Hellenic Paper Packaging Association and Agricultural University of Athens unite education and industry for the future of sustainable packaging

Athens 13/0/52026 : With the participation of more than 60 students, the HPPA educational workshop in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens was held with great success on the topic: "Corrugated paper packaging as a key pillar of the circular economy: Regulatory framework, sustainability and design for recycling", on May 7, 2026.

The event took place in the Lecture Hall of the Central Library of AUA, as part of the HPPA program Students in Action to connect the academic community with the paper packaging industry and sustainable development.

During the conference, critical issues were presented concerning:

1.                  safety and legislation on paper packaging;

2.                  materials in contact with food,

3.                  modern sustainability requirements,

4.                  the circular economy,

5.                  as well as the principles of design for recycling.

The speakers of the event were Theofania Tsironi, Associate Professor of AUA, Evmorfia Athanasopoulou, Postdoctoral Researcher of AUA, Christos Vassiliou, Member of the Board of Directors of HPPA and Plant Manager - Box Plant of UNIPAK HELLAS, as well as Panagiotis Patrinos, Member of the Committee of HR, H&S, Quality Control & Quality Assurance Director of EL PACK.

Of particular interest was the open Student Led Panel entitled: "The Generation That Designs the Packaging of Tomorrow", which was coordinated by the undergraduate students of AUA Lamprini Lalioti and Sotiris Konstantinou.

During the discussion, issues of great concern to the young generation and the labor market were highlighted, such as the skills that businesses are looking for today, the challenges of the transition from plastic to paper, internship opportunities and future developments in the food packaging industry.

The active participation of students, the substantive questions and the open dialogue with market executives confirmed the importance of such initiatives that bring education, innovation and production closer.

HPPA President Vassilis Exarchos said: "The transition to a more sustainable production and packaging model requires knowledge, collaboration and new skills. As HPPA, we consider it particularly important to bring students into direct contact with the real needs and challenges of the market, actively contributing to shaping the next generation of industry professionals."

Upon completion of the workshop, all participants received a certificate of attendance.

HPPA continues dynamically through the HPPA Students in Action program to invest in the knowledge, education and connection of the new generation with the paper packaging industry, actively contributing to shaping a more sustainable and innovative future.

About HPPA

HPPA represents more than 80% of the Greek corrugated and paper packaging industry, covering most of the domestic production. Its members are active in the entire range of the production chain, from the processing of raw materials to the final processing, contributing decisively to the country's industrial activity.

In the last three years, the sector has made investments exceeding €200 million. in paper mills and modern production and processing lines, strengthening its technological base. Through equipment upgrades and design optimization, a reduction in weight per square meter by 6 percentage points was achieved, with significant environmental and economic benefits.

HPPA acts as a representative of the industry at national and European level, promoting sustainable development, technological development and enhancing the competitiveness of Greek production.

About the Agricultural University of Athens

The Agricultural University of Athens provides high-level educational and research work at undergraduate and postgraduate level in the fields of Agricultural Sciences. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition offers its students the necessary scientific background to deal with issues related to food science and technology. The research activities of the Food Engineering and Processing Laboratory focus on the design and optimization of food processing and preservation processes, mathematical process simulation, food packaging, and the development of innovative packaging materials. At the same time, the laboratory is active in the design of food industries and bioprocesses as well as in techno-economic evaluation and life cycle analysis of processes and products.

Contact details for more information:

Maritina Mantzavinatou, General Secretary of HPPA, secretary.general@hppa.gr, +30 6948225555

Perception Communication Consulting, Andreas Droukopoulos adr@perception.com.gr  +30 694 6400067