The car of the future is being designed in Stuttgart
La apuesta de Walter Pack por la igualdad y su pertenencia a NER Group ha animado a dos de sus líderes, Sonia López e Itxasne Cruz, a participar en una iniciativa con un objetivo estratégico: combatir las posibles brechas de género y fomentar las competencias STEAM entre el alumnado joven.
Walter Pack brings its smart surfaces to Automotive Interiors 2026
The Basque company takes part in the sector's leading trade fair as part of the ICEX Spain Pavilion, with a proposal focused on the technologies redefining the interior and front end of the electric vehicle. The rise of the electric vehicle is not only changing what lies under the bonnet. It is transforming every surface the driver sees, touches and interacts with — and in doing so, it is opening a new era for interior component manufacturers. Against this backdrop, Walter Pack will be present at Automotive Interiors 2026, one of the most influential trade fairs in the sector worldwide, where it will present its latest developments in decorative and functional surfaces for the new era of electric mobility. The company, headquartered in Igorre and with over thirty years of experience in the development and manufacture of plastic components for the automotive industry, will attend as part of the Spain Pavilion organised by ICEX — a platform that brings together the Spanish companies with the greatest international reach in the industrial sector. From bumper to canvas One of the most visible changes brought about by automotive electrification affects the front end of the vehicle. Without a combustion engine, the front grille loses its original function — and with it, the design constraint that for decades shaped the aesthetics of cars disappears too. What was once a technical necessity becomes a free surface: a space in which to integrate dynamic lighting, invisible ADAS sensors and custom graphics beneath a continuous, closed outer skin. It is precisely in this territory that Walter Pack has developed one of its most distinctive propositions. The company designs and manufactures intelligent front panels for electric vehicles using high-pressure forming and injection technologies, capable of producing parts up to 1.6 metres in length with Class-A finishing and full readiness for series production. A capability that very few manufacturers in the world can offer at this scale. The steering wheel as interface Beyond the front end, the transformation of the electric vehicle interior raises another significant challenge: the steering wheel. What for decades was a mechanical control device is progressively becoming the primary interface between the driver and the vehicle — a touchpoint that must combine ergonomics, premium aesthetics, integrated electronics and durability under the most demanding conditions. Walter Pack addresses this challenge with a range of solutions spanning from conventional physical controls to fully backlit interfaces with capacitive touch functions, presence sensors for ADAS systems and displays integrated directly into the steering wheel hub. All in a single part, ready for series industrialisation. Over three decades of experience Walter Pack's proposition at Automotive Interiors 2026 is completed by its line of decorative interior surfaces — dashboard trims, door panels and centre consoles developed with IMF, IMD and IME technologies that allow lighting, electronics and premium tactile finishes to be integrated into a single part. A proposition that has already found its place in some of the most demanding OEMs in the industry: Audi, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes Maybach, Renault and Jeep are among the company's reference clients. With 600 professionals, nine subsidiaries across Europe, the Americas and Asia, and one hundred per cent of its production processes managed in-house, Walter Pack arrives at this edition not merely as a component supplier, but as a full development partner — from first concept through to complete industrialisation. The company is part of NER Group, a Basque business alliance of sixteen organisations committed to a management model based on people, trust and long-term sustainability. Download the full Walter Pack Automotive Interiors 2026 presentation DOWNLOAD → PDF
Walter Pack receives the 2026 Arizmendiarrieta Sariak Bizkaia Award in the Large Companies category
Walter Pack has been awarded the 2026 Arizmendiarrieta Sariak Bizkaia Prize in the Large Companies category, an honour that recognises management models built around people, participation and human development, while remaining fully compatible with competitiveness. This distinction highlights the journey Walter Pack has been on to shape a way of working grounded in people, shared commitment and a management approach that stays true to its values. The decision was made by the jury at its meeting on 23 March, and officially announced on 24 March. The Arizmendiarrieta Sariak Awards aim to promote the Inclusive and Participatory Business Model (MIPE) and to recognise organisations that successfully combine business competitiveness with human development. Alongside Walter Pack, this year’s award winners also include Biolan Microsensores, Euskadiko Parke Teknologikoa and Otxarkoaga Vocational Training Centre, with a special mention awarded to Lantegi Batuak. In Walter Pack’s case, the jury highlighted the organisation’s commitment to people, social justice and equality. It also recognised its integration within NER Group as a reflection of an organisational model that embraces self-management, transparency, participation and fair, sustainable human development. “Receiving this award is both a joy and, above all, a responsibility. It encourages us to keep building Walter Pack around a different way of doing things, where people and shared commitment are not just part of the narrative, but part of our everyday reality,” says Miguel Bernar, CEO of Walter Pack. This recognition is a shared source of pride and, at the same time, a confirmation that Walter Pack’s understanding of organisation and work truly matters. Its value is not measured by results alone, but also by the way those results are achieved: through collaboration, commitment and the belief that putting people at the centre is also what enables solid, sustainable progress. The award ceremony will take place on 27 April 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the CRAI of the University of Deusto, in Bilbao.
