This group of experts from the food packaging value chain provides us with guidance and an external point of view.
Without their support and wisdom, STOPP wouldn’t be the innovative and impactful initiative it is today. Their insights help us tackle challenges effectively, ensuring our solutions are both practical and aligned with all the actors’ needs.
AILA MAIJANEN
Aila Maijanen is the Head of the Bioeconomy Theme at CLIC Innovation Ltd., an open innovation cluster management company based in Helsinki, Finland, facilitating the sustainable transition. She has extensive experience managing ecosystems and financing programs. At CLIC, she has led two ecosystems: 4Recycling, an innovation ecosystem addressing the plastics challenge, and the Industrial Biotechnology Cluster (IBC Finland).
In addition, she manages a portfolio of European and nationally funded projects within CLIC’s circular bioeconomy theme. Her work has focused on clean technologies, renewable energy, the bio and circular economy, and sustainable business practices.
Previously, she gained significant expertise in innovation funding, programs, and research commercialization while working with Business Finland, the National Innovation Funding Agency. She holds degrees in engineering and an MBA, with earlier research interests in materials characterization, catalyst development, and environmental chemistry.
IGNACIO FERNÁNDEZ-PACHECO RUIZ
Ignacio Fernández-Pacheco Ruiz is a Project Coordinator at IDENER’s Thermodynamics Division, specializing in process modelling and exergy optimization. He earned his master’s degree in chemical engineering at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC).
Currently, he is coordinating the EU-funded project MAGNO and supporting the technical development of other EU projects focused on the development of novel technologies in the energy and manufacturing industry that require a deep understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer and chemical kinetics to formulate sustainable solutions for their widespread adoption. A list of his research activities, grants and scientific publications can be found in this link.
SATUMAIJA LEVÓN
Satumaija Levón is a Sustainability Director of Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation (ETL) and a board member of Finland’s largest producer responsibility organization Finnish Packaging Producers Ltd. She has a background in environmental technology, and her professional career has focused particularly on promoting the circular economy in different sectors.