Deadline: 20 October 2017
As part of the New Plastics Economy Innovation Prize, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is asking the question how can we make all plastic packaging recyclable?
The Circular Materials Challenge is currently inviting innovators to find alternative materials that could be recycled or industrially composted. The aim of the Challenge is to stimulate the development of materials that could be captured and recycled or composted effectively rather than being incinerated or ending up in landfills or the natural environment after one short use, and at the same time have sufficient barrier properties to be used to package consumer products, such as food or personal care products.
The Circular Materials Challenge seeks to catalyse innovation, and help to advance the development of new materials with the potential to become commercially viable, recyclable or compostable alternatives to the nonrecyclable multi-material laminate films used in packaging.
The objective of the Competition is to accelerate innovations in material science that can lead to alternatives to non-recyclable multi-material plastic films.
Award Details
Winners will receive $200,000 and exclusive access to a 12-month acceleration programme, with the opportunity to receive mentoring and support from New Plastics Economy participant organisations, to advance their innovations and demonstrate that their materials have the potential to be a viable alternative to non-recyclable multi-material laminated packaging.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Competition is open to all individuals over the age of 18 and to all validly formed legal entities which are permitted to participate by their governing documents.
- Directors, trustees, employees and family members of the Sponsors, the Judges Panel, and any of their respective affiliates and subsidiaries are not eligible to enter this Competition. Responses from companies (small to large), academic researchers, other research institutes, consultants, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs or inventors are welcome. Appplicants are not required to pay a fee to participate in the Competition.
- Applicants are solely responsible for all hardware, software, and internet service connections and any service fees associated with such access necessary to submit and file their submission as well as all costs incurred by them or on their behalf to participate in the Competition.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit the online response form via given website.
For more information, please visit Circular Materials Challenge.