We analyze the current state and challenges of the plastics industry with Carme Balcells, Head of Innovation Projects and Technical Consulting at the Centro Español de Plásticos (CEP).
At Mapex, we have been working for years with companies in the plastics sector on their industrial digitalization processes, in collaboration with strategic partners such as the Centro Español de Plásticos, one of our partners.
In this interview, we speak with Carme Balcells, innovation project coordinator at the Centro Español de Plásticos, who also provides technical support to member companies, connecting needs with solutions.
Her vision is essential in a key sector for Mapex, which is undergoing a paradigm shift where sustainability and digital transformation are changing the rules of the game.
Interview with Carme Balcells, head of Innovation Projects and Technical Consultancy at CEP
How would you define the current situation of the plastics industry in Spain?
At the national level, the plastics industry employs approximately 4% of the active population and represents 17.5% of the industrial GDP and 2.2% of the total Spanish GDP. It is a well-established sector that continues to grow gradually. For example, according to data from our latest study, in the plastics processing segment alone, there was a 2.8% increase in revenue and a 1% increase in job creation in 2023.
What are the main challenges currently facing companies in the sector?
There are several, but I would highlight two: the European regulatory framework, which is very strict especially in terms of circularity and sustainability, and digitalization, which is essential to remain competitive.
To what extent is European regulation accelerating change in the plastics industry?
European sustainability legislation is very demanding, and this forces our companies to adapt quickly. If they don’t accelerate their digitalization and automation, they risk losing competitiveness against other markets such as Asia, where regulation is more lenient and robotization is highly advanced.
In a sector made up of 80% small businesses, how can SMEs overcome economic and technical barriers to adapt to an increasingly competitive and digital context?
Small businesses can’t do it alone. They need to rely on entities like the Centro Español de Plásticos and experienced technology providers like you. Large companies have already made this journey and serve as a model. Our role is to facilitate connection and collaboration so that all companies, including small ones, can move forward.
Why can’t anyone be left behind?
Some companies still see digitalization as something distant, but we need to digitize, sensorize, and automate factories to ensure traceability, real-time monitoring of processes and variables, regulatory compliance, etc.
This is the first step in applying new technologies such as blockchain and being able to respond to new regulations that will soon be mandatory, such as the implementation of the Digital Product Passport.
Do you think SMEs in the sector are aware of the importance of digitalization?
Yes, and we especially see this at events like Advanced Factories. A few years ago, the most common buyer profile was large companies from sectors like automotive. Now we see many small companies visiting technology provider stands like yours. They have a clear vision and know what they need; this shows that the level of digital maturity among SMEs is increasingly higher.
And how do you imagine the sector will evolve over the next five years?
We believe that the future of the sector will be sustainable and digitized, with a high percentage of recycled material and the digital passport as an essential tool. Companies will have to gradually adapt to this context with the support and collaboration of technology partners like Mapex and entities like the Centro Español de Plásticos to obtain guidance and funding.
The Centro Español de Plásticos is a professional association with over 70 years of experience, working to promote a responsible culture in the use of plastic materials, encouraging their circularity and sustainability.
Between 2021 and 2024, the Centro Español de Plásticos participated in 18 consortia and collaborated with more than 90 entities, managing a joint budget of 4.5 million euros for projects focused on transformation, digitalization, and sustainability in the plastics sector.
