Saica Group has opened a new centre at its facility in Zaragoza, Spain, aimed at developing new products, improving raw material efficiency, and offering advanced characterisation services of materials and processes.
The centre is located at Saica’s El Burgo de Ebro plant in Zaragoza and has been opened as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations. The centre will service Saica’s four divisions globally: Saica Natur, Saica Paper, Saica Pack and Saica Flex.
One of the teams working in the Saica R&D&I Centre develops advanced simulation models that form the basis of the structural design of cardboard packaging manufactured by the Saica Group
With a focus on research, development and innovation – hence the official title of R&D&I Centre – the 50-strong staff at the centre working in multidisciplinary teams made up of engineers and technicians will help Saica progress with two strategic company objectives: reducing its carbon footprint; and achieving zero waste to landfill in all plants. Those working at the centre specialise in paper, corrugated cardboard and flexible packaging, waste valorisation and decarbonisation of the industry. One of the teams working in the Saica R&D&I Centre develops advanced simulation models that form the basis of the structural design of cardboard packaging manufactured by the Saica Group. Saica optimises the selection of papers for manufacturing corrugated cardboard boxes by using the same software tools that are used in the automotive or aeronautics industries. This is done to ensure boxes achieve the necessary strength with lightweight packaging, minimising the use of raw materials.
For customers, they will be able to access advanced characterisation of corrugated board and flexible packaging, and all the related materials.
On a practical level, there is 4000sqm of useful office space, meeting areas and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art testing equipment for the packaging industry. In addition, the new facility houses the team of the National Development Centre (NDC) for Saica Pack Iberia, providing an open and collaborative space for innovation with customers of corrugated board packaging.
It is powered by a geothermal energy-based climate system and has received an LEED Gold certificate.
