National Hackathon Circular Economy 2027: Designing the future of beverage packaging
From 1 to 5 February 2027, students across the Netherlands team up to tackle circular challenges
This year's case
By 2050, the Dutch economy must be fully circular. This means that products and raw materials are reused for as long as possible, without wasting valuable resources. Beverage packaging plays an important role in that transition. Although the Netherlands performs well in collecting and recycling packaging, some of these materials are still reused in low-value applications or are incinerated. The next step is therefore not only better recycling, but smarter design, reuse and new ways of keeping materials in circulation. That calls for technical, economic, societal and creative perspectives.
That is why in the 2027 edition of the National Hackathon Circular Economy, students take on a major challenge:
How do we design the future of beverage packaging: from consumer behaviour and collection systems to reuse?
This year’s case holder, the Dutch Soft Drinks, Waters and Juices Association (FWS) and Verpact, invite students to develop solutions that are both economically and socially relevant.
During the hackathon, students from across the country work on creative, practical concepts, from reusable systems and circular logistics to smart incentives and digital tools.
Why this challenge matters
Every day, millions of beverage packages are used in the Netherlands. Many are successfully collected and recycled, but not all materials stay in circulation at the same value.
A circular economy asks different questions: Can we design packaging differently? Can we encourage reuse? Can we make collection easier? And how can design, behaviour and technology work together to prevent waste in the first place?
During the hackathon, you'll help explore answers to those questions.
Are you ready to design the future of beverage packaging?
Programme & schedule
The programme is still being organised. You can find a general programme below.
MONDAY
February 2nd
Kick-off: Introduction to the circular economy & the challenge and meeting your team
TUESDAY
February 3rd
Developing a solution with your team, supported by workshops, inspiration sessions and more
WEDNESDAY
February 4th
Further developing your solution & workshop pitching
THURSDAY
February 5th
Finalising your solution, practice pitching & regional finales
FRIDAY
February 6th
National Grande Finale at a central location
Thursday's regional winners present their innovative ideas to a distinguished jury, featuring leading scientists, sustainability experts, and representatives from case partner FWS. The best idea is crowned the winner of the National Hackathon Circular Economy 2027!
About the Hackathon
The National Hackathon Circular Economy is an annual challenge in which students from vocational education (MBO), universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities (WO) work together on real-world circular economy challenges. During one intensive week, multidisciplinary teams develop innovative concepts with support from workshops, expert sessions and coaching. They collaborate with students from different educational backgrounds and disciplines, gain hands-on experience and present their ideas during the National Final.
Each edition focuses on a new challenge proposed by organisations working on the transition to a circular economy. Together, students develop practical solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Ready to take part?
Sign up now to join this year’s hackathon and work on innovative solutions for a circular future!
Continue your sustainability journey: Sustainability Career Event
Inspired by the hackathon and ready for the next step?
A week after the National Hackathon Circular Economy, you can meet more than 50 organisations working on sustainability transitions at the Sustainability Career Event. Discover internships, traineeships and career opportunities, expand your network and explore how you can make real-world impact with your career by contributing to sustainability transitions.
12 February 2027 | Jaarbeurs Utrecht