International Balkan University recently hosted the virtual component of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) titled “Redesigning the Future: Sustainable Food Packaging and Business Innovation.” The event was organized through the joint efforts of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and the Faculty of Art and Design.

Twenty-seven students from IBU and its partner institutions - Radom Academy of Economics (Poland), University of Applied Sciences Marko Marulić of Knin (Croatia), and Aspira University of Applied Sciences – Split (Croatia) - joined the online session.

The virtual agenda began with a welcome and an introduction to the project, where participants learned about the program’s purpose, key goals, upcoming activities, and took part in student introductions.

The main part of the session featured three expert lectures:

- Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Ristovska (Dean, Faculty of Art and Design) spoke about the use of Biomaterials in Food Packaging and their role in sustainable solutions.

- Prof. Maja Gjureska (Fashion Design Department) presented on Textile Packaging as an eco-friendly alternative for businesses.

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liza Alili Sulejmani (Dean, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences) and Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic (Vice-Rector) offered practical guidance on Developing Sustainable Business Plans.

This virtual component provided a strong academic foundation for the next phase of the program and promoted collaboration among students from diverse countries and disciplines. It set the tone for a productive exchange of ideas focused on the future of sustainable food packaging and business innovation.