Tissue Summit Latinoamérica 2024 concludes with over 220 industry leaders in Panama
The event, focused on data intelligence and sustainability, brought together key players from 16 countries, fostering networking, business growth, and innovation in the tissue industry
The third edition of Tissue Summit Latinoamérica concluded successfully in Panama, attracting over 220 industry professionals. The event, recognized as the key gathering for the tissue paper market in Latin America, took place at the Hilton Hotel in Panama City, bringing together attendees from 16 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Panama, among others. More than 50 tissue manufacturers and converters participated, promoting networking, business discussions, and knowledge-sharing within the sector.
This year’s theme, “Data Intelligence & Sustainability”, addressed crucial topics for the industry’s competitiveness. Several experts from sponsoring companies presented their advancements in these areas during the conference.
PANEL DISCUSSION
A panel discussion featured key industry leaders such as Agustin Muntaner, general manager of La Reforma Paper Company (Panama); Renato Bayardo Reyes Araujo, chairman of the Board of Papelera Reyes (Peru); Cristián Rubio, executive director of FPC Tissue (Chile); and Alexander Schuler, COO of GrandBay.
Renato Reyes spoke about the company’s ongoing innovation efforts, particularly the installation of new paper machines and the application of data tools.
Cristián Rubio highlighted the importance of balancing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals with financial sustainability, noting that implementing these initiatives incurs costs that can be difficult to pass on to consumers. He expressed optimism about the Chilean tissue market, emphasizing the company’s dedication to growth.
Agustin Muntaner discussed La Reforma’s recent expansion into Panama, noting its broader growth strategy across Latin America. The executive also addressed the importance of maintaining competitiveness through innovation and the creation of sustainable strategies.
Alexander Schuler emphasized the role of data intelligence in optimizing operations, particularly in predictive maintenance and logistics, adding that while the tissue market is expected to grow steadily, the pace will be moderate.
During the session, panelists were recognized for their companies’ achievements. Papelera Reyes was honored for its investments in the Peruvian market, La Reforma for its expansion in Central America, FPC Tissue for its contribution to the event, and GrandBay for its integration of technology and sustainability into its operations.
VALUABLE CONTENT
In addition to the panel, Jorge Araya, a consultant in Tissue & Hygiene at Euromonitor International, delivered a presentation titled “Consumer tissue en Latinoamérica: Perspectivas para la industria y oportunidades ante la nueva realidad del consumidor”. His insights provided valuable perspectives on the market’s future.
To complement the event, the second edition of the Tissue Summit Latinoamérica Magazine was distributed to participants. This publication highlighted GrandBay’s regional operations, focusing on the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability across 33 countries.
NEXT EVENTS
The next edition of Tissue Summit Latinoamérica is scheduled for September 2025 in Santiago, Chile. Additionally, Nexum Group announced the launch of a new event, Packaging Summit Latinoamérica, targeting the paper packaging sector, also set for September next year. Other events planned by Nexum Group include Packaging Summit Brazil and Tissue Summit Brazil, both scheduled for February 2025 in São Paulo.
