Jonathan Scheck, Interzero
Speech Title: Wrapped in Assumptions? The Complex Truth About Recyclable Paper Packaging
About the speaker:
Jonathan Scheck is a dedicated and qualified expert in the field of packaging recycling with a master's degree in packaging technology. Since 2022, he has been working as a Packaging Engineer at Interzero in the renowned “Made for Recycling” department. There he devotes himself with great care and technical sensitivity to the evaluation and optimization of recyclability and the sustainable recycling of packaging materials.
With a keen interest in the circular economy and a deep understanding of regulatory and technical requirements, Jonathan Scheck supports brand manufacturers and packaging producers in realigning their packaging portfolios not only ecologically, but also in a legally compliant and market-oriented manner. His work thus makes a valuable contribution to the promotion of sustainable packaging concepts and the transformation towards a functioning circular economy.
Fabian Barthel, Vytal
Speech Title: Everyone Loves Reuse—Until It’s Time to Reuse
About the speaker:
Dr. Fabian Barthel is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Vytal, the world’s largest digital, deposit-free reuse system for takeaway food and beverages. At Vytal, he oversees operations, product development, and the franchise partner network.
Before founding Vytal, Fabian spent eight years at the global management consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he specialized in operational efficiency, organizational development, and social impact.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and a Ph.D. in Economic Geography from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Fabian is also a co-author of several peer-reviewed articles on reuse.
On another note: Robert Burkhardt — a former colleague and the lead author of one of my papers — just learned about the conference through me. Although the submission deadline has already passed, I wanted to ask whether there might still be a possibility to consider him as a presenter. I believe his contribution would provide valuable scientific depth to complement my more practice-oriented presentation.
Daniel Schwendemann, IWK
Speech Title: Bioplastics – Overview, Classification, and Trends
About the speaker:
Prof. Daniel Schwendemann,
Head of Compounding and Extrusion (dep. Head of Institute)
OST University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
IWK Institute for Material Technology and Plastics Processing
Daniel Schwendemann works as a professor at the University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland at the Rapperswil-Jona campus (formerly known as Hochschule für Technik) since 2010 in the field of mechanical engineering with a focus on materials science and plastic processing. He heads the Compounding and Extrusion department, which currently employs 12 staff members. For many years, he has been involved in recycling solutions and the use of bioplastics, as well as process development for plastic composite materials.
Rebeka Nenadović, Sibo Group/Tuba Lajovic
Speech Title: Flip smart, waste less
About the speaker:
Rebeka Nenadović is a research engineer with a background in chemistry and polymer engineering. After earning the Bachelor’s degree from FTPO in 2019, I began my career at SIBO G. d.o.o. Simultaneously, I pursued and completed the Master’s degree from FTPO in 2023. Now, I am successfully contributing to the R&D department as a research engineer focusing on sustainability projects.
Predrag Ozmo, Ball Packaging
Speech Title: Global Sustainability Director for Personal & Home Care and Growth Ventures at Ball Corporation
About the speaker:
Predrag Ozmo leads global sustainability efforts for Ball’s Growth Ventures, focusing on Personal & Home Care packaging products, including aerosol cans and aluminium bottles.
He drives engagement with global key accounts, contributes to Ball’s overarching sustainability strategy, and leads initiatives for refillable and reusable packaging solutions.
Predrag advises global commercial and procurement teams on sustainability-driven business strategies and oversees joint sustainability action plans with major customers. His work encompasses projects related to packaging optimization, carbon footprint reduction, sustainable material sourcing, and enhancing recycling and circularity.
Valeria Frigerio, Nestle
Speech Title: Inside Packaging Sustainability @Nestlé Research
About the speaker:
Valeria Frigerio holds a PhD in Food Systems from the University of Milano, with academic research centered on sustainability assessments of food packaging solutions. Her work addressed the integration of shelf-life effects into environmental evaluations, aiming to reduce food waste and highlight related environmental benefits. She served as a visiting researcher at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) in Montpellier, France, where she contributed to the development of a predictive tool for evaluating food packaging sustainability based on performance criteria.
In December 2022, Valeria joined the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, providing strategic support through her expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), with a particular focus on paper-based packaging initiatives. Her role expanded to include participation in the deployment and global launch of packaging ecodesign tool for internal decision-making and continuous effort to foster Life Cyle Thinking in the company. Her research at Nestlé has involved responsible sourcing of paper, biodegradability, chemical recycling, and various elements of packaging innovation related to sustainability.
Jörg Fisher, JKU Linz
Speech Title: Recycling of plastic packaging waste - from product specifications to high-performance recyclates
About the speaker:
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Jörg Fischer, Full professor and Head of the Institute of Polymeric Materials and Testing, JKU Linz, Austria
Jörg Fischer studied “Plastics Engineering and Science” at the University of Leoben and obtained his doctorate in this subject. After completing his doctorate, he joined the Johannes Kepler University Linz, where he and his colleagues built up the study and research programs in the field of plastics engineering and science. In 2020, he became an associated professor in the field of plastics engineering. Since February 2025, he is a full professor and head of the Institute of Polymeric Materials and Testing. He currently focuses on the circular economy of plastics and is active in this area as consortium leader and scientific director in various research projects together with industry and science.
Manica Ulčnik Krump, Interzero Plastics Innovation
Speech Title: Innovating for Impact: Turning Post-Consumer Plastic Packaging Waste Challenges into Circular Opportunities
About the speaker:
Dr. Manica Ulčnik-Krump holds a PhD in Chemical Sciences. She is the Managing Director of Interzero Plastic Innovations and Head of Research and Development at Interzero Holding GmbH & Co. KG, one of Europe’s leading recycling companies. In this role, she is responsible for the technical development of recycled plastic materials produced through mechanical recycling. Her work spans the entire value chain—from product development and production to market implementation of recycled plastic solutions.
Recognizing the strategic importance of research and innovation in sustainable materials, Dr. Ulčnik-Krump initiated the founding of the Competence Center for Recycled Plastics in 2016. Based in Slovenia, the center is the first and only internationally accredited R&D institution in Europe dedicated exclusively to the development of advanced materials from recycled plastics. She is widely acknowledged as a leading international expert in the field, renowned for her unique combination of scientific expertise and applied innovation. Her work focuses on developing high-performance recycled materials tailored to the specific technical and regulatory needs of industry, which increasingly relies on recyclates as part of sustainable manufacturing practices.
Over the years, Dr. Ulčnik-Krump has pioneered multiple innovative solutions for mechanical plastic recycling, including the direct chemical modification of materials—enabling the production of high-quality recyclates that meet demanding technical specifications without compromising performance. She holds two European patents in the field of plastic waste recycling and has authored more than 200 international publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles, conference papers, and invited lectures. In recognition of her contributions to science and innovation, she is also a member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
