Drill baby, drill - or take sustainable responsibility

Over the past year, cost reduction has been a key focus in various markets. We expect this focus to continue in the coming year due to widespread cost increases in the business models of many companies. Customers are looking for ways to package more efficiently without compromising on quality or performance. The OPACKGROUP supports this by, among other things, reducing the thickness of packaging, which directly reduces material use and costs. In addition, we actively help customers take advantage of the rate differentiation discount on Verpact’s waste management contribution [read more here: Rate Differentiation Plastic | Verpact]. By designing packaging more intelligently, making it more recyclable and using recycled materials, this can lead to discounts of up to 45%. In this way, we deliver tangible financial benefits and future-proof packaging solutions.

Our focus on quality has not gone unnoticed in the packaging world. At the EFTA Benelux Awards 2025, our flexographic printing teams demonstrate what “quality” means in practice: we win six flexographic printing awards, including gold for Flexpak (laminate packaging for animal feed) and extra recognition for Stempher and Oerlemans Plastics, which once again wins the innovation award. We are also setting the tone in other areas with innovation and circularity: the OPACKGROUP receives three nominations at the NRK (Dutch Rubber and Plastics Industry) Rethink Awards. Fardem Packaging wins the Rethink Award 2025 (Recycling). This award recognises packaging solutions that demonstrably contribute to better recyclability and closing material cycles. With our award-winning biobased chip packaging based on mass balance, we underline our identity as a packaging manufacturer that combines quality, sustainability and customer value.

For several years now, but especially in the past year, we have been working with our customers to prepare for the arrival of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), among other things. This European law tightens the requirements for packaging and, from 2026 onwards, will make recyclability, material reduction and reuse increasingly decisive for market access. Brand owners and packagers will face stricter design rules and greater responsibility for the entire packaging chain. With experienced product specialists, the OPACKGROUP helps customers by conducting a PPWR scan of their entire packaging portfolio. In this way, we translate legislation into practical advice and concrete solutions. Our strong focus on recyclable packaging and the use of recycled materials is already helping customers to meet obligations that will soon become the norm.

We recently opened the OTC Test Centre [read more here] in Giessen. With this new test centre, the OPACKGROUP offers food producers the opportunity to develop and test packaging concepts without interrupting their own production. The centre focuses on innovative barrier packaging, such as flowvac, flowwrap and shrink wrap, which comply with the requirements of the European PPWR legislation that will come into force next year. In this way, the OPACKGROUP supports customers in the meat, dairy, bake-off and fish sectors, among others, in making future-proof and sustainable packaging choices. Due to the increased requirements, there is a growing demand for expert advice. The experienced team within the group is happy to share this knowledge through consultations, trade fair participation, seminars and online.

By 2025, sustainability efforts at many companies will have come to a standstill. That is unfortunate. A president who shouts ‘drill baby drill’ does not motivate further sustainability efforts. Geopolitical tensions and the economic situation are not helping either. We at OPACKGROUP will not let this influence us. Last year, I celebrated my 40th anniversary with the company and since I started at OPACKGROUP, I have always believed in focusing on making the packaging portfolio we produce more sustainable. We will have to do things differently and better together. Sustainability means taking many small steps together. Our generation must leave a better world for the next generation. Whether you want to become more sustainable or not, there is so much legislation coming our way that you don’t even have a choice. Don’t wait too long. New packaging must prove itself throughout the entire value chain and be functional. I am proud that we are ready with our investments, knowledge and experience. Fortunately, many companies recognise the need for sustainability. Together with all the frontrunners, we have already made great strides. We are happy to guide our clients in their quest for sustainability. Feel free to challenge us in the coming year so that in 2027 we can look back on a successful and sustainable 2026.

We wish all our partners a sustainable and successful 2026!

Joan Hanegraaf