PackLess - Supporting SME Sustainable Packaging Transformation

<< Background >>The consortium applied for this project in response to pressing needs identified through their work with SMEs across Europe. In Germany, recent legal changes promoting a circular economy have placed pressure on businesses to reassess packaging practices and adopt sustainable, compliant solutions at an early stage. Austrian policies aim to reduce plastic packaging by 20%, but SMEs struggle to implement effective measures due to a lack of tailored, applicable tools. In Bulgaria, eco-innovation performance is among the lowest in the EU, with plastic recycling rates at just 41% and under 1% of recycled material reintegrated into new products—highlighting a major gap between policy and practice. Despite available extended producer responsibility schemes, their implementation remains insufficient. In Poland, awareness of the zero-waste concept is low, and sustainable packaging is largely limited to large corporations. Many SMEs express willingness to act but lack the know-how, resources, and support structures to implement change. Across all countries, SMEs require hands-on guidance. The project responds to this shared EU challenge by developing practical, adaptable solutions based on real needs and regulatory contexts. << Objectives >>A) Build environmental & climate-change awareness to encourage SME leaders & staff to actively look for innovative, sustainable packaging solutions bringing value to their organisations & their business environment at the same time B) Develop SME leaders & staff competences (with innovative tools & practical processes) allowing them to start changes and become true agents of sustainable change in their organisations C) Develop VET educators`sustainability competences; equip them with ready-made curricula, best practice examples & tools to support the adaptation of their training offers to SME leaders & staff needs to develop the skills and habits needed in the area of sustainability competencies development A-B is linked to horizontal priority by involving target groups in project activities leading to development of solutions that should not only build engagement & awareness but also lead to work-oriented sustainability competencies development in SMEs. C offers innovative & engaging teaching & learning approaches for VET educators, SME learners & leaders. VET providers will be equipped with tools, knowledge & processes to engage SME leaders & VET learners in a process leading to eco awareness change. << Implementation >>A2.1 - Desk and Field Research with surveys and interviews with SME representatives from various branches. A2.2 - Knowledge Sharing & Mutual Learning. Exchange expertise through workshops on sustainable packaging, consumer behaviour, and digital learning methods A2.3 - Defining the scope, structure and learning objectives of Packless MOOC based on research; validation. A3.1 – Creating MOOC content for modules (videos, readings, tests, activities) based on the structure and objectives defined A3.2 – Developing the MOOC infrastructure and learning experience design. Evaluation and selection of MOOC platform; set up the course structure, navigation aids. A3.3 - Launch the MOOC Course in English; assessment of usability, technical performance, connectivity, and user engagement. A3.4 – Increasing accessibility of MOOC with local language version and final evaluation. A4.1- Addressing the green transformation barriers with the Compendium structure A4.2 - Designing the Compendium contents in English to reflect the target group needs A4.3 - Piloting (testing and evaluating) of the Compendium in EN A4.4 - Preparation of the final version of the Compendium in English; translation into partner languages and Evaluation. << Results >>R2.1 Survey report – use of sustainable packaging in SME highlighted the basic needs of entrepreneurs for the change towards sustainable packaging practices. The document provides deep insights into the relevant questions for SME owners. R3.1 Packless MOOC - Training Platform with a multilingual MOOC was developed to raise general sustainability awareness and promote sustainable packaging models in the workplace. It supports the development of environmentally responsible habits among VET learners. Available in EN, PL, BG, and DE, the platform offers engaging and accessible content for both learners and educators. It represents a practical and innovative tool for teaching sustainability, making learning more effective and enjoyable. R4.1 Compendium for SMEs and VET Educators: A Compendium that serves as a practical, comprehensive guide with a modular curriculum structure (syllabus) was created in 4 languages. It is designed for use by VET providers, SME managers to train staff involved in packaging decisions, supplier selection, distribution, and logistics. The PackLess Compendium also includes a methodology for educators to design digital resource-based trainings aimed at fostering green workplace behaviours.