National Hackathon Circular Economy 2026: 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.
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
In the Grande Finale, Thursday's regional winners will present their innovative ideas. A distinguished jury, featuring leading scientists, sustainability experts, and representatives from case partner FWS, will evaluate these solutions and crown the winner of the National Hackathon Circular Economy 2027!
Why is this important?
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 these questions.
Ready to take part?
Sign up now to join this year’s hackathon and work on innovative solutions for a circular future!