Big data solutions for packaging industry

GLOBAL packaging and paper group, Mondi welcomed 50 PhD students from across Europe to participate in the first Mondi Speed Data Hackathon, a competition that challenged the students in advancing conceptual ideas for innovations within the paper and pulp industry by applying big data solutions to production processes, energy use, finance, maintenance, HR, sustainability, or any area. The students used industry insights from 14 Mondi experts as the basis for eight fresh innovation concepts.

The winning concept was “smart value chain”, which covered the full value chain for packaging and packed goods, with a focus on the end consumer, to create a closed feedback loop from the end consumer to the producer of the goods and packaging. Mondi has shared all results of the Hackathon with all participants in the spirit of open collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The team of the Mondi Speed Data Hackathon with the most convincing concept, titled “smart value chain”, with Leo Arpa, Director of R&D Paper, Mondi (right) and Bernard de Galembert, Director of CEPI Paper (second from right). The team members (left to right): Annika Ketola (VTT), Daniel Eriksson (KTH Stockholm), Matthias Hobisch (TU Graz/IPZ), René Kleinert (TU Dresden), Tanja Pleša (Pulp and Paper Institute Ljubljana). (Photo: Mondi)

“Mondi’s culture embraces innovative approaches to evolve packaging and paper.” said Leo Arpa, Head of R&D Paper at Mondi. “At the hackathon, these talented students have the opportunity to contribute to the future of the industry. And Austria, as one of Europe’s leading scientific hubs for packaging and paper, is the perfect venue. Mondi´s focus on R&D ensures that our customers and consumers benefit from highly efficient and sustainable processes and supply chains.”

The hackathon was part of the three-day Cellulose Materials Doctoral Students Conference 2017 organized by Graz University of Technology under the auspices of the renowned European Fiber and Paper Research Organization (EFPRO).

Tad Maloney, president of the European Fibre and Paper Research Organization (EFPRO), says, “People are often surprised at just how much innovation is going on in the paper and packaging industry. It is very vibrant, with many organizations working on innovations that are right at the cutting edge of industry and science. By organizing this year’s student workshop, Mondi showed its ongoing commitment to driving that innovation and its integral role in helping the industry keep moving forward.”

The hackathon is one example of Mondi’s many activities focused on innovation. The company is involved in numerous projects and collaborations and runs six innovation centers.