Plastics Challenge - Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Packaging

Deadline: 2020-04-14
Award: $150,000 CAD
Open to: Canadian entities*

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking the development of innovative alternative reusable or recyclable products and/or product systems that can replace one or more "challenging" plastic packaging product(s) that contribute to plastic waste and pollution.

Canada has committed to a vision of zero plastic waste where all plastics stay in the economy and out of landfills and the environment. Packaging is a priority area for action as they account for almost 50% of the plastic waste generated in Canada every year. These products are designed to be thrown away after one use yet may last hundreds of years in landfills and the environment. Many of these products are challenging to collect or recycle after use due to their design, size or the presence of contaminants. For example, only 15% of plastic packaging was recycled in Canada in 2016, with the rest ending up in landfills, incinerators or the environment.

Solutions could apply to businesses (e.g. retailers, manufacturers, etc.), institutions (e.g. schools, universities, hospitals, etc.), or any other organization that provides or uses plastic packaging products. This challenge is open to product or technology innovations, or a combination thereof.