Sharing knowledge on sustainable packaging at Arcada University of Applied Sciences
We recently had the pleasure of contributing to the “Sustainable Packaging” course at Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. Peter Hammarberg was invited to speak and shared insights from the perspective of a plastic packaging manufacturer, offering students a practical look at how sustainability is approached in the industry.
Peter introduced Emballator and walked the students through what sustainable packaging means in practice, alongside our climate strategy and long‑term sustainability goals. He also highlighted the key elements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), giving the students a clear picture of where the industry stands today and what is needed to move forward.
What sustainable packaging involves
During the lecture, Peter explained that sustainable packaging aims to minimise environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle. He touched on several important aspects:
- using renewable, biodegradable or recycled materials
- designing lighter and more efficient packaging to reduce material use
- ensuring packaging can be easily recycled or reused
- helping consumers understand the thinking behind sustainable design
These points gave the students a strong foundation in how practical decisions in design and materials influence environmental performance.
Understanding the PPWR
Another key part of the lecture centred on the PPWR. The students learned that:
- by 2028, the EU Commission will review and set requirements for bio‑based plastics
- by 2030, some products — such as labels, certain bags for plastic fruit and tea bags — must be compostable
- packaging design should be reduced to the necessary size and weight
This helped the students understand not only the regulation itself but also how it will shape packaging development in the coming years.
Engaged students and meaningful discussions
After the presentation, the class continued with a lively 30‑minute discussion — something Peter noted is not always common in guest lectures. The students asked thoughtful questions about raw materials, recycled plastics and ISCC+, showing strong interest in how the industry works on a practical level.
“It was very interesting and enjoyable to discuss with the students. Their questions and insights really show how knowledgeable they already are in both logistics and sustainable packaging,” Peter said afterwards.
Looking ahead
We are proud to support the next generation of sustainability professionals and to share real‑world insights that help bridge the gap between theory and practice. Opportunities like this not only strengthen the students’ understanding but also inspire valuable conversations about the future of packaging.
We look forward to more collaborations like this in the future.
