ASPAPEL and TECNALIA promote innovation in the paper industry

ASPAPEL and TECNALIA sign an agreement to promote innovation in the paper industry

• The main areas of action include the development of new products, improvements in manufacturing processes, decarbonisation of the sector, and a commitment to energy efficiency
•  This agreement is part of the sector's commitment to innovation. In 2023, the paper industry allocated 25.6% of its investments to innovation and technological improvement

Madrid. 08 October 2024. The Spanish Association of Pulp, Paper, and Cardboard Manufacturers (ASPAPEL) has signed a collaboration agreement with TECNALIA, the largest applied research and technological development centre in Spain, by which both entities strengthen ties to collaborate in the promotion of innovation in the pulp, paper, and cardboard industry.

The agreement between ASPAPEL and TECNALIA focuses on a series of areas of action, including the development of new cellulose products with advanced characteristics, the optimisation of existing manufacturing processes, the digitalisation of processes, products, and services, the promotion of the circular economy and, in short, the improvement in the management of innovation in the sector. In addition, strategies to advance the sector’s decarbonisation will be addressed, exploring energy efficiency solutions, and the integration of alternative energy sources.

The signing of this agreement comes at a key moment for the paper sector, which continues to demonstrate its investment capacity and commitment to innovation. In 2023, the sector invested a total of 288 million euros, 25.6% of which was spent on innovation and technological improvements. These investments were aimed at improving the production process and sustainability and providing products with new properties that respond to changing market needs. Thus, paper and cardboard continue to be more present in consumers' daily lives today than ever before.

Manuel Domínguez, Director General of ASPAPEL, underlined the importance of innovation as a key driver to face the challenges in the industry: "Innovation is the lever that drives us towards greater efficiency and sustainability. This is why we’re very pleased to work with TECNALIA. This collaboration aims not only to improve our products and processes, but also to set a benchmark for the industry that reinforces our commitment to sustainability and modernisation.”

Soraya Prieto, Director of Circularity at TECNALIA, explained that "our collaboration will contribute to accelerating the decarbonisation of the entire value chain of the paper sector thanks to our experience in technological innovation. We want to drive an increase in process efficiency in key areas of the paper industry."

With this collaboration, ASPAPEL and TECNALIA are committed to promoting a more innovative and sustainable future for the paper and cardboard industry, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the adoption of new technologies and more sustainable and efficient practices.

About TECNALIA

TECNALIA is the largest applied research and technological development centre in Spain, a European benchmark and member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance. We work with companies and institutions to increase their competitiveness, quality of life of people and achieve sustainable growth. We do so thanks to people who are passionate about technology and committed to building a better society. Its main areas of action are: smart manufacturing, digital transformation, energy transition, sustainable mobility, health and food, urban ecosystem and circular economy.

In the latest brand awareness and positioning study carried out by the European Research Survey (ERS) in 2022, TECNALIA tops the list regarding R&D&I brand awareness.

About ASPAPEL

ASPAPEL (Spanish Association of Pulp, Paper, and Cardboard Manufacturers) is a state-wide professional organisation that brings together companies in the pulp and paper sector. The member companies account for 95% of the sector's production. The association's aim is to contribute to the competitive and sustainable development of the member companies and to promote the image of the sector, its companies, and its products.

The paper and cardboard industry in Spain has an annual turnover of around 5,300 million euros and produces 6 million tonnes of paper and 1.6 million tonnes of pulp. The sector directly employs 16,964 professionals, generating around 85,000 indirect jobs, and has positioned Spain as the third largest paper and cardboard recycler in the EU (according to data from 2023).