May 2026
May 27, 2026 – In line with global sustainability and efficiency trends in the consumer goods industry, Grupo Danec is introducing a key innovation to its portfolio: new Regia margarine packaging featuring Made From Stone™ technology. Developed in collaboration with Okeanos® and Empaqplast, this solution reduces plastic use by up to 30% (as supported by the product’s technical specifications) without affecting product quality. It also incorporates QR codes that allow consumers to access real-time product life cycle assessment data, as well as information on the carbon footprint reductions associated with the packaging.
Made From Stone™ technology integrates mineral content to reduce the use of conventional plastics while maintaining the package’s recyclability and ensuring traceability of raw materials, including locally sourced components. This approach aligns with circular economy principles without compromising operational performance or requiring additional investments in machinery. According to Cecilia Correa, Brand Manager for Regia Margarine, this allows the company to maintain its existing production process, avoiding increases in manufacturing costs and therefore preventing any increase in the product’s retail price.
Among its benefits, the new packaging preserves the margarine’s essential attributes—taste, creaminess, and quality—ensuring that the consumer experience remains unchanged. It also maintains the functional integrity of the package, protecting the product throughout its shelf life.
“We wanted to evolve our value proposition in a context where sustainability is no longer a differentiator but a market expectation. This step allows us to demonstrate that we are a brand with tangible environmental commitments,” said Correa.
The rollout of the new packaging will be carried out progressively across Regia’s main product lines—Traditional, Sunflower, and Gourmet—in 125 g, 220 g, 450 g, and 1 kg formats, prioritizing the highest-volume SKUs. The product will be available nationwide through all major consumer channels, including supermarkets, wholesalers, and traditional retail outlets.
Regia currently produces approximately 200 tons per month and holds close to a 9% market share in Ecuador’s margarine category (Kantar Worldpanel 2025). From a business perspective, the company expects a positive impact on brand awareness and positioning—factors that are becoming increasingly important in purchasing decisions—and projects this innovation could generate incremental sales growth of approximately 1% to 2%.
Beyond a packaging change, this initiative reflects a genuine commitment to creating a positive long-term impact. Together with partners such as Okeanos® and Empaqplast, Grupo Danec and Regia are investing in sustainable growth that creates value while caring for the environment.
About Grupo Danec and Regia
With more than 50 years of experience in domestic and international markets, Grupo Danec is recognized for its commitment to people, innovation, and sustainability. The company maintains rigorous quality standards and processes at every stage, from oil palm cultivation and production to the manufacturing and commercialization of a wide range of consumer, industrial, and export products.
Its commitment to continuous improvement is supported by ISO 9001 certification, one of the hallmarks of its quality management system. As a pioneer in the Ecuadorian market, Grupo Danec is recognized as both an employer of choice and an industry leader through the collective work of its companies: Industrial Danec, Palmeras del Ecuador, Palmeras de los Andes San Lorenzo, Palmeras de los Andes Quinindé, and Murrin Corporation.
About Regia
Regia is Grupo Danec’s margarine brand, launched in 1987 as part of the company’s expansion into the fats and margarine category. With a strong presence in the Ecuadorian market, it has become a trusted choice for households, recognized for its quality, flavor, and versatility in everyday cooking.
Over the years, Regia has built a close relationship with consumers and established itself as a household staple throughout Ecuador. Its longevity is the result of the continuous evolution of its value proposition. Today, its portfolio includes traditional, sunflower, and gourmet margarines—such as fine herbs and garlic-onion varieties—available in multiple formats, now featuring more sustainable packaging.
Regia continues to strengthen its position as a leading brand in the margarine category, backed by Grupo Danec’s experience and strength, while remaining part of the daily routines of generations of Ecuadorian consumers.
About Okeanos®
Okeanos® is a sustainable innovation company that develops calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)-based technologies to immediately reduce plastic pollution. Its patented Made From Stone™ technology replaces a significant portion of petroleum-derived resin with naturally abundant calcium carbonate through specialized technical compounds, reducing both plastic content and associated CO₂ emissions.
Made From Stone™ is a registered trademark of Okeanos Group, LLC. The technology described in this release is protected by patents and intellectual property rights owned by Okeanos Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, use, or commercialization of this technology without the prior written consent of Okeanos Group, LLC is strictly prohibited.
About Empaqplast
With more than 30 years of experience in plastic packaging manufacturing, Empaqplast has built a unique trajectory since its founding in 1992. The company emerged in response to growing demand from the edible oils industry, with a mission to provide customized packaging solutions that go beyond expectations.
Empaqplast continues to pursue innovation and continuous improvement while actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Committed to agility and technological advancement, the company leverages technology as a key enabler and supports its approach through strong adaptability and diversification capabilities. Today, every package tells a story of environmental responsibility and continuous improvement.
The following is a direct quote from the original article published in Spanish here.
