Neopac, a global provider of high-quality tube packaging for a broad array of industries and applications, participated in a forward-thinking event that challenges young people to create innovative and sustainable solutions. Taking place in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Spain, the Makeathon was attended by more than 260 youth contestants and influencers across a range of industries, including packaging solutions.

At the event, Neopac challenged youth participants to design and develop a "smart tube" for pharmaceutical packaging applications that, when combined with the company's metered dosing tube solutions, could help patients adhere to prescription regimens via IoT connectivity. Results of the challenge, which will be available in the coming weeks, drew upon the students' various backgrounds including IT, Electronic Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics and Communications.

The event also places an emphasis on sustainability. To that end, Neopac highlighted its EcoDesign portfolio of environmentally conscious tube solutions. These include:

• The PICEA™ wood tube is comprised of unique and 95% renewable material, including 10% of spruce wood from wood waste in sawmills. PICEA™ is a certified product regarding Ecocert and Cosmos requirements.
• The Recycled Plastic Tube contains up to 75% recycled, food-grade compliant polyethylene plastics and can be used for a variety of applications.
• The Sugarcane tube is made from sustainable raw materials and offers the same characteristics and processability as fossil-based polyethylene.

"The Smart Green Island Makeathon is an incredible educational opportunity to embrace young minds who seek to create a digitized, sustainable future," said Philippe Kern, Head of Material Science for Neopac. "The rationale behind Neopac's line of eco-friendly tubes for the pharmaceutical industry is reflected in the event's overarching goal for more environmentally conscious solutions."