European University Student Research

Gaëtan Carvalho
I am an engineering student at ESIREIMS, the engineering school at the University of Reims, specializing in packaging. I am passionate about understanding packaging performance across the supply chain and developing innovative solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability. Curious and collaborative, I enjoy exploring new challenges and working with others to find effective solutions. I am particularly interested in eco-designed packaging and in reducing environmental impact while ensuring product protection and performance. Résumé

Mahel Miellet
As a future packaging engineer, I love finding smart and practical solutions to improve products. I am analytical, organized, and always looking for ways to make packaging better and more efficient. This mindset comes from my bachelor’s degree in packaging and my experience during my apprenticeship, where I learned to work on real projects, handle pressure, and understand how the supply chain works. Sustainability is also very important to me. With my technical background, my motivation, and my team spirit, I want to help create innovative and eco-friendly packaging that makes a real difference for people and the planet. Résumé

Emilien Oblet
I first qualified as a Senior Packaging Technician, and I am now on my way to becoming a packaging engineer; I never shy away from a challenge when it comes to optimizing and developing effective solutions in my field. I consider myself hard-working and keen, focused on my goals, and I constantly strive to improve both myself and my work. This approach has been shaped by my everyday life and my personal and professional experiences.  I am now able to work as part of a team and I am confident that I am improving day by day, both as a person and as a future packaging engineer. Sustainability, environmental awareness and continuous improvement are integral to my life, both personally and professionally. Our generation will have to tackle all of these challenges, and my positivity and enthusiasm will be a source of strength for me and those around me. I want to help implement innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for the future. That is who I am and who I want to be. Résumé

Paul Thevin
I am a packaging engineering student who enjoys turning ideas into practical and innovative solutions. What motivates me is creating packaging that not only protects products but also improves the user experience and reduces environmental impact. I like working on technical challenges, learning new skills, and collaborating with people from different backgrounds. My international experiences have helped me become more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. In the future, I want to contribute to the development of smarter and more sustainable packaging while continuously growing as an engineer. Résumé

"The ISTA European Board is proud to support the next generation of packaging leaders in Europe", said ISTA European Board Chair Alberto Tellechea. "We look forward to growing awareness of our mission among students, and we are proud to support young talent and new research in our field."  

How to Submit Proposals

Researchers may submit their proposals using the above proposal portal.

Eligibility: Any European-based university program with a concentration in packaging, with the capabilities of executing distribution packaging research may submit a proposal.  Specifically,

1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm their school’s ability to perform the distribution packaging research as proposed. In general, the applicant must have the capabilities to perform the proposed research. This includes having the appropriate curriculum, instructors, oversight, facilities and faculty and student capabilities to perform the distribution packaging research as proposed.
2. By submitting a proposal, the school agrees that their research team is willing and able to present results at the ISTA European Packaging Symposium
3. Schools do not have to be an ISTA member to be eligible for grants.

ISTA European Board has developed a document describing the research grant process, which can be accessed by clicking here.

Previous Award Recipients

In 2025, Hasselt University was awarded the very first €4,000 research grant by the ISTA European Advisory Board. As part of the award, Lore Gielkens, presented her research findings at the ISTA Forum Europe, that took place 07–08 October 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

The Impact of Recycled Content and Multiple Reprocessing Cycles on the Performance of Polyethylene Stretch Film for Palletised Loads

• Lore Gielkens, Student, Hasselt University, Master’s in Industrial Engineering Science in Chemistry – Food & Packaging
• Prof. Dr. Roos Peeters and Dr. Ing. Bram Bamps, Hasselt University

Click to view pdf presentation.

Project abstract: Plastic packaging materials are essential for goods protection and during transport, but their environmental impact has prompted regulatory action. The EU’s PPWR 2025/40 mandates 35% recycled content by 2030, rising to 65% by 2040. This research investigates how reprocessed content and multiple reprocessing cycles affect LLDPE stretch film performance for palletised loads.

As part of the MultiRec project, this research evaluates films containing 0%, 35%, and 60% reprocessed LLDPE subjected to 5, 10, or 15 reprocessing cycles. The study examines mechanical properties, transport performance, UV-resistance, and seeks to interpret the findings based on chemical analysis.

Results show that chain scission is the dominant degradation mechanism, reducing polymer chain length and weakening polymer networks. While films maintained load stability in transport tests, mechanical performance decreased with increased reprocessing. Machine direction tear resistance showed the most pronounced degradation of mechanical properties, dropping from 5.3 +/- 0.35 N (virgin) to 0.70 +/- 0.14 N (15x60%). Another clear trend was the increase in permanent deformation and reduction in stress retention, indicating a loss of elasticity. The 15x60% film failed during wrapping at 100% pre-stretch due to gauge band defects. Surprisingly, UV-resistance improved with more reprocessing levels, likely due to increased Hindered Amine Light Stabiliser (HALS) concentrations.

Findings suggest the EU’s 2030 target appears achievable, the 2040 target needs advancements to overcome performance limitations.

Lore Gielkens Biography: "As an engineer, I strive for optimization and the development of efficient, well-thought-out solutions. I am analytical, goal-oriented, and always looking for ways to improve processes or products. This mindset has been strengthened by my experience as a high-level volleyball player, where I learned to work in a team, perform under pressure, and continuously aim for improvement. Sustainability is valuable to me as well. With my technical background, competitive mindset, and intrinsic motivation to make a positive impact, I aim to contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions that create value for both people and the environment." 

Examples of Prior Research

The ISTA Educational Foundation has awarded research grants to students at Universities in the United States. The student groups present their research findings at the annual ISTA Forum.