Circular Economy and Sustainable Industry Unite Students in Nordplus Project

On March 23–27, 2026, an intensive week of the international Nordplus project took place at KTU, bringing together students and lecturers from five European countries. The event focused on circular economy, sustainability, and energy-intensive industries. Participants not only deepened their theoretical knowledge but also became familiar with real industrial processes in Lithuania.

The Department of Environmental Technology at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), successfully implemented the Nordplus Higher Education project “Circular Economy and Greener Societal Sustainability /2025” (NPHE-2025/10462).

The project brought together students and lecturers from several universities: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the project coordinator; Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia); Tallinn University of Applied Sciences (Estonia); Reykjavik University (Iceland); and KTU, which hosted and organized the intensive week in Kaunas.

Focus on Energy-Intensive Industries

The main focus of the project was on energy-intensive industries, particularly the chemical industry. Prior to their arrival in Lithuania, students from each country analyzed the industrial landscape of their respective countries and prepared presentations, which were delivered during the intensive week.

This activity enabled participants to compare experiences across countries, identify challenges, and discuss potential sustainable solutions.

Practical Activities and Industry Visits

The project included a variety of activities: lectures, group work, and visits to industrial companies such as AB Achema, AB Lifosa, and UAB Kauno stiklas.

Group work topics were assigned by Kauno stiklas, whose representatives also evaluated the final student presentations and awarded symbolic prizes to the teams that demonstrated the deepest understanding of the topics. This hands-on experience allowed students to better understand real industrial processes and challenges.

Synergy Between Industry and Academia

According to a representative of Kauno stiklas, collaboration with an international student community provides the company with an opportunity to gain diverse insights based on experiences from different markets regarding sustainability, technological innovation, and the future of the glass packaging sector.

The project not only contributes to the development of practically applicable solutions but also strengthens students’ competencies in the green economy, fosters their professional growth, and prepares them for the labor market. Moreover, such collaboration enhances the company’s international image and expands partnership opportunities.

Participants’ Impressions and Project Benefits

At the end of the project, participants emphasized the benefits of working in international and interdisciplinary teams, gaining new knowledge, and the strong involvement of industry in the activities.

“The program provided an opportunity not only to acquire new knowledge but also to observe processes in real life, collaborate in an international environment, and actively participate in the activities,” said one of the project participants.

Significance for the Faculty and Future Perspectives

Such programs are highly important for the faculty in presenting its activities and study programs to an international audience. They also open opportunities for further collaboration in both academic studies and research projects, while strengthening international partnerships.