Training in Lahti highlights circular economy solutions for food packaging

A training event was held in Lahti on August 27, 2025, as part of the Change(K)now! project, bringing together over 20 participants, including experts, municipal food services, the food industry, suppliers, and packaging company. The training provided an opportunity to receive up-to-date information, discuss practical challenges, and find new ways to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. 

The pilot of the Change(K)now! project in Lahti focuses on promoting the sustainability and circularity of packaging in food services, especially examining food packages delivered to kitchens from wholesalers and other suppliers. The goal of the training was to support the pilot and knowledge sharing in the region, as well as to foster discussion among actors in the food supply chain. 

After introductions and a brief project overview, participants received comprehensive expert presentations. 

The importance of packaging and the challenge of comparing environmental impacts 

Senior researcher Juha-Matti Katajajuuri from the Natural Resources Institute Finland emphasized that preventing food waste is more critical for environmental impact than the packaging material itself. Assessing the environmental impact of packaging is difficult for consumers, companies, and researchers alike, with the availability of comparable information being a challenge. When discussing packaging, it is important to remember its primary function—protecting the product—and its role in the entire food supply chain. Katajajuuri also presented the SCORE method, based on life cycle assessment, which enables the comparison of packaging environmental impacts and the development of communication. 

Circular economy packaging solutions for food services: what will future regulations require and how can we respond? 

Eija Jokela, Development Manager at Suomen Pakkaustuottajat Oy (Finnish Packaging Producers Ltd), discussed the impact of upcoming EU regulations on food service packaging and presented solutions for responsible compliance. Jokela provided a comprehensive overview of the current situation, explained producer responsibility, outlined the requirements of the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation for food services, and gave a checklist for how to get started to be better prepared for the new regulations. 

Food service requirements for packaging and experience with recyclable packages 

Nina Lyytinen, Development Manager at Juvenes Oy, highlighted the concrete requirements of food services for packaging: easy handling, recyclability, durability, usability, ergonomics, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility. She shared experiences with biodegradable and cardboard-based solutions, as well as challenges such as recycling multi-materials and packaging hot foods. Lyytinen also presented perspectives for further development, such as standardization, pilots, partnerships, and communication. 

Wood fiber-based, easily recyclable tray packages 

Vesa Penttinen from Stora Enso Oyj introduced a new packaging innovation, a material-efficient combination of corrugated board and polymer film. The package is lightweight, stackable, easily recyclable, and suitable for various uses, including professional kitchens. 

Discussion and next steps 

After the expert presentations, participants discussed three themes: sustainability criteria in procurement, practical needs of food services for packaging functionality, and company requirements and innovations. 

A key takeaway from the event was the meeting and discussion among representatives from different parts of the food supply chain, highlighting needs and opportunities. Sustainability is increasingly emphasized in both professional kitchens and among suppliers, and new material-efficient packages are entering the market.

As a follow-up to the training, webinars are planned for spring 2026 on the same theme, covering topics such as sustainable procurement and innovative packaging solutions. Stay tuned! 

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