SPOTLIGHT connects citizens, researchers, industry, and policymakers through tangible experiences with Wageningen’s food packaging innovations. We turn science into something you can test and trust.
SPOTLIGHT is funded by the Sector Plan TECH II Outreach Call, Wageningen University & Research. The Sector Plan TECH II programme supports strategic investments in technical sciences across Dutch universities, with a dedicated outreach track to strengthen connections between academic research and society.
Ambition
Wageningen develops edible coatings, biobased films, and intelligent packaging but the public rarely sees or touches these innovations. Meanwhile, myths spread: “biodegradable always disappears in nature,” “black trays are toxic.” SPOTLIGHT closes that gap by turning research into experiences people can understand and trust.
Objectives
Four goals drive the project: increase public understanding of sustainable food packaging, encourage behaviour change by correcting common myths, translate Wageningen technologies to industry practice, and build lasting networks between researchers, citizens, municipalities, and companies.
Approach
We combine “Lab Meets Life” interactive demonstrations with a myth-busting digital hub and pilot-plant tours. Co-delivered with the Materials Innovation Institute (M2i) and Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), our programme is modular, mobile, and designed to travel from campus open days to lab visits.
Upcoming events
WUR BSc Open Day 6-7 November 2026
Visit our “Lab Meets Life” Interactive Zone and test, touch, and sort your way through Wageningen’s sustainable food packaging innovations. Open to all, bring your family, friends, and your toughest recycling questions.
Biobased Solutions Summit 11-13 May 2027
Biobased Solutions Summit brings together international leading researchers, industry innovators, and policymakers to accelerate the development of biobased advanced materials.
Through inspiring talks, interactive workshops, poster sessions, and networking, this summit fosters collaboration across biobased colloids, food, packaging, water, and energy, creating new opportunities for research, innovation, and a circular bioeconomy. More information
Our partners
