"A coffee with..." MERCEDES HORTAL- R&D CoE Packaging Leader from CAMPOFRIO

Empack and Logistics & Automation Porto: Just over a month ago, it was announced that Campofrio brands were switching to 100 per cent recyclable packaging. Tell us, what exactly does this mean and what are the changes to the packaging compared to what has been used so far?

Mercedes Hortal – One of Campofrio’s strategic objectives is to achieve sustainable packaging. In this regard, we recently announced the start of the changeover of our product portfolio to 100 per cent recyclable packaging. This change, which will be made progressively over the next few years, consists of reducing the number of materials used, as well as favouring materials that can be effectively recycled.
In addition, as part of our Sustainable Packaging Strategy, the company plans to reduce the use of virgin plastic by 25 per cent by 2025; to increase recycled content as much as possible, bearing in mind that packaging is a way of giving consumers what they need in terms of sizes, materials, etc. How have Campofrío’s packaging and products changed over time? possible; and explore other sustainable packaging solutions to replace non-recyclable ones.

E.L.Porto: Bearing in mind that packaging is a way of giving consumers what they need in terms of sizes, materials, etc. How have Campofrio’s packaging and products changed over time?

Mercedes Hortal – Packaging is a true reflection of consumer trends and the variety of existing consumers, since packaging must satisfy these new needs and profiles.
For this reason, there are now different types of packaging, from smaller ones for families with fewer members, to larger formats that allow for a more accessible shopping basket.
Over the years, our packaging has adapted to these needs, not only in its formats, but also in the types of materials used, which are increasingly better and more sustainable, always guaranteeing the food safety of our products.

E.L.Porto: You’ve been working in the packaging sector for many years, tell us a bit about your career, how you got started in this sector and how you see its future?

Mercedes Hortal – Well, the truth is, about 20 years… almost nothing!!!! I started in this sector by chance, with a Master’s Degree in Packaging Technology, because I saw the advert in a newspaper… until today!!!! At the time I was looking to enter the labour market and I thought that packaging, as it had always been there, would certainly be a good option. I don’t think I was wrong. Over the years it’s true that materials have evolved a lot and, above all, what 10 years ago were rare issues such as sustainability, eco-design and recycling are now a clear trend and a bet that is here to stay. In addition, they are clear decision-making factors in packaging for companies.

E.L.Porto: Little by little there seems to be a consumer trend towards reducing meat consumption and opting for alternative forms of protein consumption, and in fact Campofrio already has a vegan range. Are the packaging requirements for these products different from those of a traditional meat product? Do you think this trend is here to stay?

Mercedes Hortal – Although meat continues to be one of the most consumed products in all European markets, plant-based alternatives are gaining ground on supermarket shelves. For this reason, and with the aim of satisfying the new demands of consumers looking for alternatives to meat, Campofrio is working on developing new products to suit their tastes.
In the case of vegetarian or vegan products, and as with any other product, the packaging must be adapted to their specific needs in terms of conservation, shelf life or presentation, among other aspects, and for this range the requirements are similar to those of any food product.