Swiss Ingenuity is Reshaping the Packaging Industry to Ensure Sustainability

Innovative solutions foster new frontiers in digitalization, automation and sustainability

Consumers worldwide have been challenging major corporations to “go green” and become more sustainable. The increasing pressure from influencers has encouraged major global brands to collaborate with their trusted suppliers and create sustainable products to reduce their companies’ environmental footprint. Through large investments in R&D, industry champions are creating solutions to meet eco-friendly ambitions of brands including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Walmart, Aldi, and Nestlé, who have targets to exclusively use 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025. Social pressure and fierce competition are indirectly pushing the packaging industry into a deep transformation, one that requires digitalization and automation to meet objectives

Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO, Bobst Group
Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO, Bobst Group

Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of Bobst Group, a global market-leading manufacturer of packaging and labeling machines, stated, “As a supplier to major multi-national brands including Nestlé in the food sector and Procter & Gamble in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, the Bobst Group is at the forefront of supplying environmentally friendly packaging solutions. We aim to satisfy customers’ continuous ecological shift. As a group, we aim to break boundaries and offer genuine innovations for brands that stand the test of time. The Bobst Group puts sustainability at the forefront and strives to create environmentally friendly packaging solutions and zero-fault production processes that allow for up to a 30 percent waste reduction. For instance, the multiple layers in plastic packaging cause some current plastic packaging to be non-recyclable. We recently developed, in collaboration with suppliers, a new recyclable duo-layer flexible material. We aim in the near future to offer a monolayer polymer material that is equally as durable as today’s packaging. It will offer excellent oxygen and water barriers and ensure food shelf-life, all while being easier for recycling plants to process. In addition, we are incorporating vacuum and state-of-the-art aluminum oxide barrier technology. These solutions cost only a fraction of a cent more per packaged item. Furthermore, through new ink formulations and machine technology, our engineers created a water-based ink, which is far better for the environment. We are currently developing our own ink  for our machines and striving to master the chemistry in order to offer a robust solution that guarantees nanoparticle migration quality. Our in-house experts are continuously developing and re-designing equipment to reduce processing waste and energy use. For instance, this is exemplified with Bobst’s inline inspection system, ACCUCHECK. Our ambition is to support companies around the world in decreasing their environmental footprint – and this is possible.”

Bobst, great-grandson of the company’s founder, fosters the group’s forward-thinking initiatives and ensures the company continues to innovate. Founded in 1890, Bobst Group has grown tremendously from its early days of supplying commercial printers within the Swiss city of Lausanne. In 2021, it has a presence in more than 50 countries, employs 5,500 people worldwide, and has a turnover of nearly USD 1.8 billion.

“Connecting all packaging stakeholders throughout a new value chain enables quality, efficiency, control, sustainability, and proximity.”

Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO, Bobst Group

As the next generation leading the Bobst Group, Jean-Pascal Bobst stresses how well he, “Understands the pressure clients experience. Brands will need to make significant investments in new packaging machines to meet customer demands in quality, while lowering costs and ensuring sustainability. As a global market leader in manufacturing packaging and labeling machines, we continue to support this vision by developing machines that are gradually becoming more digitally interconnected. In order to achieve this, we invest nearly 6 percent of our turnover in research and development.”

Digitizing production floors

The ongoing pandemic and related surge in e-commerce has reinforced the long-established trend of the Internet of Things (IoT), embedding sensors, software and technologies to connect systems. According to Bobst, “IoT brings unparalleled levels of automation and digital transformation to operations. IoT is optimizing entire production floors, and the group developed ‘BOBST Connect’ to take a central role supporting clients during their digitization rollout.”

BOBST Connect is an open architecture cloud-based platform that can deliver pre-press, production, process optimization, maintenance, and market access solutions. Fully optimized machines consume fewer resources, including water, ink and board. Therefore, it increases the system’s usage while allowing for close control, ensuring lower waste.

According to Bobst, “The group is digitalizing label printing, films, and folding box equipment by adding connectivity and automation across the production cycle. Connecting all packaging stakeholders throughout a new value chain enables quality, efficiency, control, sustainability, and proximity. To add value and create synergy across the value chain, Bobst Group aims to shape the future of the packaging world.”

As the new Biden administration gears up efforts to combat climate change, and environmentally conscious consumer decisions drive brands to further their sustainability initiatives, plastic packaging will continue to be at the forefront. Swiss industry and hidden champions’ research, development and manufacturing will continue to be exported globally, and have an enormous impact on global value chains.

