Plastics Challenge - Textiles and Microfibers

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

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking an innovative solution to the challenge of plastic waste from textiles and microfibers in Canada.

Canada has committed to a vision of zero plastic waste where all plastics stay in the economy and out of landfills and the environment. Textiles account for approximately 6% of plastic use and waste in Canada for products such as clothing, carpets, footwear, fabrics, and upholstery. There is currently very limited collection and recycling of textiles in Canada and approximately 93% of plastic textile waste ends up in landfills while the remaining 7% is incinerated or otherwise converted into energy.

ECCC is seeking the development of innovative solutions to the challenge of plastic waste from textiles in Canada, which are functional, cost-effective, and energy-efficient. A solution could benefit manufacturers, households, retailers, services, and/or municipalities in Canada and around the world that face similar difficulties with plastic textile waste.