Beyond the surface #09: Industrial Calm & Aluminium Surfaces
We live surrounded by stimuli. Screens, lights, interfaces… all competing for our attention. For years, design responded with shine, contrast and spectacle. But something is changing: design is starting to seek silence. Industrial Calm: turning down the volume on aluminium In the new edition of Beyond the surface, we explore Industrial Calm – Aluminium Surfaces: a look at how aluminium is evolving toward a more restrained, technical and sophisticated expression. Controlled matte surfaces; warm silvers, soft champagnes, deep blacks; directional brushed textures, industrial rhythms and organic structures that turn metal into more than just a finish. It’s no coincidence. Aluminium—historically associated with technical coldness—is now being reinterpreted as a material language capable of conveying order and visual balance. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward more sophisticated, controlled metals. Extreme shine is giving way to surfaces that communicate precision and calm. Aluminium is no longer just a material—it’s a narrative.” — Color&Trim Team, Walter Pack What you’ll find in this edition A clear overview of the Industrial Calm trend applied to aluminium surfaces. A moodboard to translate palettes, finishes and textures into actionable directions. A real product application, where metal integrates into clean, functional interfaces.Porque sí: la calma también puede ser industrial. Because yes: calm can be industrial too. Download Beyond the surface #09 Download BTS #09
Beyond the Surface: our 2025 design trends recap
A visual atlas of 8 key signals shaping surface design — from tactility to Quiet Tech, from 3D language to Y2K/Cyberpunk. In 2025, design has been less about “looking good” and more about experience: how a surface behaves, how light shows up, how interaction is understood, and how technology can be present without taking the spotlight. That’s the common thread behind our annual Beyond the Surface recap — a trend guide focused on color, materiality and surface design. Beyond the Surface in one line Beyond the Surface is where we collect trends, references and visual codes shaping design (fashion, art, branding, product) and translate them into what we do best: surfaces with intention. One document, a shared language Throughout the year, we released different issues. Now, we’ve brought them together into a single document: a visual atlas to spot patterns, name them, and use them as a starting point for projects, client conversations and internal exploration. “This recap comes from the idea that design is no longer only about form — it’s about experience. We wanted to bring everything we’ve been observing and sharing into one place, so we have a common language — and a starting point — when we talk about surfaces.”Color & Trim team The 8 trends covered in the recap A visual journey through eight directions shaping today’s design landscape: AI applied to creativity New ways to generate concepts and accelerate exploration through variations. Sensoriality & touch Textures and finishes that elevate perception and turn use into experience. Minimalism with character Fewer elements, stronger intent: precision, proportion and detail as signature. Biophilia Natural references, patterns and materials that bring warmth and wellbeing. Quiet Tech Technology integrated discreetly: intuitive, calm, never overpowering the aesthetic. Refined surfaces Clean, sophisticated surfaces balancing visual restraint and material richness. 3D as a visual language Depth and relief as storytelling: guiding, engaging, enabling interaction. Maximalism & Y2K/Cyberpunk Expressive materiality and imagined futures: saturation, gradients, layering and bold identity. Download the full recap Download the full Beyond the Surface recap here: Recap BTS
Beyond the Surface #08: Maximalism & Y2K/Cyberpunk
