VTT represented the REDYSIGN project in Utrecht, showcasing smart-tag innovations for recyclable-by-design fibre-based packaging.
From 10 to 12 November 2025, the Sustainable Packaging Summit gathered the global packaging value chain at the Jaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Among the participants was our partner VTT, represented by our colleague Liisa Hakola, who showcased how the REDYSIGN project is contributing to the development of smart, fibre-based and recyclable-by-design packaging that supports a more sustainable and circular food system.
Organised by Packaging Europe, the Summit is one of the most important international events for the packaging sector: a space where industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators explore how to make packaging more circular, resource-efficient, and future-ready.
A key event for the sustainable packaging community
This year’s edition of the Summit featured an expanded programme of conferences, workshops, and networking sessions, with over 700 participants and more than 100 speakers across parallel streams such as the Main Stage, Knowledge Exchange, Future Forum, and Emerging Tech Zone.
Topics ranged from new European legislation and extended producer responsibility (EPR) to bio-based materials, digital tools, reuse models, and fibre-based solutions, all areas closely aligned with REDYSIGN’s mission to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and circular packaging.
The venue, Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, also underscored its commitment to sustainability by implementing low-impact event practices.
REDYSIGN featured at the Research Hub
The project was represented by Liisa Hakola from VTT, who presented a poster introducing the project and showcasing smart-tag samples developed as part of REDYSIGN’s work on intelligent, recyclable-by-design packaging for fresh meat. The materials were displayed at Booth 26 in the Research Hub, where visitors could also explore other examples of VTT’s smart packaging and material innovations.
“VTT’s poster at the Research Hub included a short introduction to the REDYSIGN project, and smart-tag samples from the project were also displayed at our booth. It was encouraging to see how much interest there is across the packaging community in intelligent and recyclable-by-design solutions.”
These smart tags demonstrate how digital tools can complement fibre-based materials to monitor food condition and ensure quality throughout the distribution chain, a cornerstone of REDYSIGN’s approach to merging innovation, circularity, and food safety.
Why the Sustainable Packaging Summit matters for the project
Participating in this event has enabled our partner to showcase the REDYSIGN project and its progress to key stakeholders across the packaging ecosystem: from raw material suppliers to converters, brand owners, and recyclers. This helps foster dialogue, explore synergies, and position the project at the heart of Europe’s shift toward smart, bio-based, and resource-efficient packaging solutions.
“Sustainable Packaging Summit has grown fast to be one of the most important events for the packaging industry. Regulatory demands for sustainability and reusability push the industry towards novel technology solutions that can help in achieving these goals. Events like this enable the technology developers and end users to meet and exchange ideas.”
By engaging in events like this, REDYSIGN continues to share its progress in developing wood-derived, fully recyclable packaging components, combining micro-nanofibres, lignin, and digital sensing technologies to create packaging systems designed for both performance and recyclability.
Looking ahead
The discussions and connections from the Summit will support REDYSIGN’s mission to advance smart, recyclable-by-design fibre-based packaging and reinforce collaboration within Europe’s circular bioeconomy community.
