materials.
• Improved product quality: By identifying and correcting defects in real time, we ensure that all our trays meet the highest standards of safety and strength.
• Resource optimization: Thanks to process automation, we improve productivity and reduce operating costs.
• Increased competitiveness: The incorporation of state-of-the-art technology allows us to remain at the forefront of the sustainable packaging sector.

Financial Support

This project has been possible thanks to the support of a public grant, aimed at financing investment projects. The funding received has been key to the acquisition of automated inspection equipment, state-of-the-art cameras and advanced image analysis software, which have transformed the way we work. The equipment has been non-repayable, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the support of the Ministry of Finance, the Institute for Business Competitiveness and the Regional Government of Castilla y León, with the aim of promoting the development of competitiveness and the consolidation of the business fabric of companies in the community, through the promotion of investment.

Our Commitment to Industry 4.0

With this initiative, PackBenefit takes a further step in the integration of digital technologies in its production process, aligning itself with the principles of Industry 4.0. The implementation of Machine Vision allows us to move towards a more efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced production, ensuring that our packaging continues to be a reference in the sector.

Contribution to Sustainability

Our company is committed to developing packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact and food waste, and promote the circular economy. The trays we manufacture at PackBenefit are a real and sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. With this new system, we not only improve product quality and safety, but also reduce resource waste and optimize the use of biodegradable materials.

Acknowledgement

From PackBenefit, S.L., we would like to thank the support of [name of the granting agency], which has made possible the implementation of this innovative project. We will continue working to implement new technologies and continue leading the sustainable packaging sector.

La entrada IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTIFICIAL VISION TECHNOLOGY IN LAMINATING MACHINES se publicó primero en PACKBENEFIT.

PackBenefit is proud to be part of the REDYSIGN project, an innovative initiative that aims to transform the fresh meat packaging sector through the development of a new bio-based, intelligent and recyclable packaging solution.

Led by TECNALIA, this project represents a significant step forward in the production of sustainable packaging aligned with resource efficiency principles, including energy, water and raw materials.

The new REDYSIGN packaging, in which we actively contribute, is composed of 98% wood derivatives such as lignocellulosic macro-, micro- and nanofibers, lignin and sugars.

Smart innovations to reduce food waste

One of the key features of the REDYSIGN packaging is the integration of intelligent sensors designed to minimize food waste:

• A sensor that provides early detection of possible spoilage processes.
• A cold-chain monitoring sensor for distribution and storage, improving food safety and quality while delivering sustainability benefits.

Improving recycling efficiency

REDYSIGN also incorporates advanced solutions to optimize packaging recycling, including:

• Embedded identification markers that enable the sorting of potentially contaminated packaging at treatment plants.
• Advanced oxidation treatments that reduce both energy consumption and the environmental impact of fiber recycling.

Collaborative European consortium

As a company committed to sustainability and the circular economy, PackBenefit is honored to participate in this multidisciplinary consortium alongside 12 European partners, including: TECNALIA, Eroski, Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre, Metgen, Valmet Technologies, Fibenol, Mcairlaid’s Vliesstoffe, HOLOSS, VTT, RISE-PFI, Zabala Innovation and Fenix TNT.

Together, we are driving packaging solutions that not only reduce environmental impact, but also help transform the food sector by lowering plastic dependency and improving packaging circularity.

La entrada Tecnalia: Biobased, recyclable and intelligent packaging for fresh meat se publicó primero en PACKBENEFIT.

PackBenefit is proud to have participated in the second consortium meeting of the REDYSIGN project, held on March 20–21, 2024, at the BessaHotel Baixa in Porto (Portugal), organized by HOLOSS.

Reviewing progress and planning next steps

Over two days, partners conducted a comprehensive review of the first six months of work, laying the foundation to address the upcoming challenges of the project. The first day focused on project management, status updates, technical progress and defining milestones to ensure agile and effective advancement.

Technical presentations from FIBENOL, TECNALIA, VALMET, METGEN, RISE PFI, VTT and FNMT promoted in-depth exchanges. As a tray producer, PackBenefit provided valuable insights alongside EROSKI as a distributor, offering both industrial and end-user perspectives. These sessions were key in identifying potential risks and shaping risk management strategies for REDYSIGN’s success.

