The DREAM project, which was running within the SPIRIT programme, has reached its conclusion with interesting findings that support the sustainable transition of the plastics industry. We discussed about the project with the Sustainability and Development Director Sauli Eerola from Rani Plast who explained how the DREAM explored the performance of new environmentally friendly packaging solutions in real value chain environments.
Rani Plast as a key industry actor
Sauli Eerola starts by telling about Rani Plast, an established company with nine factories in five countries. Following the acquisition of Swedish film manufacturer Kullaplast, the company has added another manufacturing site to its operations. With annual revenue of €300 million and a production volume of about 140 000 kt, the company employs more than 700 people and serves various sectors including agriculture, construction, energy, food packaging and industrial applications. Sustainability is one of its strategic priorities and the company is committed to net zero emission targets. More than 25% of its production uses recycled plastics.
Exploring environmental impact and value chain needs
The core objective of the DREAM project, “Data-driven Approach for Development of Recycling Ecosystem and Advanced Modelling of Environmental Performance”was to explore the environmental impact and performance of new packaging solutions designed to be more sustainable. The project included research work by the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) on the requirements of the plastics value chain and piloted new data transfer methods to support traceability. The work included also a set of value-chain partner interviews which gave valuable perspectives from different stakeholders. A scientific article has also been published based on this work.
One of the key findings was the difficulty of transferring data smoothly across the value chain and the challenge of clearly defining data ownership. This remains an area where further work is required. Value chain needs were successfully identified and verified by Rani Plast through their internal systems.
Developing recycled material streams
A major objective of the DREAM project was to identify how internal and external recycled plastics streams could be used in ways that create value and improve material efficiency. This involved research and development of closed loop models and ecosystems, where products of Rani Plast are returned to Rani Plast for material reuse in new products.
Work included multiple pilots with value chain partners in agriculture, timber and industry to identify effective closed loop practices. Some pilots were successful, while others highlighted areas needing further development. Quality improvements and testing of sample products were essential components of the effort to achieve more consistent recycled material streams. The project also contributed to the development of a Finnish ecosystem for mechanical and chemical recycling, strengthening the availability of raw materials for companies such as Rani Plast.
Looking ahead
Although the DREAM project officially ended in late 2025, partners intend to continue advancing digital solutions and closed loop systems. Sauli Eerola concludes: “The SPIRIT programme has proven highly valuable in driving collaboration across industries and supporting Finland’s role as a leader in the sustainable transition of the plastics sector. Even though Finland may not be the largest producer globally, the programme has shown that it can be a major force in driving sustainable development for the plastics industry.”
Partners: Rani Plast, Borealis, Muovipoli and Syke
Photo by Rani Plast: Bjölas factory