During the year, students from the Master of Science in Energy, Environment and Management at Linköping University conducted life cycle analyzes on assignments on behalf of Returpack. In this project, the students have analyzed the environmental benefits of the deposit system. Here, it has been possible to determine e.g. the ways in which and the reasons why the deposit system has the best environmental performance compared to other forms of package recycling.
Niclas Svensson is a senior lecturer and head of the Resource-Efficient Materials Management department at Linköping University. He believes that it is a great benefit for the students to work with practical assignments from the business sector. This being done both within teaching and in research projects at the university.
- For us working in education, this type of collaboration is natural, especially when we are working with environmental issues. We need to be socially relevant, which is why it is important for us to understand the problems and challenges facing the business sector, says Niclas Svensson.
Complex environmental systems
When it comes to environmental issues, the systems are complex and are not always easy to understand. It can also be difficult to see the links that exist between the different systems in which one and the same company may be operating. Commissioning the education sector to look at the systems, and at the company and the role of its products in the systems, provides a broader systemic approach.
- This type of collaboration is good, not only for us working in education, but also for business. We can supply knowledge that the business community can use to develop its strategies and operations, says Niclas Svensson.
A successful collaboration
The students on the Master of Science programme on Energy, Environment and Management have a strong environmental interest, and want to be involved in bringing about change. In cooperation with Returpack, they are being given the chance to participate and exert genuine influence, at the same time as gaining an understanding of how their knowledge can be utilised on the labour market.
- Students who get to put their knowledge to the test in genuine assignments learn a great deal and become highly motivated. This has been noticed in the work with Returpack, which is so active when it comes to environmental issues. The students have found the employees at Returpack to be extremely committed and they have also elected to invest time in the project, says Niclas Svensson
A strong region
Östergötland enjoys a strong position in the field of environmental technology, and plastics is one of the areas where the region possesses particular knowledge, for example at Returpack, Svensk Plaståtervinning and Tekniska Verken. Östergötland holds a very prominent position in the field of biogas, too, with many companies being based in the region.
- There is still a lot to do, of course, but a great deal has already been done and there is a clear awareness here. Getting to work with my research in the field of environmental systems analysis here, with so many committed parties, feels both fun and rewarding, concludes Niclas Svensson.