How the maximalism and cyberpunk aesthetics are reshaping color, light and materiality in product design. January always feels like a blank page — a reset moment when everything seems possible. At Walter Pack, we’re kicking off the year with a new edition of Beyond the Surface, our trend guide designed to train the eye and translate today’s visual codes into surfaces with intention, experience and interaction. Beyond the Surface: a guide to see design differently Beyond the Surface is our space to observe what’s happening in design — across fashion, art, branding and product — and bring it into what we do best: surfaces that communicate, materials that dialogue with light, and details that turn objects into experiences. The trend: Maximalism & Y2K/Cyberpunk Some aesthetics whisper. This one doesn’t. Maximalism & Y2K/Cyberpunk blends tech nostalgia with an imagined future: color turned up to full volume, gradients making a bold comeback, and surfaces that behave almost like an interface — shifting, vibrating, responding. Think: Saturation and contrast as a core identity language Gloss, translucency and layering to add depth Dynamic patterns that change with light and angle Materials that feel lit from within It’s not just “neon” or “retro”. It’s visual energy applied to design — as if the object had its own soundtrack. From moodboard to product: color, light and materiality At Walter Pack, this trend becomes a direct exploration of color, light and materiality: reliefs, shadows, patterns and layered compositions that are not only seen, but felt. Because when design lives on the surface, aesthetics stop being decoration — and become a message. “This aesthetic doesn’t ask for permission. When it’s done right, it turns a part into a sensory, deeply contemporary statement.” Download issue #08 Discover the full moodboard and how we translate this trend into product in the new edition of Beyond the Surface.
Walter Pack recognized by Enpresa Berdea for reducing its environmental footprint
Walter Pack has been recognized by the Enpresa Berdea program for its participation and the work carried out under Bono 3, focused on reducing environmental footprint. This distinction highlights the organization’s commitment to the ecological transition and its efforts to implement sustainable practices that support the wellbeing of our surroundings and a more responsible future. Enpresa Berdea’s main goal is to accelerate the ecological transition of Arratia’s industrial fabric, as well as industry-related services, transport and wholesale trade, aligning this transformation with each organization’s strategy. The program also supports companies in embedding sustainability into their strategic roadmap, identifying and prioritizing projects, implementing micro-projects and pilots, and gaining access to real, practical solutions and best practices. A program with hands-on support Enpresa Berdea brings this approach to life through several initiatives: tailored support for companies through the Bono Berdea program; demonstration workshops featuring actionable solutions in collaboration with ACLIMA; a training cycle to help organizations get started in sustainability; and advisory support to identify public funding opportunities that can accelerate ecological transition projects. Within Bono Berdea, there are five workstreams: Bono 1: baseline assessment and strategic integration Bono 2: energy efficiency Bono 3: minimizing environmental impact (footprint) Bono 4: environmental regulatory compliance Bono 5: waste management and reduction Funding and collaboration Enpresa Berdea is funded by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia through the Regional Competitiveness Boost Program, part of the Bizkaia Orekan Sakonduz strategy, and is delivered in collaboration with ten development agencies, including Errota Fundazioa. This recognition reinforces that the ecological transition is not an abstract concept, but a journey built on concrete decisions and actions. At Walter Pack, we will keep moving forward with projects that create real value for people, for the business, and for our environment.
“We need to get closer to the end customer and deliver competitive, high-quality products directly.”
