The Innovate UK (IUK) Future Plastic Packaging Solutions Competition forms part of the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge, which aims to establish the UK as a leading innovator in smart and sustainable plastic packaging for consumer products.

The aim of this competition is to support early-stage feasibility studies and industrial research that addresses widely known problems in relation to plastic packaging for consumer products.

IUK aims to fund projects with either direct or indirect commercial outcomes for the partners. For example, a project to improve understanding where the outputs would be made freely available would be in scope.

Proposals must focus on addressing known problems in relation to plastic packaging as the primary application. They can include either the re-design of existing goods, services or business models; or the design of entirely new goods, services or business models to serve an existing need.

IUK has allocated up to £2 million to fund innovation projects in this competition. Grants ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 per project will be awarded. The maximum grant to be shared between partners in a collaborative project is £150,000.

The competition is open to single applicants and collaborations. To lead a project or work alone, the organisation must be a UK registered business of any size or a UK registered charity, not-for-profit or non-government body. The lead can collaborate with other businesses, charities, non-government bodies, not-for-profit or UK-based academic institutions, research organisations, research and technology organisations (RTOs).

The deadline for applications is 20 January 2021 (11:00 GMT) more details here.