There’s a special energy you feel when entering the new Fuji Seal Italy production site in Rodigo, in the province of Mantua. An energy made of enthusiasm, expertise, and vision
In Japan, they call it Waku Waku, a difficult expression to translate, but that conveys a genuine emotion, a vibrant joy for what you do, and a positive anticipation for the future. It is with this very spirit that Fuji Seal officially inaugurated, on May 16th, its new Italian headquarters and the Group’s first carbon-neutral production facility in Europe: a significant milestone in a journey that combines growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
A strategic project
Located next to the existing premises, the new facility covers a total area of 11,000 sm, with 3,600 sm dedicated to production. It represents a strategic investment that will allow the company to triple its production capacity compared to the past, through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the use of 100% renewable energy, thanks to the full installation of solar panels and optimized energy management.
But that’s not all: the building has been designed with future development in mind, with a clear goal of expanding the workforce by 30% over the coming years.
At the heart of the activity is the design and production of self-adhesive label applicator machines under the Pago brand, a historic name within the Fuji Seal Group. With an expected annual output of around 20 machines, the plant serves as a center of excellence in the field of mechatronics applied to packaging.
A shared moment
The inauguration was attended by local and provincial authorities, European and Japanese leaders of the Group, employees, partners, and suppliers. It was a heartfelt event, marked by words of gratitude, pride, and vision.
“This inauguration marks a key milestone in our journey. Fuji Seal Italy has long been a center of excellence for our rotary labelling machines, and this will further strengthen our offering. Furthermore, it is a tangible symbol of our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In Italy, we pursue this goal by combining engineering excellence, advanced technologies, and a highly qualified team”, said Yoichi Okazaki, Executive Officer for Europe at Fuji Seal.
Plant Director Stefano Zanetti, visibly moved, emphasized how “this new site represents the perfect balance between technological innovation, industrial precision, and the enhancement of people, to provide our customers with innovative, reliable solutions and Made in Italy quality”.
Packaging that creates value
With 128 years of history behind it, founded in Japan in 1897, Fuji Seal is now a global leader in packaging solutions for FMCG, personal care, pharma, and industrial sectors, with over 5,600 employees, 32 locations, and a presence in 15 countries.
In addition to its human-centered approach, Fuji Seal pursues a structured and forward-thinking industrial vision, built on two other key pillars: creating value for people, the planet, and the packaging industry, and building a regenerative society.
An ongoing commitment that takes shape through integrated technological solutions, capable of flexibly responding to the needs of increasingly dynamic markets. “Packaging”, explained the management, “is now much more than just a container: it’s a strategic tool to tell stories, protect products, and engage consumers”.
Through innovative materials, high-performance machinery, people, passion, and a vision centered on sustainability, Fuji Seal is redefining the very concept of packaging: from function to value, from wrapper to a channel of connection between brand, product, and consumer.
E se è vero che, riprendendo le parole del video istituzionale, “si ha solo una possibilità per fare una buona prima impressione: basta un attimo per decidere cosa ci attrae, ispira o emoziona” Fuji Seal ha saputo coglierla appieno. Con un team appassionato, uno sguardo rivolto al futuro e un cuore che batte forte continua a scrivere la propria storia nel packaging.
And if it’s true, as stated in the company’s institutional video, that “you only get one chance to make a good first impression, it takes just a moment to decide what attracts, inspires, or moves us”, then Fuji Seal has truly seized that opportunity.
With a passionate team, a forward-looking perspective, and a strong beating heart, the company continues to write its story in the world of packaging.
Waku Waku, the human ingredient of innovation
Durante gli interventi è emersa più volte la filosofia giapponese del Waku Waku, uno dei pilastri culturali del gruppo Fuji Seal. Non è solo un concetto astratto, ma una forza, un atteggiamento concreto che guida ogni attività dell’azienda, a partire dalla progettazione fino alla relazione con clienti e collaboratori. Come ha spiegato Yoichi Okazaki “vogliamo generare Waku Waku: se siamo in grado di creare soluzioni che ci entusiasmano, allora anche i nostri clienti e consumatori potranno sentirsi coinvolti e felici. Questo è il nostro obiettivo più profondo”.
Throughout the speeches, the Japanese philosophy of Waku Waku emerged repeatedly, one of the cultural pillars of the Fuji Seal Group. It’s not just an abstract concept, but a force, a concrete attitude that guides every aspect of the company’s work, from design to client and team relationships.
As Yoichi Okazaki explained, “we want to generate Waku Waku: if we’re able to create solutions that excite us, then our clients and consumers will feel involved and happy too. That is our deepest goal”.
