An initiative by Teach for Austria, opens an external URL in a new window and the LIT Open Innovation Center at the JKU

The 9-hour Student Plastics Challenge is an interactive, creative event for students, companies in the plastics sector, and interested parties, to focus on opportunities to practice corporate social responsibility as well as grow and strengthen these ideas and meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Students enrolled in academic degree programs such as Management in Polymer Technologies, Management in Chemical Technologies, Legal and Business Aspects in Technics, Polymer Engineering (BA), and Chemistry and Chemical Technologies (BA) spent a semester focusing on "Corporate Social Responsibility" practiced at companies in the plastics industry. As part of the course "Management and Marketing" taught by Dr. Christiane Steinlechner (Institute HAM, JKU), students approached the topic from different angles learning more about SDGs as well as resulting regulations at both the national and international level. During the course, potential options, including certification based on ESG criteria without "greenwashing", were raised and discussed. D.I. Günther Klammer (CTO at NGR) provided essential input regarding "PET ist kein Plastiksackerl - über die Recyclingfähigkeit von Kunststoffen" (for EVERYONE interested: LIT OIC on January 13, 2023, 3:30 - 5:00 PM).

Following this in-depth course, the Student Plastics Challenge on January 17, 2023, will give students a unique opportunity to put what they learned in the classroom into "practice". The LIT OIC and Teach for Austria partners are the Challenge sponsors and include partner companies such as Erema, Engel, Greiner, and NGR. Between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM that day, students will have time to come up with solution-based approaches and prepare a pitch. Experts at the Plastic Garage, tech2b, and the JKU will be on hand to guide the process. Students will present their ideas as part of a community event at the LIT's Forum (and win awards!) following a keynote speech by Stefan Grafenhorst (Global Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at Greiner AG).

We look forward to innovative ideas, thought-provoking and inspiring talks, and stimulating discussions on a very interesting topic. The LIT OIC community and anyone else interested are welcome to attend on January 17, 2023, beginning at 6:30 PM.

Sign up for this Community Event on January 17, 2023, opens an external URL in a new window.