Circular Economy Workshop: Practical insights into sustainable packaging for high school students

On April 27, another Circular Economy workshop took place at Anno-Gymnasium, located near Siegwerk’s headquarters in Siegburg. The event, organized in collaboration with Siegwerk’s partner school, was aimed at 11th-grade students aged 16 to 18.

Introduction to Siegwerk and key topics
The session began with an introduction to Siegwerk, as a company, and an explanation of the importance of sustainable packaging. The experts explained the functions of packaging and the typical materials used in its production. Particular attention was paid to recyclable packaging structures, with a focus on simple material combinations and design for recyclability. The production of high-quality recyclates was clearly demonstrated, enabling participants to understand the prerequisites for a functioning circular economy.

Hands-on experiments: Experiencing and understanding materials
During the hands-on portion of the workshop, the students had the opportunity to directly experience various packaging materials. They were able to handle different films and, for example, test their tear resistance. They were also able to investigate the barrier properties of the materials themselves. In addition, they sealed small test samples on their own. Furthermore, the deinking process was introduced to demonstrate how printed packaging can be cleaned and used for the production of high-quality recyclate.

Positive Feedback and Learning Outcomes
The feedback from participants was very positive. They reported that they not only learned a great deal about the technical aspects of packaging but now also have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field of the circular economy. Due to the success of the event, requests for additional workshops have already been received, and these are currently being planned.