On January 28th and 29th, 2026, " Logistics & Automation " and will once again take place together in Bern . The packaging industry is under pressure due to new EU regulations, rising customer expectations, and increasing demands for climate protection. An interview explores the background.

Specialist Saropack, for example, has been working with the " myclimate " for years to transparently calculate CO₂ emissions, increase the recycling rate, and simultaneously meet the high standards of the food industry. Managing Director Urs Stillhard and Ottavio Scatà, Team Leader Corporate Partnerships at myclimate, explain aspects of sustainable film products – and what visitors can expect at "Empack" 2026.

Question: Mr. Stillhard, why is sustainable film packaging no longer a nice-to-have, but a basic requirement for marketable products?

Stillhard : Sustainability is a clearly defined customer need today – just like efficiency or functionality. At the same time, society expects us to handle plastics more responsibly than before. For Saropack, sustainability is therefore a strategic pillar of our product development. We don't want to preach, but rather offer solutions that help our customers move towards more environmentally friendly packaging.

U.Stillhard, Kr. Nadjarian, O. Scatà (from left to right)

to actually implement credible climate protection, instead of just talking about it, changing

Scatà : The pressure is mounting from several sides. On the one hand, large companies are focusing more closely on their supply chains and demanding measurable emission reductions. While packaging isn't the biggest source of emissions, its impact is predictable and easy to explain. On the other hand, the EU and individual countries are tightening their regulations. Switzerland is following suit in many areas . SMEs are feeling this pressure more and more acutely.

In your view, where is the biggest discrepancy between aspiration and reality?

Scatà : Many customers want sustainable packaging – but their willingness to pay for it is still low, depending on the application. Furthermore, there's sometimes a lack of understanding that good packaging has positive effects and can even save CO₂ by, for example, significantly reducing food waste . Fortunately, there are companies like Saropack that are consistently working on innovations. The industry is changing, but it's not yet widespread.

Stillhard : We often see companies that want to take action but don't know where to start. Eighty percent of our client visits now revolve around sustainability. There's a lot of uncertainty: What are the legal requirements? What actually makes a difference? And what's economically feasible? This is where advice, realistic steps, and transparency are essential – also regarding costs and feasibility.

U. Stillhard

You mentioned the costs: Sustainable innovations are often more expensive. How does Saropack manage this balancing act?

We clearly distinguish between the price of a product and the portion allocated to climate protection measures. Our task is to keep solutions economically attractive while simultaneously enabling the transformation. New materials are more expensive in the initial phase – but as soon as volumes increase, they become more competitive. The important thing is to get started.

They are launching a new shrink film with a 30% PCR recycled content . What are the distinguishing features of this film?

The major challenge with the «SaroFresh OXBTEC-RCB» lies in the interplay between recycled content and food-grade compliance. Mechanical recycling does not meet these requirements because the material flows are not traceable. Our new products are based on chemical or «advanced recycling»: plastic is broken down into its molecular chains under pressure and temperature and processed into pyrolysis oil, from which high-quality plastic is produced that is clean and complies with food regulations.

 O. Scatà

How much do technical or regulatory requirements – such as the PPWR – hinder the further increase of recycled content?

The PPWR (Product and Manufacturing Standards Committee) mandates binding recycled content requirements from 2030 onwards. For us, as a supplier of films for the food sector, this is particularly challenging because the highest standards of safety and traceability are paramount. Technically, much is possible, but energy consumption is high. Crucially, the energy required in the future must come from renewable sources.

All photos: Sarah Barth

particularly exciting
for myclimate Scatà : Saropack is a very dynamic SME that consistently develops new materials and considers their climate impact from the very beginning. We calculate the CO₂ emissions of their products and thus also support the company's strategic development. At the same time, Saropack takes responsibility beyond its own value chain and supports climate protection projects where emissions are unavoidable . The interplay of innovation, transparency, and cooperation makes the partnership particularly valuable.

No fig leaf

How do you ensure that the climate contribution is not used as a fig leaf or for greenwashing?

Scatà : Transparent data is the foundation. Companies like Saropack provide us with reliable information, which we calculate according to international standards. The myclimate label is only awarded if the calculations are correct, a company invests in reducing its own impact , and real contributions flow into certified climate protection projects. These projects are subject to equally strict, independent standards such as the Gold Standard or FOEN guidelines. We also conduct independent audits. Credibility is the foundation.

Mr. Stillhard, what measurable results have you already achieved thanks to myclimate?

Stillhard : The most important thing was to obtain reliable key performance indicators for the first time – both for our organization and for each individual product. Today, we know exactly how much CO₂ a specific quantity of film generates. This transparency enables us to set concrete reduction targets. Furthermore, in 2021 we switched our model to an opt-out system: customers automatically make a climate protection contribution unless they actively opt out. As a result, we were able to offset over 12,000 tons of CO₂ in myclimate projects last year. That sends a strong signal to the entire industry.

Side effects from the partner trade fair

Scatà : SMEs need simple, uniform rules and fair competitive conditions for everyone. Associations like the SVI play a major role by sharing knowledge and opening doors, for example to tools, forums or trade fair formats.

What can visitors expect at «Empack» Switzerland 2026?

Stillhard: We demonstrate live on packaging machines how films with recycled content function in everyday industrial use – transparently, practically, without special effects. Furthermore, together with myclimate, we present a best-practice case showing how climate protection and technology can work together.

www.empack-schweiz.ch

Interesting podcasts about Empack 2026

https://open.spotify.com/show/4s4Jnx9w9rvBhdGocK4Kyf
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/der-easyfairs-podcast/id1650062380
https://plus.rtl.de/podcast/der-easyfairs-podcast-crf6mby2l0ton/neue-folge
https://www.podcast.de/episode/696121837/Empack-2026-nachhaltigkeit-messbar-machen-
saropack-myclimate-ueber-die-zukunft-der-verpackungsindustrie