  • Optimizing Recycling and Material Handling for a Sustainable Future

    Optimizing Recycling and Material Handling for a Sustainable Future

    Northern Ireland punches well above its weight as a global hub for material handling, recycling, and waste processing equipment. For a region with less than two million inhabitants, it has over 100 companies dedicated to the sector. Although Northern Ireland may be small, it manufactures more than 40% of the world’s mobile crushing and screening…

  • Maximizing Dual Market Access

    Maximizing Dual Market Access

    A conversation with Michael Neill, Head of A&L Goodbody’s Belfast office Northern Ireland’s legal and regulatory framework operates within the UK’s common law jurisdiction while simultaneously adhering to select EU mandates, reflecting its unique post-Brexit position.  Due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Northern Ireland remains aligned with…

  • Belfast: A Testament to Resilience and Renewal

    Belfast: A Testament to Resilience and Renewal

    Belfast, the birthplace of the Titanic, has a storied tradition of engineering ingenuity and industrial progress. The city has continually reinvented itself from the famed Harland & Wolff shipyards, where one of history’s most iconic vessels took shape, to its prosperous modern economy. Today, Belfast is at the helm of fintech and cybersecurity innovation, driving…

  • Lisburn and Castlereagh: Where History Meets Modern Growth

    Lisburn and Castlereagh: Where History Meets Modern Growth

    Northern Ireland’s gateway to business, trade, and investment Situated just south of Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh has evolved from its roots in Northern Ireland’s 19th-century Irish linen industry into a dynamic hub for global business and investment. With a strategic location and strong commercial sectors, the area offers compelling opportunities for businesses seeking to expand…

  • Causeway Coast and Glens: Beyond the Scenery 

    Causeway Coast and Glens: Beyond the Scenery 

    Driving economic development along the Causeway Coastal Route  Northern Ireland’s rugged northern coastline offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and economic opportunity. The council area of Causeway Coast and Glens, 50 miles north of Belfast, is world-renowned for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Giant’s Causeway, but beyond its picturesque landscapes, it…

  • Without Borders: Derry~Londonderry’s Role in Powering Insurtech

    Without Borders: Derry~Londonderry’s Role in Powering Insurtech

    Once defined by its tumultuous past, Derry~Londonderry has dramatically transformed, prevailing as a peaceful and vibrant, economic and cultural hub. The city’s historic center, including its famous 17th-century walls, remains well-preserved, while new projects like Ebrington Square have turned former military sites into thriving business and entertainment spaces. Recent road upgrades enhance connectivity, while Ulster…

  • Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Personalization

    Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Personalization

    In the 1960s, a Northern Irish physician named Dr. James Francis Pantridge changed the course of emergency medicine. Recognizing countless lives were lost to sudden cardiac arrest before patients could reach a hospital, he pioneered the portable defibrillator, an innovation allowing life-saving treatment to be placed directly into the hands of first responders. His invention…

  • Ards and North Down: Exceptional Living Just Minutes from Belfast

    Ards and North Down: Exceptional Living Just Minutes from Belfast

    Businesses are drawn to Ards and North Down due to its accessibility and affordability, while residents benefit from a thriving local economy and coastal charm. Boasting robust public infrastructure and a strategic location just minutes from downtown Belfast, this dynamic borough offers an exceptional environment for enterprises seeking to establish a foothold in Europe. Susie…

  • How One Cat’s Recovery Showcases the Quality of a World-Class Life and Health Sciences Hub

    How One Cat’s Recovery Showcases the Quality of a World-Class Life and Health Sciences Hub

    Bella, once a spirited cat chasing sunbeams and darting across garden paths, began to slow down. As she aged, something changed; she grew restless and irritable. Despite a constant appetite, she lost weight. Her once-glossy coat turned dull and matted. The culprit: feline hyperthyroidism, a common condition in older cats. For her owner, the hardest…

  • AI-Powered Data Analytics

    AI-Powered Data Analytics

    The logic of algorithms In the mist-laced mornings of Belfast’s old shipyards, where steel once met sea and the echo of industry still hums in the brickwork, a quieter ascent is unfolding. In glass-fronted labs and converted warehouses, Northern Irish firms are scripting a new industrial epic: not with iron and flame, but with algorithms.…

  • Bridging the Atlantic

    Bridging the Atlantic

    The enduring bond between Northern Ireland and America Between 1845 and 1855, an estimated 5,000 ships braved the perilous Atlantic crossing, leaving the shores of Ireland during the Great Famine. The ships carried nearly two million Irish immigrants all hoping for a new life in America. Many of them would go on to become heroes…

  • Navigating Northern Ireland’s Business Landscape

    Navigating Northern Ireland’s Business Landscape

    A conversation with Johnny Hanna, Partner-in-Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland. Hanna discussed KPMG’s growing operations in Northern Ireland, how the business landscape has evolved, the unparalleled opportunities for the region, and other economic levers that could be unleashed to help it reach its full potential. How long has KPMG been based in Northern Ireland?…

