Enhancing Packaging Innovation Ecosystems for Interregional Collaboration
The project
The EPIC project, fundend on Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, aims to build capacity in innovation ecosystems in less developed regions, enabling the opportunity for innovation actors to drive the transition towards sustainable packaging in response to environmental and regulative challenges outlined by the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Aligned with the European Green Deal principle and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, EPIC will enable the creation of new sub-value chains in the packaging sector, aiding less developed regions in understanding market trends and feasibility for business growth. These goals will be achieved by mapping current trends, identifying innovation needs and technology requirements from end-user sectors, matching demand and supply for innovation, supporting the development of business cases for further continuation, and tuning innovation-supporting policy instruments.
The partners
The consortium coordinated by Nanoprogress (Czechia) includes 10 partners from 8 European countries representing the clusters:
- BalticNet-PlasmaTec (Germany),
- DBH InnoHub Ltd (Hungary)
- Clust-ER MECH (Italy),
- Clust-ER HEALTH (Italy),
- LITMEA- Smart Food Cluster (Lithuania),
- Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley (Poland),
- Association Packaging Cluster (Spain),
- Feeling Innovation by Stanpa (Spain)
- Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (Portugal)
The role of Clust-ER Health
Clust-ER Health will be in charge of the task dedicated to supporting collaboration and exchange of best practices, with the aim of enhancing the governance structures and practices within the local innovation ecosystems of the less developed and transitioning regions, and fostering effective collaboration and alignment among the diverse stakeholders of the European packaging sector. In particular, Clust-ER Health will organise a series of online collaborative workshops with representatives of innovation ecosystems and governance stakeholders to encourage discussions and address priorities, challenges and opportunities.
The role of the regional stakeholders involved
Besides Clust-ER Health, the Emilia-Romagna region is also represented by Clust-ER MECH. Together, these clusters gather a significant number of public and private entities, including large corporations, SMEs, research centers, and training institutions.
Their involvement will enhance the visibility of EPIC actions among members, fostering a collaborative environment where the latest R&D trends are discussed and advanced. The overarching goal is to build synergies and establish coordinated, stable networks with key stakeholders.
Learning material
Over the course of the project, EPIC delivered a series of 20 live digital masterclasses designed to strengthen innovation capacity across Europe’s cluster ecosystem.
Masterclasses are tailored training focused on the areas and sectors of interest in the project (Innovation, Packaging, Cosmetics, Food, and Health).
Covering a range of specialised themes, the sessions brought together leading researchers and innovative companies and SMEs to showcase cutting-edge technologies, share practical insights, and demonstrate real-world applications.
While primarily aimed at cluster project and innovation managers within the partnership, the masterclasses were open to clusters, SMEs, and other innovation stakeholders across Europe.
Participants followed a structured learning pathway, with all sessions recorded and made available on demand.
Five main topics were identified:
- Module 1: Innovation Management
- Module 2: Packaging
- Module 3a: Food
- Module 3b: Cosmetics
- Module 3c: Health
All masterclasses can be found on the EPIC YouTube channel.
As for the module 3c: Health, the following classes were held:
M3.1c – Sustainability & legislation for health packaging, quality and requirements
Speakers: Elisa Resca, Tecnopolo Mario Veronesi and Edward Kosior, Brunel University London
M3.2c – Main trends, demands, challenges & best practices
Speakers: Luca Baraldi, MECS Srl, BIAL
M3.3c – Materials & technologies: One-health approach
Speakers: Maria Letizia Focarete, Università degli sudi di Bologna and Valentina Benfenati, CNR
M3.4c – Machinery innovation for packaging and health challenges
Speakers: Piotr Józefiak, Torun Regional Development Agency, Katarzyna Meger, GALMED and Carlo Ortenzi, PERSICO
Duration of the Project: 01.12.2024 – 30.11.2026
To learn more, visit the official website and check the official flyer for the Project.
