Article in Pack & Label Around Magazine by Pierre Moyon [PDF]
Sistrade is present in forty countries. For nearly twenty years, this recognized developer of integrated management software for industrial operations has counted clients in flexible packaging and labels. During his presentation at the Pestana Douro Riverside Hotel in Porto on July 18, André Oliveira recalled the importance of these two sectors, which he oversees within the Portuguese organization. He first focused on these two markets, as well as on extrusion. He also addressed the importance of flexography for the brand, which on that special day celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. According to him, Sistrade ERP/MIS is well suited to packaging and label converters, as it offers them total control over every stage of their business processes. This is highlighted in the technical data sheets as a key feature for converters in both markets. What makes it particularly suitable? The strength of the system lies in its definition of process steps, material control, traceability, and the integration of real-time monitoring of work order production.
Flexo: the big winner of the last twenty years
Building on this observation, Sante Conselvan then stated that flexography has emerged as the big winner of the past twenty years. The president of the European Flexographic Technical Federation (FTA Europe) emphasized that the European printing market currently represents €189 billion and is expected to reach €194 billion by 2028. This growth is once again driven by packaging (including flexible packaging) and labels—two sectors that, according to him, will both show positive compound annual growth rates (CAGR) in the future. While analog printing still dominates in terms of value and volume, only flexography will experience real growth through 2028. Sante Conselvan believes that technology is changing printing business models: standardization and online printing are developing at the expense of traditional independent producers. He also considers that printing and packaging companies are diversifying and adapting their business models and that, in packaging, there is ongoing polarization through mergers and acquisitions. According to the president of FTA Europe, developments have focused on evolving business models to reduce transaction costs through software, workflow automation, changes in routes to market, and improved speed. While packaging may appear to be the clear winner, big data and artificial intelligence represent a future that must still be managed by humans. “In the future, there may be hybrid solutions (digital and flexo), and we will need to work hand in hand to achieve our goals; we must invest in people, because they are our future,” he concluded.
Finding another way to present plastics
A future that could become uncertain for plastics, given the many criticisms they face. This is why Pedro Paes do Amaral urged industry professionals to find another way to present plastics. “Most of the time we talk about ourselves, but we need to speak with one voice,” suggested the vice-president of the Portuguese Plastics Industry Association (APIP), particularly in order to “enter the era of sustainability.” He also took the opportunity to announce the second edition of the Plastics Summit Event, which will take place in Lisbon on October 6. A total of 144 participants from 17 different countries are expected. Perhaps Pablo Serrano will be among them. On July 18 in Porto, he spoke on behalf of the Iberian Association of Continuous Label Manufacturers (AIFEC). Throughout his presentation, Pablo Serrano drew on a report by auditing firm KPMG entitled “Spain Outlook 2025.” Among the main challenges Iberian companies will face over the next three years are strategic digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies, followed by talent attraction and retention, and regulatory changes. Major risks are once again linked to regulation, loss of competitiveness, rising energy and raw material prices, demand, as well as cyberattacks and other technological risks. To end his presentation on a more optimistic note, Pablo Serrano reminded the audience that for leading companies in the sector, the main challenge remains the supply chain and that, on the regulatory front, an update aligned with the PPWR is necessary. This does not seem to frighten a sector that has already faced many challenges since 2020.
Three questions for André Oliveira, Director of Flexible Packaging and Labels at Sistrade
Is the French market equally represented at Sistrade for flexible packaging and labels? Do you intend to develop it further?
André Oliveira: We are making several efforts through our presence at industry events organized by major sector associations and through partnerships with local players, with the aim of establishing a presence in the French flexible packaging and labeling industry in the near future.
Are the challenges faced by these two distinct sectors the same (AI, sustainability, etc.)?
From the perspective of a MIS/ERP solution provider, yes. AI/automation, sustainability, traceability, Industry 4.0/5.0 are common concerns for companies in both the flexible packaging and label converting industries, in order to keep pace with technological innovation, consumer behavior, and the latest regulatory requirements.
What will the company present at the upcoming Plastics Summit – Global Event in Lisbon, and what do you expect from this event?
Sistrade will present the MIS|ERP solution for flexible packaging and label converters, featuring process traceability, AI-based planning, and shop-floor automation adapted to the flexible packaging and label sectors. Modules based on technical data sheets for flexible packaging and labels will support multidimensional workflows, along with real-time monitoring dashboards aligned with Industry 4.0/5.0 concepts. From the event itself, we expect to strengthen the visibility of MIS|ERP software as a reference solution in Portugal and worldwide, aligned with international regulatory trends (full process traceability, real-time production monitoring, etc.), and to foster cross-sector networking with converters and policy makers.
Vizelpas: a “Made in Portugal” success
It is a fortunate coincidence. As Comexi celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, showcasing samples of its latest innovations in sustainable development, Vizelpas was also present on July 18 at the Pestana Douro Riverside Hotel in Porto during the conference organized by Sistrade to mark its twenty-fifth anniversary. With 90% of its activity focused on the food and medical sectors, the Portuguese company works exclusively in flexography. Urbano Leal, its operations director, explains that “the market demands smaller quantities and more frequent changes; from design to technical execution, everything is changing, and it is cheaper to produce in flexo than with other technologies.” While Vizelpas currently favors aluminum for barrier solutions, its strategy is to replace it with EVOH. As for innovation—described by Urbano Leal as the company’s true “DNA”—it goes hand in hand with investment, as demonstrated by the new site planned for 2026, located 10 km from the current facility (in Vilarinho). This is a first step before considering possible acquisitions of foreign plants.
