Circular Packaging Transition

Europe is undergoing a rapid transformation in which packaging systems must become increasingly resource-efficient, traceable, and sustainable. Within ECIV, there exists a distinctive opportunity to collaboratively develop solutions across regional boundaries, where the strengths of Northern Central Sweden's bioeconomy converge with European innovation environments.

The Circular Packaging Transition initiative is dedicated to establishing practical circular value chains for food packaging. Under the coordination of Paper Province and in partnership with academic institutions in Karlstad, Gävle, and Dalarna, the project advances service design, value constellations, and digitalization to create the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions.

The project investigates the following areas:

• The methods by which value may be retained for longer durations through intelligent design, reuse, and innovative business models.

• The ways in which digital twins and traceability can optimize material flows and enhance decision-making processes.

• How organizations may improve profitability through service-based offerings and circular partnerships.

• How regions may collaborate to develop guidelines and governance models to scale circular innovations.

Through testbeds, industrial pilot projects, and shared learning, the project develops tools and methodologies that may be utilized by both enterprises and public sector stakeholders.

The project supports the European Union's transition by providing recommendations related to PPWR, digital product passports, and harmonized standards.

Expected Outcomes:

• Demonstrators for circular business models.

• Digital tools and data streams for traceability and life cycle analysis.

• Unified guidelines for design and procurement.

• Enhanced competencies within the industry and the region.

• Strengthened innovation capacity in Northern Central Sweden through interregional collaboration. The Circular Packaging Transition fosters an innovation environment where new

  solutions may be developed, tested, and disseminated—within a European context that accelerates the transition and enhances competitiveness.