29 TEMA CENTRAL I MAIN TOPIC companies, has demonstrated significant dynamism. With a 2.35% reduction in the number of companies and a 1.43% reduction in employees, the sector has managed to consolidate, increasing its turnover by 2.64% and achieving an extraordinary 16.13% increase in EBITDA. These results highlight the importance of technological innovation and process optimization as drivers of competitiveness. Among the main trends in raw materials and processing are: degradable, recycled, conductive, insulating and coating plastics, organic and bio-based compounds, and the development of resins, fiber composites, and PVCs. In terms of transformation, plastics manufacturing is marked by the adoption of new technologies such as AI and machine learning, process automation, the use of robots in manufacturing, and simulation platforms. In end-use applications, notable trends include the use of reinforced composites and fibers, research into conductive materials and new properties (antibacterial surfaces, biocompatible materials, flame-retardant materials, etc.), and the use of recycled and/or biodegradable materials. Growth potential is observed in the use of plastics for the design of medical devices, as well as in functional textiles. In recycling, there is a significant trend toward mechanical recycling and a growing interest in chemical recycling, with new recycling processes for PET bottles and plastic bags. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is being used to design and improve recycling processes. Industry 4.0 facilitates innovation. There are trends in the use of software and artificial intelligence for the design of nanomaterials and nanocomposites, with a clear focus on improving the sustainability of products and processes, energy efficiency through the development of advanced algorithms, and the optimization of recycling processes for the design of advanced lightweight materials, among others. Blockchain enables the traceability of plastics and is positioned as a key technology for improving waste control and optimizing circular economy processes. Growth of cardboard packaging According to figures published by Aspack, corresponding to the 2024 fiscal year, production in the cardboard packaging manufacturing sector in Spain amounts to more than 450,000 metric tons, representing an increase of 1.17% compared to the 2023 fiscal year. Revenue in millions of euros reached 1.217 billion, representing a decrease of -4% compared to 2023. Furthermore, the number of workers in the sector has remained stable, with the sector employing a total of 6,718 people in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of companies operating in this sector remained stable compared to previous years, at 91. Of these 91 companies that produce cardboard packaging, it is highly significant that the concentration of these companies in Spain is located in Catalonia (35%), the Valencian Community (24%), Madrid (11%), the Basque Country (7%), Navarre (5%), and the rest of Spain (18%). The sector's export activity represents 22% of total turnover, a decrease of -4.43% compared to the previous year. In turn, the sector's degree of openness has also decreased by one point compared to 2023, standing at 18.45%. The study published by Aspack also reveals the distribution of turnover by consumer sector; 51% of cardboard packaging sold in Spain corresponds to the food sector and 49% to the non-food sector, according to figures that reflect the current reality of the sector. Of these, the pharmaceutical and laboratory sector accounts for the majority, accounting for 27%, 21% for perfumes and cosmetics, 12% for drugstores and cleaning products, and the remainder for sectors such as hardware, small appliances, office supplies, toys, footwear, textile manufacturing, tobacco, automotive, and others. In turn, the analysis of the sector's profitability conducted in the study highlights that 70% of the turnover is generated by 29 companies and 50% by 16 companies, which marks a trend toward concentration of the sector's turnover among a limited number of companies in recent years. During 2024, all types of paper experienced increases in production compared to 2023. Other containers and packaging, plus coated cardboard, with +19.5%, led the growth, followed by toilet paper and sanitary paper, which increased by +14.3%, according to data provided by Solunion. In Spain, positive data is expected this year, in line with the GDP growth forecast for 2025 (2.6-2.8%). Tissue and packaging will drive growth, while graphic papers will continue to decline. En el sector del plástico en España, hay 887 empresas de packaging que suponen un 35,89 % del total del mercado y alcanzan un volumen de negocio de 9.337,17 millones de euros In the plastics sector in Spain, there are 887 packaging companies that represent 35.89% of the total market and reach a turnover of €9,337.17 million ‘
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