Focus on sustainability and safe design

The second day addressed crucial topics including sustainability, data management, communication and exploitation of results. A highlight was the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” (SSbD) workshop coordinated by HOLOSS, where partners explored Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) as a tool to assess environmental impact. Complementary methodologies such as Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Social Life Cycle Analysis (s-LCA) were also discussed, broadening REDYSIGN’s sustainability vision.

Data management and communication

FENIX TNT and ZABALA INNOVATION presented the structure of the Data Management Plan and shared updates on communication and dissemination activities, including the launch of the official project website and social media campaigns. The meeting closed on a positive note, celebrating significant progress towards developing second-generation food packaging within REDYSIGN.

Commitment to innovation and sustainability

At PackBenefit, we reaffirm our commitment to the ambitious goals of the REDYSIGN project and to the collaborative effort of all partners to deliver sustainable alternatives for fresh meat packaging.

La entrada REDYSIGN project meeting se publicó primero en PACKBENEFIT.

The last of them is part of aid from the European Union charged to the NextGenerationEU Fund, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the Implementation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the Incentive Program for efficient mobility and sustainable (Program MOVES III – Castilla y León) of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, and managed by the Government of Junta de Castilla y León.

Specifically, the project has provided four charging points for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles at our facilities and they are now ready for use by our staff, clients or suppliers.

Welcome to a company that promotes respect for the environment!

La entrada PackBenefit with the MOVES III Plan – Efficient & Sustainable Mobility se publicó primero en PACKBENEFIT.

The European project REDYSIGN celebrated its one-year anniversary in Tallinn, Estonia, marking a significant milestone in the mission to develop a circular bio-based alternative for fresh meat packaging using lignocellulosic materials. This research and innovation initiative brought together the 13 partners for the project’s third consortium meeting on October 9 and 10, 2024.

SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES OF THE PROJECT

In its first year, the REDYSIGN Project is making steady progress in creating a biobased, recyclable, and smart fibre-based packaging (FBP) alternative. Through the development of new technologies, the project aims to produce all packaging components—tray, barrier coating, pad, and film—from wood-derived materials, made possible by the close collaboration of all partners. Several key milestones have been accomplished across various workstreams.

One of the highlights has been the progress in wood fibre processing. Significant advances have taken place in the efforts to lower the energy consumption of fibre production as well as reducing the water needed through the development of high consistency functionalization of fibres. Besides, there are interesting results in the formulation of the bio-based product for film-tray adhesion.

In addition, considerable efforts have been dedicated to advance in the improvement of the traceability of the new fibre-based packaging (FBP), resulting in the achievement of three significant milestones:

• Testing of spoilage sensor materials and substrates.
• The setup for detection of traceability markers and contaminants is ready.
• Initial identification markers for an efficient sorting.

Another area of focus has been the action plan for evaluating the environmental aspects of REDYSIGN innovations using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In collaboration with technological partners, the process flows for each innovation has been defined, and an initial screening of substances expected in the manufacturing phase was conducted to assess chemical data availability. Moreover, the consortium has established and validated the baseline for the LCA hotspot analysis, which will serve as a reference for defining environmental impact categories and comparing them with innovative packaging solutions. A recent initiative includes the development of questionnaires for completing life cycle inventories, with the collection of mass and energy data currently ongoing.

As the REDYSIGN Project progresses, these achievements underscore the partner’s commitment to advancing sustainable packaging solutions through innovation and collaboration.

For further information, don’t forget to visit the project website

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“There are companies in which innovation, beyond being a strategic tool, runs through their veins. It is their raison d’être. Its beginning and its end”.

Words that you can feel as we do in the report that the business magazine Castilla y León Económica published in July explaining all the news that surrounds us thanks to our new cellulose biopackaging factory that will soon be a reality, within our Growth Plan.

Read the report, here.

Download the report, here.

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Thanks to the journalist, Natalia Calle Faullin, for her dedication and active listening during the interview and to the director of #ElEconomistaAgro, Rafael Daniel, for reinforcing our global leadership. We will continue on the path of growth, committed to the global sustainability of our biopackaging.

Read the report, here.

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