FPA New Member Profile: Oben Group

Oben Group Focuses on Sustainability and Networking

By Thomas A. Barstow | October 31, 2024
FPA New Member Profile: Oben Group
Digital Exclusive


Editor’s note: The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) continually looks for new members and has been ramping up those efforts in recent years. This “FPA New Member Profile” feature is part of an occasional series by FlexPack VOICE® to recognize new members.

For the past few years, FPA has been recognizing companies that hit milestones as FPA members, which is one of the main topics in the November/December 2024 edition of FlexPack VOICE®.

The organization’s membership categories include academic, associate, converter, international converter, and trade press, with supporting member categories added in 2024. (A list of new members through July can be found below).

This digital exclusive article recognizes one of the members that joined in 2024, Oben Group, an associate member that is headquartered in Lima, Peru.

Oben Group produces polypropylene, polyester, and nylon films used for flexible packaging; polyethylene terephthalate shrink films for label manufacturing; coated films for the graphic industry; and thermoformed polypropylene products, according to its FPA member profile. The company opened its first manufacturing plant in 1991 in Quito, Ecuador, and it now has manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and sales offices elsewhere in Latin America, as well as Europe and North America.

Marita Mendoza Arévalo, Oben’s corporate head of marketing, says Oben joined FPA to allow the company to stay at the forefront ofindustry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.

“Oben Group plays a crucial role in the industry, and being a part of FPA provides a platform for collaborating on initiatives that drive this industry forward on a path that benefits people, the environment, and the business,” she says.

To get to know the company a bit more, FlexPack VOICE® asked Oben Group to discuss some of the issues facing the company and the industry, generally.

FlexPack VOICE®: What do you see as the key issues impacting flexible packaging this year?

Marita Mendoza Arévalo: The flexible packaging industry faces significant challenges. Sustainability continues to be a top priority, with increasing pressure from consumers, regulators, and brands to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, there is a growing need for innovation to meet the demands for more sustainable and functional packaging solutions. These issues require a concerted effort from the entire industry to address effectively.

FPV: What do you think will be the primary issues in 2025?

MMA: Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate that sustainability will remain a central focus, but with even more emphasis on circular economy practices. Advances in recycling technologies, particularly chemical recycling, will likely play a significant role and trend in the plastic industry. Regulatory pressures will continue to increase, pushing for more stringent standards on packaging materials and waste management.

FPV: Talk a bit about your sustainability efforts as they pertain to flexible packaging.

MMA: Sustainability is integral to our operations and product development. We have implemented several initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint such as developing films with recycled content and creating films for mono-material packaging solutions. Our initiative, called Oben Earth, is based on sustainable sustainability. It is an ongoing dedication to take care of people, the planet, and business. We do this through three pillars:

  1. Oben Earth Practices: We strive to maintain a clean manufacturing model and employ circular economy practices.
  2. Oben Earth Products: We continuously develop improved ecological solutions for flexible packaging.
  3. Oben Earth Social: We focus on people (our employees, clients, and members of the community).

FPV: What do you think should be the government’s role in a circular economy?

MMA: The government plays a crucial role in fostering a circular economy, especially in terms of providing the necessary recycling stream infrastructure and regulatory framework. Advanced recycling and chemical recycling are vital components of handling flexible packaging waste, but they require significant investment. Efforts should be made to harmonize local and state regulations to create a clearer and more unified path toward sustainability. Additionally, a major challenge is achieving global consensus among governments on what sustainability looks like.

Moreover, the government should work closely with industry stakeholders to create standardized guidelines and promote public awareness about the benefits of a circular economy.

FPV: Anything that you would like to add?

MMA: We believe that collaboration is key to overcoming the challenges facing the flexible packaging industry. As a film manufacturer in the flexible packaging sector, we work closely with brand owners and converters—manufacturers—to develop innovative packaging solutions that meet their specific needs, from flexible pouches and bags to lidding films and films for labels. By working together with other FPA members, suppliers, and customers, we can drive innovation and sustainability forward. Oben Group is committed to being a leader in this space and contributing to a more sustainable future for our industry.

FPV: Anything that I didn’t ask that I should have asked?

MMA: It is interesting to address the role of digital transformation in the flexible packaging industry. Digitalization is not only transforming manufacturing processes but also enhancing supply chain management and customer engagement. Blockchain mechanisms are emerging as a powerful tool to provide transparent records of the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to end-product delivery. This transparency would ensure that all stakeholders, including consumers, can verify the materials inside their flexible packaging and increase opportunities for identifying proper recyclability methods and boosting recycling rates worldwide.

Lastly, when discussing sustainability, it’s essential to focus not just on product development but also on maintaining a sustainable supply chain. Circular economy practices, reducing CO2 emissions, social responsibility, and profitability are all crucial. By emphasizing a commitment to genuine sustainability, we can collectively achieve a sustainable future.

Thomas A. Barstow is senior editor of FlexPack VOICE®.

Sidebar: FPA Members New in 2024 Through July

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