According to the study, only a quarter of companies use platforms for supplier collaboration. Isn’t that a poor reflection on an industry that likes to present itself as smart and innovative?
The awareness is there – but implementation often lacks resources or priority. What we need is a real cultural shift to benefit from the added value of digital platforms. Collaboration must not be limited to RFQs and price negotiations. Particularly in packaging development – from sustainable materials to automation-friendly design – the best solutions emerge when suppliers are involved early. Digital platforms are the backbone for structured, efficient collaboration.
The study describes procurement as a strategic “engine for innovation.” That sounds promising – but how strategic is procurement in the reality of medium-sized packaging companies today?
Not strategic enough yet. In too many companies, procurement is still operational, reactive and cost-driven. Yet our study shows a shift: 47.1% of respondents say procurement has evolved into a strategic function. For packaging companies, this means: Procurement is involved in deciding which innovations are prioritized and how issues related to circularity are incorporated into material selection. Those who still see procurement purely as a cost center will lose competitiveness in the long run.
Thank you for the interview, Ms. Zeller.
Author: Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik (BME)
