Fundamentals of barrier technology for fibre-based packaging
28-30 November 2023, Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Organized by:
Fiber-based packaging has the potential to replace a big portion of packaging materials that are hard to recycle. However, right now, paper, cardboard, and molded pulp can only be used for products that don't need protection against water, water vapor, oxygen, and similar substances. Making fiber-based packaging capable of providing a barrier is crucial to expand its uses and making packaging systems more environmentally friendly and sustainable worldwide.
In March 2023 Åbo Akademi University, together with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, organized an advanced course in barrier coating technology. The event was designed for doctorate-level university students and industry professionals who aimed to enhance their understanding of the fundamental aspects of barrier and barrier technology for paper, paperboard, and molded pulp materials.
Due to the event’s success, we have decided to host it once again this year in Ljubljana, scheduled from November 28th to November 30th.
Program
| Time | Event |
| 8:30-9:00 | Arrival and registration |
| 9:00-9:15 | Introduction and course objectives: Prof. Martti Toivakka, Åbo Akademi University |
| 9:15-11:15 | Barrier fundamentals, influence of material properties and measurement techniques: Dr. Yves Wyser, Nestlé Research |
| 11:15-12:00 | Use of apps for barrier development: Prof. Steven Abbott |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00-14:00 | Use of apps for barrier development: Prof. Steven Abbott |
| 14:00-15:00 | Opportunities for material susbstitution with fibre-based packaging: Dr. Alexey Vishtal, MM Board & Paper GmbH |
| 15:00-15:30 | Coffee break |
| 15:30-16:45 | Layered cake approach to barriers: Dr. Alexey Vishtal, MM Board & Paper GmbH |
| 16:45-17:30 | Lamination of barrier films and paper for packaging applications: Dr. Annika Sundell, Walki Group |
| 18:00 | Get-together at Pulp and Paper Institute (Bogišićeva ulica 8, 1000 Ljubljana) |
| Time | Event |
| 8:00-9:00 | Extrusion coating of conventional and bio-based materials: Dr. Johanna Lahti, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland |
| 9:00-10:00 | Coating preparation and methods for barrier dispersions: Thomas Kraschitzer, MM Board & Paper GmbH |
| 10:00-10:30 | Coffee break |
| 10:30-11:30 | Coating preparation and methods for barrier dispersions: Thomas Kraschitzer, MM Board & Paper GmbH |
| 11:30-12:15 | Principles of vacuum deposition for creation of barrier (metallization, AlOx, SiOx): Dr. Carolin Struller, Bobst Manchester (virtual) |
| 12:15-13:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15-15:00 | Aqueous polymer dispersions: method of preparation, stabilization and film formation: Dr. Bernhard Kainz, Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschat mbH |
| 15:00-15:30 | Coffee break |
| 15:30-16:15 | Use of pigments in barrier coatings: Adj.Prof. Janet Preston, Åbo Akademi University and Imerys Minerals Ltd |
| 16:15-17:15 | Polyvinyl alcohol solutions for barrier coating of paper: Dr. Samuel Michel, Kuraray |
| 18:00 | Course dinner at Gostilna Šestica (Slovenska cesta 40, 1000 Ljubljana) |
| Time | Event |
| 8:00-9:30 | Bio-based dispersions for barrier applications: Dr. Mika Vähä-Nissi, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland |
| 9:30-10:00 | Coffee break |
| 10:00-11:00 | Heat sealability of fibre-based packaging: Johanna Wolf, Fraunhofer IVV |
| 11:00-12:30 | Paper physics-Impact of paper structure on barrier: Dr. Esa Saukkonen, UPM |
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30-14:30 | Recyclability testing methods and impact of barrier on recycling: Dr. Alexey Vishtal, MM Board & Paper GmbH |
| 14:30-15:00 | Coffee break |
| 15:00-16:00 | Molded pulp packaging with liquid-based and PECVD barrier coatings: Dr. Alexander Leo Bardenstein, Danish Technological Institute |
| 16:00-17:00 | Compostability and biodegradability of fibre-based packaging: Minna Vikman, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (online) |
| 17:00-17:15 | Summary and end of the course: Dr. David Ravnjak, Pulp and Paper Institute, Ljubljana |
Registration
students - 300 € (VAT included)industry EARLY BIRD - 1000 € (VAT included) until 1.9.2023industry regular - 1250 (VAT included) after 1.9.2023
for cancellations before 1. 9. 2023 the registration fee, reduced for 10 % administration costs, will be refundedfor cancellations between 1. 9. 2023 and 31. 10. 2023 a 50 % of registration fee will be refunded- cancellations after 31. 10. 2023 are non-refundable
- instead of cancellation an exchange of participants is possible at any time with no additional costs
Conference venue and additional info
The conference will take place in Ljubljana the green capital of Slovenia.
The conference venue is at the Central Post Office (Čopova ulica 11, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Ljubljana is spread with hotels. You have many options in the vicinity of the locations where the event will take place. Special rates are available at:
- City hotel (till 30.10.2023): https://www.cityhotel.
si/events/eid/521/ - Eurostars hotel (till 27.10.2023): https://www.eurostarshotels.co.uk/eurostars-uhotel/mice.html?s=ICP2023&promotion_code=ICP2023
If you have any additional question or just need hands on info regarding accommodation, travel or additional program please contact Mr Gregor Lavrič: gregor.lavric@icp-lj.si.
Getting to Ljubljana (Slovenia)
By Air:
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is the main international airport serving the capital city. It offers direct flights to and from various European cities, making it a convenient option for international travelers. Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taxi, which takes approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, there is a regular shuttle service that operates between the airport and the city center.
For a transfer/shuttle from the airport (Ljubljana Airport) to the city center, we recommend:
- https://www.markun-shuttle.com/en/landing-english/ (for special price, please send e-mail to markun.shuttle@gmail.com ) and
- https://www.goopti.com/en/ (referral code RFLI3G2U1XL3 for a discount of 5 € for new users of website).
Alternative airports in the region are:
- Trieste - Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS), located in Italy, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Ljubljana. From there, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Ljubljana.
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG) in Croatia is about a 1.5-hour drive from Ljubljana. You can reach Ljubljana from Zagreb by bus, shuttle, or taxi.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Ljubljana. From the airport, you can take a direct shuttle or a combination of train and bus to reach Ljubljana.
- Graz Airport (GRZ) in Austria is another option, located approximately 200 kilometers north of Ljubljana. From Graz Airport, you can reach Ljubljana by a combination of train and bus or by renting a car and driving to the city.
By Train:
Ljubljana is well-connected by rail, making train travel a convenient option for reaching the city. The Ljubljana Railway Station is centrally located and serves as a major transportation hub. You can check the schedules and book your train tickets in advance on the Slovenian Railways website (https://potniski.sz.si/en/)
Once you arrive at the Ljubljana Railway Station, you can easily reach your accommodation via public transportation, taxis, or walking, depending on the distance.
We hope this information helps you plan your journey to Ljubljana for the upcoming event. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. Looking forward to welcome you in Ljubljana!"
