Circular Packaging Chains

Today, packaging is often used only once before being discarded. As a result, material value is lost and climate impact increases unnecessarily. Circular packaging chains aim to change this. They focus on designing systems where packaging can be reused, repaired or recycled repeatedly.

The aim of the project is to develop sustainable packaging solutions. This is done by creating circular flows of fibre-based materials. To achieve this, stakeholders from across the entire packaging value chain are brought together. These include raw material suppliers, manufacturers, brand owners and recyclers. Together, they identify new business models, technical solutions and collaborative approaches. In turn, this can enable more resource-efficient packaging systems.

A key focus is to increase the use of renewable materials. At the same time, the project aims to minimise waste and emissions throughout the packaging lifecycle. Through testing, analysis and collaboration, the project explores new possibilities. For example, it looks at how packaging can remain in the economy for longer. In this way, materials do not become waste after a single use.

However, circular packaging chains require new ways of working. Companies must collaborate across traditional boundaries. They also need to share knowledge to develop packaging solutions that work in practice. Therefore, the project serves as a platform for innovation. Here, businesses, research institutes and public sector actors can jointly develop and test new concepts for circular packaging systems.

In the long term, the initiative supports the transition towards a more circular bioeconomy. This means that materials are kept in use for as long as possible. As a result, value can be created with minimal environmental impact.