Entrevista a Miguel B. Jiménez – Eguizabal Interview with Miguel B. Jiménez – Eguizabal “We need to get closer to the end customer and deliver competitive, high-quality products directly.” Miguel B. Jiménez Eguizabal returned from the IFA Berlin trade fair with a clear perspective on Walter Pack’s business opportunities. Alongside valuable insights and first-hand feedback, he also came back with renewed ambition about the organization’s potential. In his view, Walter Pack not only has the right technology to enter new markets such as beauty devices, sports equipment, gaming peripherals, and drones, but it is also time to take a step forward: reaching the end customer directly, cutting out costly intermediaries, and offering first-class solutions at competitive prices. Q. A. Q. A. IFA Berlin remains the beating heart of the home appliance and consumer electronics ecosystem. Did you come across any new trends or technologies that caught your eye? In the home appliance segment, I was struck by how many brands are now betting on washer-dryer towers — a single integrated unit that saves a lot of space. Another trend is the move towards flat surfaces. We’re leaving behind the era of detergent drawers, control panels, and rotary dials. Now, the design centers on a fully flat surface with an integrated screen. Along the same lines, I saw washing machines specifically designed for childcare and delicate garments, with different compartments: one main drum, a lower space for shoes, and two smaller ones at the top — one for women’s underwear and another for baby clothes. It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this. As we move closer to 2030, sustainability is becoming increasingly urgent. Is it already a basic market demand? Surprisingly, sustainability was not a big theme at this year’s fair. Given the European Green Deal and the 2030 Agenda, I expected it to be front and center. Instead, only one Turkish brand highlighted it, showcasing mid-range appliances made with recycled panels, bioplastics, or composites using coffee grounds, hazelnut shells, and similar materials. It was striking that none of the big players — Samsung, LG, Bosch, and others — used sustainability as a selling point. Instead, the focus was on artificial intelligence, connectivity, and the smart home. “Suppliers are asking us for the carbon footprint of our parts, but sustainability has stopped being a sales argument or a marketing pitch.” Q. A. So, does this journey towards sustainability — one Walter Pack has already embarked on — remain a differentiating element in your value proposition? It’s still very much present in the internal policies of major brands, especially when it comes to choosing suppliers. We regularly receive RFQs requesting the carbon footprint of our parts, mainly for environmental accounting purposes. But I do think it has stopped being a sales argument or a marketing hook. Q. A. Carbon footprint is one of the cornerstones of sustainability. Does it continue to play a role in Walter Pack’s competitiveness? Absolutely. We’re already seeing a trend of European manufacturers reshoring production from China. They present it as a commitment to the 2030 Agenda and sustainability goals, but it’s also driven by rising costs in China — transport, tariffs, and even political risks. Still, they frame it as alignment with sustainability commitments, and European manufacturers in particular are asking us to reduce carbon footprint. “Color&Trim is becoming a short- and medium-term differentiator: it opens doors and gives us more of a TIER 1 status than a simple molder.” Q. A. What role does the Color&Trim department play in Walter Pack’s turnkey value proposition? An increasingly important one. What began as basic color matching has evolved into a full-fledged capability to develop projects from scratch, thanks to a team of specialists in color, design, and form. In the short to medium term, Color&Trim will be a major differentiator. Whenever we showcase the department’s work, we spark a lot of interest. It has become both our calling card and a door opener. Instead of being “just another plastic molder,” we present a product catalog, realistic renders, and designs tailored to client needs — even in digital format. This elevates us from a simple supplier to a TIER 1 partner. “IME reduces space requirements, protects electronics in humid environments, and simplifies assembly and production.” Q. A. Walter Pack is a benchmark in processes like IMF and IME. Are these the most suitable for integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence and other trends? In-Mold Forming (IMF) has struggled in recent years due to competition from IMD, a cheaper but less robust process. Now, however, many major brands are returning to IMF because, at large volumes, it proves more cost-effective. As for In-Mold Electronics (IME), everyone wants it — and for good reason. Encapsulating electronics between plastic layers ensures protection, which is critical for appliances exposed to heat, steam, moisture, or cold. And while IME makes the part itself more expensive, it reduces overall costs by saving space and simplifying assembly and production processes. “Walter Pack’s processes can bring value to beauty, sports equipment, gaming, and even drones.” Q. A. IFA Berlin goes well beyond home appliances and consumer electronics. In what other sectors can Walter Pack enter with its processes? Beauty peripherals are a huge opportunity — facial care devices, electric brushes, UV-light glasses for wrinkles… There’s an endless variety of products with massive success in the market. Sports equipment is another growing segment, especially as devices increasingly connect to smartphones for tracking activity and performance. These products rely on connectivity and usually feature large screens. And then there are drones, which are commercially booming despite geopolitical tensions. Both leading brands and countless smaller manufacturers had a strong presence at IFA. I saw this market starting to take off in China a decade ago, and now it’s experiencing a full boom. Add gaming peripherals to the mix, and you have several highly attractive sectors. Q. A. Which processes position Walter Pack to succeed in these sectors? Primarily IME. For handheld devices, weight and size are crucial.
