Podcasts & White Papers

Here you will find insights into the production, properties and applications of paper. Whether you are a student, researcher or simply curious about this ubiquitous material, our collection of technical articles, reports and presentations will provide you with valuable insights and information.

"Made in Austria" Poster
Podcast | July 23 | 36 min. 5 sec.

Made in Austria - Paper Beats Plastic as a Packaging Material

Paper Instead of Plastic—Is That the Future of the Packaging Industry? In this episode, Herwig Kirchberger, CEO of DELSCI, discusses the development of functional paper packaging and the challenges on the path to a sustainable alternative to plastic. Together, we take a look at the technical requirements of modern packaging, the impact of new EU regulations, and the question of why recyclability means far more than simply replacing one material with another.

Herwig also talks about his personal career path—from physicist to the semiconductor industry and on to establishing DELSCI as the delfort Group’s research and innovation center. The conversation covers a culture of innovation, entrepreneurial courage, seeing mistakes as opportunities, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in bringing sustainable solutions to market.

Look forward to exciting insights into the future of the packaging industry and learn why sustainable innovations require not only new materials but, above all, new ways of thinking.

Circular Economy Poster
Podcast | Oct. 16, 2025 | 31 min. 58 sec.

Circular Academy - Circular Economy Experts Share Their Insider Tips

This episode was recorded live during the Circular Academy’s closing event on September 30, 2025. Together with Herwig Kirchberger (DELSCI GmbH), Nicole Seyring (circulatemore), and Dominik Bock (BB Plastpack e.K.), we discuss how the packaging industry can shape the transition toward a functioning circular economy. (circularacademy.at)

The focus is on alternative packaging solutions, the opportunities and limitations of circular materials, and the question of how sustainability can be successfully implemented in practice. The experts discuss innovations, regulatory requirements, and the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. It becomes clear that the circular economy is much more than just recycling—it requires new ways of thinking, collaboration across the entire value chain, and the courage to question existing processes.

Look forward to exciting insights, thought-provoking discussions, and practical ideas for companies that want to not only keep pace with the megatrend of sustainability but also actively shape it.

Flexible, Sustainable, Revolutionary Poster
Podcast | March 5 | 37 min. 16 sec.

Inside Packaging - Flexible, Sustainable, Revolutionary?

Flexible packaging papers are considered a promising alternative to conventional packaging solutions—but how far has the market actually come? In this episode, we speak with Herwig Kirchberger, Managing Director of DELSCI, about the transformation in the packaging industry and the opportunities and challenges of paper-based flexible packaging.
Together, we’ll explore the tension between sustainability goals, regulatory requirements, and technical feasibility. Which applications are already working today? Where does packaging paper still reach its limits? And what role do innovation, agility, and entrepreneurial courage play in the industry’s transformation?
Look forward to a practical discussion about material innovations, cross-industry innovation, and the question of how sustainable packaging solutions can make the leap from a niche market to the mass market. An exciting episode for anyone who wants to actively shape the future of the packaging industry.

Cover image from the white paper by Herwig Kirchberger on the topic of "Agile Strategies for Packaging Development"
White Paper

Agile strategies for packaging development

The importance of an open and agile mindset to successfully master the packaging transformation process from wasteful to recyclable solutions.

Cover image from the white paper by Dr. Johannes Zipfel on the topic "The need for barrier coatings"
The need for barrier coatings

The need for barrier coatings

Developing sustainable barrier papers for next-generation packaging.