This is
Why we exist
Our legacy & our future
Packbridge: Born from Concentration, Growing Through Collaboration
Packbridge was founded in 2010 as a cluster initiative, a dynamic response to the concentration of several packaging companies in the Lund/Malmö region of southern Sweden. Large packaging companies such as Tetra Pak, Graphic Packaging and several other smaller and medium sized actors have established during the years in this region. This geographical concentration of expertise, technology and business offered significant opportunities for collaboration, innovation and growth. However, to maximize this potential there was also a need for coordination. To support these companies, tackle shared challenges and to strengthen both the individual companies as well as the position of the packaging industry at large, something was missing.
Recognizing this need, Packbridge was born to serve as a connector and enabler for the packaging industry and all its members. The mission was clear: to create a network & community where packaging companies could work together, share knowledge, solve industry-wide challenges, and grow. The cluster initiative Packbridge was established with the goal of supporting the regional packaging industry’s development and boosting its competitiveness on a global scale.
What is a Cluster Initiative?
In essence, a cluster initiative is an organized effort to stimulate and strengthen collaboration among companies, universities, public organizations, and other stakeholders within a specific geographical region or industry. This kind of collaboration fosters innovation, knowledge-sharing, and new business opportunities. Cluster initiatives typically emerge when a critical mass of related companies or organizations exists in close proximity. These entities share common goals, challenges and interests that can be addressed more effectively through collective action rather than working in isolation, each company or actor on its own.
In Packbridge’s case, the cluster initiative was driven by the already established and ever-growing concentration of packaging companies, and to a large extent significant players also in the closely related food industry, in southern Sweden. What started as a localized effort to support these companies’ needs quickly grew into a broader and more dynamic initiative.
The Evolution of Packbridge: From Cluster to Ecosystem
Packbridge has come a long way since its founding. What began as a small initiative designed to connect a handful of packaging companies has now grown into an influential force that supports over 100 members and collaboration partners in Skåne, Sweden and beyond. From large, well-established industry giants to startups, universities, public sector organizations, municipalities and research institutions, Packbridge’s community has expanded far beyond packaging companies.
This evolution reflects a fundamental shift in how Packbridge approaches the packaging industry: we embrace the concept of an ecosystem rather than a traditional industry cluster. We believe the term “ecosystem” better captures the interconnectedness, diversity and constant flux of the (packaging) world.
What is a Packaging Ecosystem?
A packaging ecosystem is a complex, dynamic network of companies, organizations, and experts from various sectors who are all focused on creating innovative, sustainable and resilient packaging solutions. While a traditional cluster might focus narrowly on a specific industry or supply/value chain, an ecosystem recognizes that the challenges of the packaging industry today are interconnected with a wide range of fields—such as sustainability, circular economy, AI, regulatory frameworks and even industries outside of packaging such as the automotive, food, recycling and design industries.
By broadening the scope of collaboration beyond the traditional boundaries of the packaging industry, we believe Packbridge can be more agile and better positioned to respond to the rapidly changing landscape of global packaging challenges and demands. Packaging today is not just about the materials; it’s about the systems, the infrastructure, the technologies, the regulations, and the behaviors that shape them.
Why Focus on Ecosystem Thinking?
The world of packaging is evolving faster than ever before. Technological advancements, sustainability goals, new regulatory requirements, shifting consumer behaviors, and global challenges like climate change are all impacting the packaging industry in real time. This constant change means that fixed subject areas or rigid industry boundaries are increasingly irrelevant.
Instead of narrowing our focus to specific areas or industries, Packbridge stays agile by listening to the needs of our members and the broader packaging community. By focusing on an ecosystem approach, we can ensure that our activities, projects and collaborations remain relevant, flexible and cutting-edge. Ecosystem thinking helps us foster innovation, address complex challenges and support solutions that are sustainable not just today, but also in the future.
We keep our ear to the ground and continually adapt to the evolving needs of our members, the packaging industry and the broader societal challenges we face. This agility is critical to ensure that we provide meaningful support and engagement to our members, both now and in the years to come.
A Team of Change-Makers
Today, Packbridge’s dedicated team of four is working tirelessly and passionately to support, activate and engage with our growing ecosystem. From facilitating collaborations, managing and participating in innovation & development projects to sharing valuable insights, knowledge, reasearch findings and creating networking opportunities, our small but agile team is the backbone of the Packbridge community.
As we continue to grow, we remain focused on the values that define us: trust, collaboration, holistic perspectives, engagement, joy and a relentless curiosity about what’s next. With a finger on the pulse of the packaging industry, Packbridge is positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of packaging—today!
Looking Ahead: Always Agile, Always Relevant
As our members and the packaging industry face new challenges and opportunities, Packbridge will continue to evolve side by side and always with one foot ahead. Our commitment to collaboration, agility and a holistic approach ensures that we are ready to address the complex issues of our times and the future. By staying connected to our members, partners, and collaborators and by listening to the emerging needs of the packaging ecosystem, Packbridge remains a vital catalyst and activator of competitiveness, transformation, sustainability & resilience as well as collaboration and new business opportunities for our members, our region and beyond.
The world of packaging is never static, and neither are we. With Packbridge, you’ll always find a partner who is ready to activate the future of packaging—today!
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Packbridge was born to serve as a connector and enabler for the packaging industry and all its members.
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By focusing on an
ecosystem approach, we can ensure that our activities, projects and collaborations remain relevant, flexible and
cutting-edge.