We are pleased to announce the launch of a new project, Enhancing Packaging Innovation Ecosystems for Interregional Collaboration (EPIC), aimed at fostering innovation in the packaging sector by strengthening the capacity of innovation ecosystems in less-developed regions of Europe. The EPIC project supports the transition to sustainable packaging, addressing environmental and regulatory challenges outlined by the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, in alignment with the principles of the European Green Deal and the new EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
Objectives of the EPIC Project
The EPIC project aims to support the development of regional innovation ecosystems and empower local stakeholders in the packaging sector. The project focuses specifically on:
• Building capacity in less developed regions’ innovation ecosystems to support local innovation actors in identifying and investing in innovative and interregional value chain
• Tuning Smart Specialization Strategies of consortium’s regions, focusing on European Circular Economy trend, exploiting regional R&D potential, and harmonizing regional policies
• Linking Packaging value chain stages for the flawless matching of demand-side needs for innovations and supply-side capabilities
• Strengthening SMEs‘ potential to identify innovation gaps and challenges, develop business cases through international collaborations and build capacity for further evolution in European calls
Project Activities
Key activities planned under the EPIC project include:
- Mapping current trends and needs in packaging innovation and technology.
- Creating new value chains in the packaging sector and aligning development strategies in consortium regions.
- Supporting regional businesses in developing circular economy-based solutions.
International Consortium
The EPIC project is being implemented by a consortium of 10 partners from 8 European countries, including clusters, research institutions, and technology competence centers. The project is coordinated by Nanoprogress from the Czech Republic, with the following partners:
- BalticNet-PlasmaTec (Germany)
- DBH InnoHub Ltd – Omnipack Cluster (Hungary)
- Clust-ER MECH and Clust-ER HEALTH (Italy)
- LITMEA – Smart Food Cluster (Lithuania)
- Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster – Tool Valley (Poland)
- Association Packaging Cluster and Feeling Innovation by Stanpa (Spain)
- Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (Portugal)
Why EPIC?
The EPIC project opens new opportunities for regions and businesses by improving the understanding of market trends, aligning regional policies, and supporting the implementation of innovations in the packaging sector. The project activities will contribute to creating a more sustainable future where the circular economy becomes a standard across Europe.
Stay Updated!
More information about the project and its progress will be available soon! Follow our website to learn how EPIC supports the transformation of the packaging sector toward sustainability.
Visit the project’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i3-epic/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true
