"The Packaging Cluster reinforces the industrial and technological model through three different projects such as smart labels, production systems with integrated artificial vision or a technology for the strategic and operational support of companies in the food sector""

"Proposals are part of 38% of selected projects, out of a total of more than 250 applications"

On the 15th of September, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism published the provisional list of concessions to aid in support of Agrupaciones Empresariales Innovadoras, such as the Packaging Cluster, with the aim of improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies that comprise it. Of the 6 proposals launched by the cluster, 3 of them have been approved for its execution, as part of 38% of the selected projects, out of a total of more than 250 applications.

The projects that have been recognized by the evaluation tribunal have been: PACKVISION, INTELFOODPACK and SMARTLABELS.

Packvision is a project that incorporates the artificial vision system of AIS Vision Systems and the robotic system of E21 Design Technologies, both members companies of the cluster, to achieve zero error in the production line of Industrias Plásticas Triana, also a member of the cluster. With this technology, printing errors in products will be easily detected, thus obtaining a comprehensive quality control system in the production chain. The project receives a grant from the Ministry of € 142,586, which will help participating SMEs to improve the quality and efficiency of their services, adapting their model to Industry 4.0.

Smartlabels, on the other hand, is the second project selected with the highest score in its assessment among applicants, which is committed to the use of new printing technologies for the manufacture of smart labels. The project consortium is made up of two clusters, the Packaging Cluster and the Clúster Alimentari de Galícia; Eurecat technology center; and three SMEs: the member company IPE Industria Gráfica; Cooperativa Vitivinícola Arousana SCG (Paco&Lola) and Bodega Matarromera. This inter-cluster and trans-autonomous initiative tries to develop smart labels using contactless technology, to offer other functionalities in packaging such as product traceability or counterfeiting control systems. The financial grant received is € 129,203

To finish, IntelFoodPack is a study that assesses the viability of an intelligent system for monitoring, active listening, evaluation and prediction of key factors in the Agrifood and Packaging sector, which we have carried out together with Clúster Food+i. The purpose is to generate a tool to manage the current and future information needs of both sectors, international opportunities or possible threats in the business of the cluster companies, thus building an adapted, contrasted and analyzed strategy thanks to big data, data mining, semantic surveillance and data analysis.

Among the projects, the Packaging Cluster is the benchmark entity in the packaging sector in the entire state, and one of the most active entities in Catalonia, since we occupy the third position with the highest amount of aid received in Catalonia, together with Solartys i Secpho. What it means is that it allows us to work on innovation projects in the field of Industry 4.0, improving the industrial processes of SMEs, carrying out projects between technology companies and manufacturing industries.

If as a member of the cluster you are interested in your company carrying out an innovation project like those mentioned but you don't know how we can help you, answer this short survey and we will contact you to develop your idea together.