Interview with Milad Mosallaei (VTT), STOPP’s coordinator

Milad Mosallaei is a Research Scientist at VTT. He oversees the coordination of the STOPP project, making sure that project goals are met efficiently, timelines are adhered to, and collaborative efforts across teams and partners are effectively managed to ensure the successful delivery of the project’s outcomes.

1. How does the STOPP project align with current EU policies on packaging and packaging waste?

The STOPP project aligns with the goals of the EU for sustainable packaging and waste reduction. Our work focuses on developing and implementing circular strategies for plastic food packaging in accordance with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (EU Regulation No 2022/1616) which sets rules on recycled plastic materials intended to be in contact with food.

We aim to create strategies for plastic food packaging circularity through the principles of 5Rs including Refuse, Reduce, Redesign, Reuse, and Recycle. Our goal is to promote the sustainable and circular use of plastic food packaging, significantly reducing the generation of plastic waste while minimizing environmental impact. This is achieved by collaborating with an extensive network of plastics packaging value chain actors, stakeholders, and citizens and consumers and ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability. By implementing these strategies we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and circular plastics industry and ultimately reducing the environmental impact of plastic food packaging.

2. What metrics or indicators are being used to measure the success of the STOPP project? Do you have a strategy to follow that you use in VTT when coordinating projects?

To evaluate the success of the STOPP project we combine several parameters such as key performance indicators (KPIs), project results, production of the scientific publications and patents.

At VTT, our coordination strategy focuses on a clear understanding of the project’s objectives and its work packages (WPs) while effectively communicating with personnel about what is expected from the project. In the bigger picture, we track project progress by monitoring on-time delivery of deliverables and milestones, establishing effective communications between partners and identifying and mitigating risks.

3. Can you provide examples of challenges that are expected to be faced during the project?

Although the STOPP project is a very interesting project, it has its own challenges. These challenges can be from technical and material issues such as mixed materials (e.g., multi-material structures), economic challenges (e.g., cost of recycling food contact plastic wastes), consumer attitudes (e.g., safety concerns of recycled food contact plastics), logistic barriers (e.g., traceability), policy uncertainties (changing regulations), and sustainability challenges regarding use of recyclates and recyclability of plastic packaging (e.g., quality aspects). The other unexpected issues can be for instance the loss or leaving of staff. The STOPP consortium is aware of the project’s challenges and is committed to mitigating and resolving them throughout the project.