The regional workshop of the CircSyst project was successfully held in Budapest on May 28, bringing together nearly 20 experts and decision-makers under the theme “Breaking Point or Turning Point?” to explore the future of sustainable packaging solutions.

The event marked an important milestone in the Hungarian pilot of the CircSyst project, which provides a unique platform to test and develop sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions. Unlike theoretical initiatives, this pilot operates in real industrial settings, involving 10 food industry companies committed to innovation and circularity.

Participants included representatives from key government institutions such as the Ministry of National Economy and the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture, alongside professionals from leading industry associations and clusters (including KSZGYSZ, Innoskart, and CSAOSZ), as well as stakeholders from the manufacturing and processing sectors.

The three-hour interactive program addressed pressing industry questions:

• What do the new EU packaging regulations mean in practice?
• What might the future of packaging in the region look like within a circular economy?
• What concrete steps are needed to support a sustainable transition?

Key Takeaways:

New EU packaging regulations demand action, with regulatory compliance requiring proactive adaptation across sectors. Strong cooperation among industry players, policymakers, clusters, and NGOs is essential, alongside awareness-raising efforts. Circular design principles — including reusability, recyclability, and reduced material use — are shaping the future of packaging. However, there remains a critical need for innovation and real-world testing, where the Hungarian pilot of the CircSyst project offers hands-on solutions.

The workshop concluded with a networking lunch, fostering new connections and collaborative opportunities to support further innovation in sustainable packaging.

A clear indicator of the workshop’s success was the participants’ eagerness to continue the dialogue, with many inquiring about the timing of the next event.