  • Spotlight on Northern Ireland

    Spotlight on Northern Ireland

    A New Era: Unlocking Northern Ireland’s Economic Potential Over the past three decades, Northern Ireland has transformed its economic identity, emerging as a dynamic hub for innovation. The region’s metamorphosis shifted the economy from being historically reliant on heavy industry, including building the famous RMS Titanic, to one driven by technology. The capital city, Belfast,…

  • The Backbone of an Innovative Economy 

    The Backbone of an Innovative Economy 

    How universities develop talent while inspiring innovation  In the world of academia, innovation thrives where people meet to challenge the status quo and push boundaries. In Northern Ireland, that meeting ground is found at institutions like Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, places where groundbreaking research becomes an engine for societal and economic growth. By…

  • A Gem of European Tourism

    A Gem of European Tourism

    A land of storybook scenery and five-star stays Few places in the world can claim a tourism tapestry as compelling as Northern Ireland’s. Here, ancient landscapes whisper legends of giants, medieval castles perch dramatically over windswept cliffs, and centuries-old traditions echo alongside modern luxury. Once an overlooked corner of the UK and the island of…

  • Unlocking Opportunity on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor

    Unlocking Opportunity on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor

    A strategic choice: investing in Newry, Mourne and Down Stretching across the 100-mile corridor between Belfast and Dublin, numerous untapped opportunities await. Newry, one of Ireland’s oldest cities, is a key commercial and transport hub. The nearby Mountains of Mourne, renowned for their rugged peaks, dominate the southeastern horizon, forming part of historic County Down. …

  • The Swiss Model for Medtech Innovation

    The Swiss Model for Medtech Innovation

    Swiss-based Medacta leads the charge in redefining orthopedics  Switzerland has a distinguished reputation as a global leader in medical technology (medtech). Renowned for its unwavering commitment to pioneering solutions, the Swiss medtech ecosystem stands as a testament to a rich heritage of innovation. Fueled by a blend of academic prowess, governmental support, and industry dynamism,…

  • Lucerne: Switzerland in a Nutshell – Discover the Country’s Cultural Heart

    Lucerne: Switzerland in a Nutshell – Discover the Country’s Cultural Heart

    Lying directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the city is the social and cultural center in the heart of Switzerland. Lucerne’s roots date back to the 12th century, and its connection to history can still be felt today. Thanks to its beautiful location on the lake and its immediate proximity to the surrounding Alps,…

  • Molding Leaders in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

    Molding Leaders in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

    In Switzerland, where the majestic Alps cast their shadows over scenic lakes and charming towns, lie seven of the top ten hospitality management schools in the world. Two of these institutions are under the umbrella of Sommet Education, a world leader in hospitality education that unites premier hospitality and culinary art schools from across the…

  • A Look Inside the World’s Most Innovative Economy 

    A Look Inside the World’s Most Innovative Economy 

    Switzerland exudes a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes and economic dynamism Switzerland, a land renowned for its scenic landscapes and historical landmarks, has evolved into a global economic powerhouse, consistently holding the coveted top position on the Global Innovation Index as the world’s most innovative country. This innovative nation has a solid foundation with state-of-the-art…

  • Transforming Global Education

    Transforming Global Education

    Singularity Academy: a humanity-centered hybrid research and educational institute  Singularity Academy believes in humanity’s boundless potential and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Embracing its mission to help singularity members identify their humanity-centered singular growth path, the Academy has emerged as a vanguard in the field of novel education, reshaping conventional paradigms and nurturing the minds…

  • A Tale of Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability

    A Tale of Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability

    In Switzerland where green pastures meet towering white peaks, lies a sector embracing old traditions, innovative dairy products, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This trifecta is woven into the fabric of the nation’s agrifood sector. The multifaceted impact of Swiss dairy and the nation’s unique approach to agriculture epitomizes the symbiosis of tradition and…

  • From Alpine Origins to Global Success

    From Alpine Origins to Global Success

    Aebi Schmidt Group’s Remarkable Expansion Journey The road to global success for Aebi Schmidt Group began over 140 years ago in the historic Swiss town of Burgdorf. In this town, the Group’s oldest brand, Aebi, was first established as a mechanical workshop for agricultural machinery. Schmidt, the second oldest brand under the Group’s umbrella began…

  • Discover the Grisons 

    Discover the Grisons 

    Where World Class Research, Innovation and Natural Beauty Converge The Canton of the Grisons, also known by its German name, Graubünden, is recognized as one of the country’s premier locations for starting or growing a business. It is located in the geographical epicenter of Europe, boasting a holistic offering with an exceptional innovative ecosystem and…