Operative side of packaging producer responsibility at Sumi

For producers, packaging producer responsibility often appears only as reporting and obligations. Behind the scenes, however, there are experts ensuring that the overall waste management and recycling work in practice. At Sumi Oy, these functions are carried out by Recycling Coach Katja Laitinen and Materials Manager Eeva Hanni.  

Before joining Sumi, Katja held a variety of roles in the recycling and waste management sector. She has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Environmental Protection Technology. Eeva holds a Master of Science degree in Paper Technology and has extensive experience in recycling and producer responsibility.

Together, they form a close expert duo responsible for much of the practical implementation of producer responsibility on behalf of Sumi’s customers.

Organizing collection and recycling  

Katja and Eeva’s work focuses primarily on the practical organization of collection and recycling. They are responsible for operational activities related to both consumer and business packaging, with a particular emphasis on consumer packaging.

A key part of their work is managing the terminal network. This includes organizing reception points for packaging waste, preparing guidelines, managing contracts, conducting procurement processes, as well as handling reporting and invoicing. Their work also involves regular on-site self-monitoring at terminals.

“All activities where packaging physically moves as waste fall under our responsibility. During terminal visits, it is rewarding to see the impact of our work in practice – this is where the waste ends up, properly sorted,” Eeva explains.

The work is diverse and varied. A typical week may include reviewing collection and recycling reports, collaborating with partners, handling complaints, and participating in legislative matters. Some tasks are also seasonal, such as annual reporting to authorities and coordinating waste composition studies.

A seamless system built on broad cooperation and clear roles  

The work involves continuous collaboration with a wide network of stakeholders. These include waste management companies within the terminal network, recyclers, producer responsibility authorities, the service company RINKI, other producer responsibility organizations, and national packaging waste cooperation actors.

Although the work is carried out as a team, responsibilities are partly divided. Katja oversees the operational side of plastic packaging. In addition, she works as a Recycling Coach, helping companies develop their own waste management practices, and actively participates in industry development initiatives such as the 4R steering group.

Eeva is responsible for glass, metal, wood, paper, and cardboard packaging. This involves cooperation with several recycling partners. She also acts as Sumi’s SUP expert and is responsible for cooperation with the RINKI service company.

Meaningful work at the heart of the circular economy  

The work carried out by Katja and Eeva is a key part of how producer responsibility is implemented in practice. They ensure that recycling organized on behalf of producers functions effectively, and that materials are returned into circulation.

“It is meaningful to do work that has a direct impact on recycling and the environment,” says Eeva.

“The best things about this work are the people, the variety of tasks, and the opportunity to work in a responsible role,” Katja adds.