Innovation and Sustainability in the New Era of Hidrofer
We spoke with the company’s executive board Hélder Silva about the COMPETE 2030 co-funded operation that is transforming Hidrofer and strengthening its competitive positioning.
Digital Transformation and International Expansion
A trusted name in the Portuguese market since 1975, Hidrofer is accelerating its adoption of technology and automation to enhance production capacity and tap into new high-value segments. Supported by the COMPETE 2030 co-funding programme, this strategic operation is focused not only on the modernization of the production lines for cotton buds, cotton balls and compresses, but also on the introduction of paper stems — in full compliance with EU regulations on the phase-out of single-use plastics.
Strategic Innovation Goals
This project encompasses several dimensions of innovation:
1.Production Technology – Implementation of advanced equipment and automated lines to maximize capacity and operational efficiency.
2.Product Offering – Diversification towards products with greater market value and commercial potential.
3.Market Expansion – Innovation-driven marketing strategies to attract new clients and enter new markets.
4.Organizational Modernization – Enhancement of internal processes and investment in the training and specialization of human resources.
Industry 4.0 and Sustainability
Through this initiative, Hidrofer is putting the principles of Industry 4.0 into practice by adopting interconnected systems and real-time data digitalization. The move towards a paperless operation, supported by big data, is enabling smarter resource management, greater process visibility, and increased productivity.
Impact on Teams and Global Competitiveness
The robotization of production lines and integration of cutting-edge technologies are driving continuous learning and opening new paths for professional development. This strategic investment in people and skills development strengthens Hidrofer’s international competitiveness and reinforces its position as a sector leader in hygiene innovation. We spoke with Hélder Silva, board member, about the COMPETE 2030 co-funded operation that is redefining the company’s production capacity and global competitiveness.
