PPWR: The rise of a new packaging era - Focusing on machine technologies for new materials

Event organized by CIPACK - University of Parma.

The Interdepartmental Packaging Center "CIPACK" of the University of Parma is a laboratory established with the objective of promoting and coordinating basic and applied research activities related to the world of packaging. It fosters synergy among diverse scientific and technical expertise to achieve a level of excellence and to conduct research on behalf of and in collaboration with public and private entities, businesses, and institutions.

Session Content

The new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is driving a major industrial revolution. The ecological transition is steering the food and beverage packaging sector toward sustainability and circularity, while simultaneously introducing unprecedented technical and safety challenges along production lines. Next-generation substrates—ranging from barrier papers to bioplastics—exhibit physical properties, thermal tolerances, and mechanical behaviors that differ profoundly from traditional polymers.

CIPACK (Interdepartmental Center for Packaging – University of Parma) is proud to organize this high-level conference to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the PPWR. The event offers practical insights into how the entire supply chain, academia, and the machinery industry are responding to these changes, uniting regulatory vision, cutting-edge research, technological evolution, and process safety.

The event will explore these crucial dimensions through a focused program:

• Regulatory Framework & Material Challenges: An in-depth analysis of the scenarios and requirements introduced by the PPWR.
• Machinery Adaptation: How the mechatronics industry is evolving to ensure line efficiency, smart retrofitting, and seamless adaptability to sustainable materials.
• Safety & Risk Management: A vital dive into the operational and compliance risks associated with introducing innovative packaging substrates.
• Round Table on Innovative Materials & Packaging Line Evolution: An interactive discussion featuring industry experts to dissect the technical specifics, limitations, and opportunities of the five core pillars reshaping packaging:
  • Traditional plastics and transition strategies
  • Recycling processes and closed-loop logistics
  • Bioplastics and compostable materials
  • Paper, cardboard, and cellulosic solutions
  • Eco-friendly labels, printing, and inks

This event represents an essential briefing for industry professionals looking to turn legislative constraints into a distinct competitive advantage, while optimizing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) for the packaging lines of tomorrow.

The event will be held in Italian

English translation available (see below)