Sidel has successfully concluded its three-week Nextgen Innovation Lab, bringing together 19 engineering students from 10 countries to work on real-world industrial challenges in packaging, sustainability, automation and digital technologies. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing future engineering talent while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Hosted at Sidel’s manufacturing and innovation facility in Octeville-sur-Mer, northern France, the programme gave participants the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists on projects focused on some of the most important challenges facing the packaging industry. The students explored areas such as sustainable packaging and operations, industrial artificial intelligence, digital technologies, robotics, human-machine collaboration, computer vision, AI-powered quality inspection, mechatronics and intelligent machine control.
Throughout the programme, participants attended technical workshops, visited production facilities, interacted with customers and worked in teams to develop practical solutions for real industrial applications. Their projects included proof-of-concept models, functional prototypes and business proposals aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability and innovation across manufacturing operations.
At the end of the programme, each team presented its solutions before a panel of senior Sidel executives and technical experts. The presentations showcased innovative ideas that addressed current industry requirements while highlighting the creativity and technical capabilities of the participating students.
To recognise exceptional performance, Sidel presented awards across five categories, including Best Overall Innovation, Most Customer-Centric Solution, Most Disruptive Concept, Most Inspiring Speech and Most Ready-to-Apply Solution. The awards celebrated ideas that demonstrated technical excellence, practical value and strong collaboration.
Commenting on the success of the programme, Ko Hoepman, Executive Vice President – Equipment, Innovation and Portfolio at Sidel, said the Nextgen Innovation Lab created an environment where students and industry experts could exchange ideas and work together to solve real business challenges. He noted that the participants brought fresh thinking, strong technical knowledge and enthusiasm, making the programme valuable for both the students and Sidel’s engineering teams.
Participants also shared positive feedback about the experience, highlighting the opportunity to work on live industrial projects while learning directly from experienced professionals. Several students said the programme gave them a deeper understanding of the innovation involved in modern manufacturing and packaging technologies. Others appreciated the open and collaborative culture at Sidel, where experts were willing to share their knowledge and mentor future engineers.
The Nextgen Innovation Lab is part of Sidel’s long-term strategy to develop engineering talent and strengthen partnerships with leading universities across Europe. By connecting students with real industrial challenges, the company aims to encourage innovation and support the development of sustainable packaging solutions for the future.
Sidel is a global leader in providing innovative solutions for the manufacturing and packaging industries, specializing in the design and production of equipment for the beverage, food, and personal care sectors. With a strong focus on sustainability, Sidel offers a wide range of technologies and services that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and promote environmentally responsible practices.
The company is known for its advanced packaging solutions, including blow molding systems, filling and labeling technologies, and comprehensive services that help businesses optimize their production processes. Sidel operates in over 30 countries, with a commitment to continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and delivering high-quality, sustainable products that meet the evolving needs of the market.
