On October 26th, 2023, CLIC Innovation and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences joined forces for a 4Recycling co-creation workshop under the EU-funded Engage4BIO project. The focus of the event was knowledge gain and awareness campaigns to promote Sustainable Packaging.
The workshop aimed to foster collaboration and communication throughout the packaging value chain. Emphasis was placed on conveying research outcomes to decision-makers, companies, and society at large. The overarching goal was to propel Finland toward sustainable packaging practices by 2030, supported by clear criteria, effective communication, and a favorable regulatory framework.
Diverse stakeholders attended the workshop, including the Natural Resource Institute Finland (Luke), Woodly Oy, Museum of Technology, Sumi Oy, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority HSY, Finnish Packaging Association, Griffin Refineries Oy, and CLIC Innovation Oy.
The participants engaged in three thematic working groups focused on planning events, exhibitions, visitor centers, and creating digital communication campaigns. The Open space – method was used during the workshop: the thematic working groups were arranged in separate rooms, and attendees could move freely between the spaces to join the discussion. Each group utilized concept creation canvases tailored to their respective topics, collectively defining scope, objectives, target groups, and implementation ideas. The group work results were reviewed together with all the participants, followed by a presentation on the next steps.
Key takeaways highlighted the need to enhance event gamification, visually depict future packaging solutions, and establish learning environments within exhibitions. Participants advocated for showcasing the current state of packaging production and recycling, emphasizing consumer-level sustainability improvements. Digital communication campaigns were recommended to underscore the purpose and significance of packaging and to build upon existing campaigns and audiences.
The workshop concluded with plans for the next project phase: developing ten awareness-raising campaigns in 2024 based on the collaborative insights gained during the workshop.
