How Packaging Research Finds Its Way into Practice

Dr Apprich, since the beginning of this year, you have been leading the Department of Applied Life Sciences and the packaging technology degree programmes at Hochschule Campus Wien. Which packaging research and innovation topics are currently central to your work?

Sustainability and the circular economy are currently at the heart of our research activities. In packaging technology, we focus particularly on designing packaging for recycling and improving its sortability, as this is an essential prerequisite for high-quality recycling processes. We also research new packaging materials, particularly paper-based materials, and ways to selectively reduce plastic use without compromising functionality. Another priority is the comprehensive sustainability assessment of packaging, which considers product protection, shelf-life extension and the safety of packaging materials alongside material choice.

How can research help address the packaging industry’s key challenges? Where is the greatest need for research: materials, processes or digitalisation?

Change can only succeed through close collaboration between research and practice. There is currently a particularly strong need for research into improving packaging recyclability. This includes optimising sortability, developing new materials and adapting existing packaging concepts to meet new legislative requirements. At the same time, we need a better understanding of how consumers can be involved in the recycling process through clear labelling and correct disposal decisions. Equally important is robust shelf-life testing to ensure that more sustainable packaging solutions continue to provide optimal product protection.

Your degree programme was developed in collaboration with industry. How are current business challenges incorporated into research and teaching in practice? And how can findings be translated into industrial applications more quickly?

Close collaboration with companies across the entire packaging value chain is a defining feature of our degree programme. Many courses are designed and taught by industry experts, bringing current challenges directly into teaching. Students work on real-world assignments in cooperation with companies and often complete their theses in an industrial setting. We also conduct collaborative research projects with companies and universities, often in interdisciplinary teams. This ongoing exchange accelerates knowledge transfer and enables research findings to be translated quickly into practical applications and innovations.

Which development in the packaging industry currently makes you particularly optimistic, and why?

I am encouraged by the growing recognition that packaging must be viewed not merely as waste, but as an essential part of sustainable product systems. Well-designed packaging protects products, extends their shelf life and can therefore make a significant contribution to preventing food losses and wasted resources. At the same time, we are seeing considerable progress in tailored packaging solutions that reduce material use while still providing the required protection. This development shows that resource conservation and high functionality need not be at odds, but can be successfully combined through intelligent packaging design.

Thank you for the interview, Dr Apprich.