New project targets reusable packaging systems in Finland

The University of Vaasa and VTT have launched a major research project, in collaboration with 21 stakeholder organisations, to develop reusable packaging systems in Finland. The initiative aims to accelerate packaging reuse and potentially access an export market valued at 1.45 billion euros by 2035.

The rising consumption of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food take-away has led to an increased demand for single-use packaging, contributing to global waste management challenges.

The thirty-month research project, named Reusify, is primarily funded by Business Finland. It aims to develop reusable packaging systems to reduce the use of packaging materials, fossil-based packaging, and packaging waste. The project's total budget is approximately 2 million euros. The initiative could enable Finnish companies across various sectors to tap into a significant export market by 2035.

Ali Harlin, VTT’s research professor, said: The transition from single-use to reuse in packaging is a major shift toward a circular economy. It demands a systemic, multi-level perspective on business practices that is only possible with a robust partnership model that engages the entire value chain, from package producers to logistics, retail, maintaining packages and waste management.

The Reusify project also hopes to create new competencies and export opportunities for Finnish industry players, covering aspects from packaging raw materials and products to tracking, machinery, logistics, cleaning, filling, labelling, and software solutions.