At PICDA, we firmly believe that the future of the packaging industry lies in sustainability, research and cooperation between companies, technology centres and public administrations. It is in this context that DECO-E has emerged, an R&D project that reflects our understanding of innovation: a shared path that seeks to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for society and the market.

The project is part of the search for new, more environmentally friendly packaging solutions, in line with growing consumer awareness and European regulatory requirements. The transition to sustainable production models is no longer an option, but a necessity. With DECO-E, we are taking another step in this direction, exploring alternatives that allow us to replace conventional materials with more circular and recyclable ones, capable of reducing environmental impact without compromising quality and food safety.

This work responds to a global challenge: how to ensure that tomorrow’s packaging is functional, safe and, at the same time, environmentally responsible. The answer cannot come from a single company or a single sector, which is why DECO-E is conceived as a collaborative project, bringing together different actors who contribute knowledge, experience and technological capacity.

PICDA contributes its long history in the manufacture of flexible packaging solutions and its industrial facilities, which are equipped to take research from the laboratory to full-scale validation.
The project has already completed its first stage, in which the strategic foundations have been laid and the groundwork for the development of new materials has been established. We are now moving towards a second milestone that will allow us to further validate the solutions and bring them closer to implementation in industrial conditions. This is a demanding and ambitious process, but one that is essential in order to respond to the current challenges facing the sector.

Beyond the specific results, DECO-E represents PICDA’s commitment to a model of open and collaborative innovation. We believe that progress comes when we share knowledge and join forces, and this project is a clear example of how the union between industry, research and government can have a positive impact on the productive fabric and society.

In short, DECO-E is not just a research project, but also a statement of intent: to continue moving towards a future where packaging not only protects food, but also the planet.
The project is subsidised by the CDTI, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), within the framework of Cooperative Research and Development Projects.