Master's Program for Sustainable Packaging Technologies: The Experts of Tomorrow

The packaging industry is facing major challenges. Lighter, more sustainable packaging that protects products while ensuring transport efficiency requires experts in development and design. The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is expected to come into force in 2025, focuses on reduction, circular economy and reusable solutions. Since 2018, the part-time master's programme "Packaging Technology and Sustainability" at FH Campus Wien has been preparing professionals to shape this future.

"This part-time, English-language programme combines scientific and technical subjects with business elements," explains programme director Dr. Silvia Apprich. "Our students are highly motivated. We offer 30 places per year and about 100 students have completed the programme so far. Seventy per cent of them come from Europe, and global demand is growing.

The programme has been developed in cooperation with the Austrian packaging industry and is aimed primarily at professionals who wish to add an academic qualification to their practical expertise.

The courses look at sustainability from a global perspective, while industry representatives ensure a practical approach. "The details of packaging, from production and use to disposal and reuse, are key topics in the programme. Seventy per cent of our lecturers come from the industry," says Apprich. "Due to the fast pace of innovation, the curriculum is updated every five years.

 The study experience includes various formats such as lectures, practical exercises, field trips and laboratory investigations. One project is carried out in cooperation with the WPO (World Packaging Organisation). In the Advanced Packaging Technology course, first-year students work in small groups to investigate collection, sorting and recycling infrastructures in selected countries. They are supported by WPO representatives in these countries. The results are presented in a poster session and discussed with the whole group of students. Last year, the WPO President and Secretary General attended the project launch.

 Another example: In the "Packaging Testing Systems and Technology" laboratory course, students first learn the basic methods for comprehensive packaging evaluation in a theoretical block. Then, under the guidance of specialists, they carry out their own tests in the laboratory and evaluate the results themselves.

"We also offer internships in cooperation with participating companies and organise industry events such as the Austrian Packaging Day," says Apprich.

Balancing work and study is not always easy, says Thomas Martin from Rettenberg, Germany: "You need good time management to combine work and studies," says the 29-year-old. His personal study highlight: "The PPWR calls for a higher proportion of recycled material in plastic packaging. In a student project, we used a bioassay, the Ames MPF test, to detect mutagenic substances in the recycled material. This means that further solutions are needed to eliminate these mutagenic substances and protect consumers".

Sabine Vitzthum from Vienna has been interested in packaging design since her school days. "I want to promote sustainable solutions," says the 24-year-old student. "The highlight of my studies was the 'Design Thinking' course, where we worked directly with companies. It was fascinating to work as a team to develop creative and practical solutions to current packaging challenges and to experience the complexity of the industry first-hand. Applying my knowledge in a real-world context reinforced my enthusiasm for combining creativity, technology and sustainability".

The programme aims to build a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of industry and address the skills shortage. "The biggest challenge is to bring all the students up to the same level of knowledge," says Apprich. "Some have a strong scientific background in materials science or food technology, while others come with years of industry experience based on business. We offer a bridging course that covers the basics of sustainability and packaging technology.

Job prospects for graduates are excellent, as market dynamics mean that qualified specialists are in high demand. "The path to the dream job is short," says Apprich. "Job offers are distributed to current and former students via mailing tools."

Thomas Martin is looking forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead. "After my studies, I want to manage international development projects in packaging," he says. Sabine Vitzthum sees herself as an expert in sustainable packaging solutions: "My goal is to contribute my technical and sustainability expertise to the development of ecologically responsible and economically efficient packaging systems."

Students in Vienna benefit from close links with the university's research centre. This is where forward-looking projects are realised in packaging solutions for the food and non-food sectors. "One particularly exciting project that was recently approved is Recolap (Recyclability of Coated and Laminated Paper). We are investigating the recyclability of laminated paper packaging and developing new coatings that do not interfere with the recycling process. We will also analyse and validate the current method for assessing the recyclability of paper packaging and propose improvements," says Apprich.

For more information on the Master's programme and other Bachelor's programmes, please visit www.fh-campuswien.ac.at.