The Packaging Cluster has successfully renewed the Gold Label  certification, the highest European quality label for cluster management awarded by ESCA (European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis). This distinction, granted within the framework of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI) promoted by the European Commission, certifies that the Packaging Cluster meets the highest standards in terms of structure, governance, strategy and services provided to its members. With this renewal, the cluster will maintain the Gold Label until March 31, 2028.

Recognition of a trajectory of continuous  improvement

The evaluation, carried out on December 17, 2025, by independent experts from ESCA and ACCIÓ, analysed 31 quality  indicators covering aspects such as strategy, governance, funding, the portfolio of services and their impact on the sector.

The evaluation report highlights the organization’s upward trajectory. Since its founding in 2012, the cluster progressed from the Bronze stage (2013–2017) to achieving the highest level of excellence with the Gold Label, first obtained in 2019. With this milestone, the Packaging Cluster established itself as one of the pioneering clusters to obtain this European distinction, which it has renewed this year together with the Catalan Water Partnership and the Beauty Cluster, all members of the ACCIÓ Catalonia Clusters program.

In this re-evaluation process, the Packaging Cluster achieved a score of 88%, surpassing the results obtained in previous cycles. This progress is not just a figure, but a reflection of the management team’s commitment to continuously improving management standards, ensuring that associated companies and organizations receive the highest-quality support to address the challenges of the sector.

Accreditation of excellence

The Gold Label is a demanding recognition awarded only to organizations that demonstrate a superior level of excellence. Currently, the Packaging Cluster is part of a select group of 12  Spanish clusters holding this distinction, a figure that highlights the relevance of this label in the international landscape.

Beyond institutional recognition, the renewal of the Gold Label has a direct impact on the organization’s members. The certification process acts as a continuous improvement tool that helps professionalize the internal structure in order to provide better services to members and to the sector. The ultimate goal of maintaining these standards is to ensure that associated companies receive top-quality support, with more efficient and strategic services to help them address the current challenges of the sector.