The fourth edition of SPAPER opened its doors Tuesday, March 4, at Feria de Zaragoza, consolidating itself as the international reference event for the paper, cardboard, and packaging sector. It takes place simultaneously with SMAGUA and EXPOFIMER in a context of growth and transformation. It reaffirms its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of technical knowledge, fundamental axes to face the present and future challenges of the industry. The opening ceremony was attended by Jorge Azcón, President of the Government of Aragón; Sara Aagesen, Third Vice President of the Government of Spain and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge; Jorge Villarroya, President of Feria de Zaragoza emphasized the opportunities generated by this exhibition as a business and knowledge platform when combined with SMAGUA and EXPOFIMER, noting that they are “very important” events for Feria de Zaragoza as they present “cutting-edge technology” that allows progress towards a more sustainable and digital world. For the Aragonese president, this event at Feria de Zaragoza is an example of success, which “is always good news for Aragón.” He added that “thousands of people will attend,” which also advocates for the growth of business tourism promoted by such events. In turn, for the Vice President of the Central Government, Sara Aagesen, today’s event at Feria de Zaragoza is a unique and internationally renowned context where Spanish talent is also appreciated. “It coincides with two other highly interesting fairs. The national industrial sector is increasingly competitive,” emphasized the Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
THE EXHIBITORS
With the participation of 157 brands from 18 countries, SPAPER 2025 offers a comprehensive program of technical sessions where companies, associations, and industry experts will share knowledge about the main market trends and challenges. SPAPER 2025 brings together a wide variety of exhibitors covering the entire value chain of the paper sector, from machinery for paper and cardboard production to process automation. Engineering firms, consultancies, and specialized service companies share space with component and accessory manufacturers, as well as companies dedicated to instrumentation, measurement, and quality control. Sustainability and energy efficiency also play a prominent role, with exhibitors focused on environmental solutions and the use of more sustainable chemicals, additives, and raw materials. Additionally, the exhibition features the participation of sector associations and technical press, consolidating itself as the key meeting point for industry professionals.
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
On this first day, the session “Three Paper Challenges for 2025: People, AI, and EU Regulations” stood out, with participation from KPMG, SAICA, Vicomtech, ASPAPEL, Repacar, El Papel, and the Basque Country Paper Cluster. The main regulatory and technological challenges impacting the paper industry in the short and medium term were addressed. On Wednesday, the VI Technical Paper Forum of the Basque Country Paper Cluster, focuses on technology, diversification, and process improvement. Successful innovation cases will be analyzed, and discussions will be held on the sustainable use of resources, sector trends, and solutions for impurity formation in manufacturing processes.
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