Refined surfaces, the evolution of sophisticated finishes in premium products
Refined surfaces represent the constant search for sophisticated finishes, where material and texture play a leading role in the user experience. This approach combines the best of technology with the precision of craftsmanship, creating surfaces that not only stand out visually, but also generate a tactile and emotional connection. By integrating innovation, aesthetics, and functionality, the perception of quality in each product is elevated, transforming the everyday into a premium experience. Functional elegance: aesthetics and performance in balance Functional elegance surfaces achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated design and practical performance. It is not just an attractive finish, but one that can withstand the test of time and daily use. Thanks to Color & Trim technologies such as anti-fingerprint matte coatings, high-resistance treatments, and soft-touch textures, products maintain a flawless appearance without compromising durability or comfort. Durability without sacrificing style A premium product must retain its elegance even after intensive use. That’s why high-quality finishes are designed to resist wear and tear, ensuring surfaces that always convey solidity and reliability, without compromising on style. Premium textures The tactile experience is essential to the perception of value. The use of superior materials and distinctive textures offers unique sensations to the touch. From velvety finishes to subtly embossed surfaces, every detail is designed to evoke emotions and enrich interaction with the product. Enhanced daily experience The true value of functional elegance is reflected in everyday routines. Whether in a technological device, designer furniture, or a luxury accessory, the combination of aesthetics and functionality makes daily use a pleasant experience. Sophisticated finishes not only fulfill their function but also reinforce the perception of premium quality with every touch. Hybrid surfaces: contrast and aesthetic differentiation Hybrid surfaces stand out for their ability to combine contrasting materials and finishes, generating a sensory richness that brings dynamism. The interaction between matte and glossy, smooth and textured, cold and warm is not accidental: it is designed to convey personality and aesthetic differentiation in each product. Controlled fusion Contrast is worked with precision, achieving a controlled fusion that turns each combination into a sophisticated and coherent proposal. This attention to detail guarantees unique experiences, conveying exclusivity and reinforcing the identity of premium products. Technology and craftsmanship, the secret of refined surfaces The essence of refined surfaces lies in the integration of advanced technology and expert craftsmanship. High-precision processes allow for perfect finishes, while artisanal intervention adds a human touch that lends uniqueness. This balance ensures surfaces with technical perfection and sensory warmth, difficult to imitate and highly valued in the premium market. Premium experience beyond appearance Refined surfaces seek not only visual impact, but also to offer memorable experiences. Each finish conveys luxury, precision, and superior quality that can be seen and felt. Whether in an everyday product or an exclusive piece, the goal is for each interaction with the surface to leave a lasting impression. This philosophy transforms the functional into the emotional, ensuring that products are not only used, but enjoyed.
Walter Pack at IFA Berlin 2025: Technology and design shaping the new era of the connected home
From September 5 to 9, Berlin will once again become the global showcase for consumer electronics and home appliances with a new edition of IFA 2025. The trade fair, which brings together leading international manufacturers, sets the trends each year that will transform the lives of millions of households. Artificial intelligence applied to everyday life, sustainability as an essential pillar, and minimalist design that integrates technology and aesthetics are some of the main highlights of this edition. In this context, Walter Pack takes part as a key player, with a value proposition that responds to these trends and takes them one step further: IMF (In-Mold Forming): a technology that allows the production of three-dimensional parts with customized designs, unique textures, and high-quality finishes. IME (In-Mold Electronics): the integration of electronics directly into plastic parts, incorporating capacitive sensors or lighting, enabling lighter, more sustainable devices with greater functionality. Cover Lens: transparent and durable surfaces used in control panels and touchscreens, from home appliances to automotive, combining minimalist design with intuitive interaction. The presence in Berlin of Miguel Bernar Jiménez Eguizábal, Key Account Manager specialized in Home Appliances, reinforces Walter Pack’s commitment to being close to its clients, identifying new opportunities, and supporting them in the development of projects that transform the market. “IFA is the meeting point where changes that will shape the future of the connected home are anticipated. For Walter Pack, it is a unique opportunity to share with our clients the solutions we are developing and, at the same time, capture new trends to turn them into real projects,” explains Miguel Bernar. On the occasion of the trade fair, Walter Pack has created a trend report that highlights the key factors shaping the future of the industry. A guide designed for clients and partners that shows how our experience in highly demanding sectors such as automotive is transferred to the world of home appliances, offering distinctive solutions in technology, aesthetics, and sustainability. Walter Pack, a trusted partner for those who want to lead the next generation of home appliances and smart devices. Download the information dossier