Product category:
General packaging materials, equipment and services
News Release from: WRAP
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 November 2006
Paper-Based Packaging Waste Minimisation
Incentive
WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) is encouraging brand owners, retailers and packaging designers to 'box clever' by calling for applications to its Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund.
WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) is encouraging brand owners, retailers and packaging designers to 'box clever' by calling for applications to its Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund, a programme to promote innovative packaging optimisation projects This round of funding will concentrate on projects that have a clear potential to deliver reductions in the amount of paper-based packaging that ends up in the household bin
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 25 Apr 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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WRAP believes good opportunities for packaging optimisation exist with products such as cereal boxes, laundry detergents, frozen foods, sanitary products, multi-packs, postal packs and home delivery boxes.
Launched in November 2004, the Innovation Fund is designed to facilitate the design, prototyping and piloting of products, packaging, materials and systems.
The fund can provide a lower risk environment for research and development work that may not otherwise attract internal investment.
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Applications are open to any organisation, or consortium with an innovative idea that will optimise paper based packaging, reduce household waste and have a clear route to market to maximise the chances that any successful innovations are widely adopted.
The tender is open until December 11.
WRAP is running a fast-track assessment, shortlisting applicants by Decmber 20, with a view to starting contracted projects next February where feasible.
There will be further Innovation Fund opportunities in the New Year.
So far, over 30 projects have been approved for Innovation Fund support.
It is estimated that if all the research proves to be successful and the findings are taken up across the retail sector, then over half a million tonnes of resources will be saved, commented WRAP.
In the case of paper and paperboard, WRAP research has shown that up to 2.14 million tonnes of paper and paperboard packaging may be entering the UK household waste stream.
This is made-up of 1.14 million tonnes of corrugated packaging, 0.48 million tonnes of carton board and 0.52 million tonnes of greyboard and wrappings.
WRAP has already undertaken a number of projects designed to optimise paper and paperboard packaging.
These have included packaging redesign and production trials for frozen pizza packaging with retailer Iceland, with the objective of reducing consumer packaging by as much as 50 per cent.
John Lewis Partnership has also received funding to support initial research in to the feasibility of developing reusable packaging for white goods.
This could also reduce product damage by providing improved protection.
WRAP's Innovation Fund manager, Mike Robey, said: "Our research has identified that there is a significant opportunity for the optimisation of paper and paperboard packaging, which represents a significant proportion of consumer packaging.
Currently there are not many paper or paperboard packaging optimisation projects amongst the 30-plus Innovation Fund approved projects.
We have, therefore, decided to create this a fast-track opportunity for paper and paperboard based packaging optimisation." He added: "As a result, we are keen to encourage applications from project teams, which could include manufacturers, packaging suppliers and designers, as well as brand owners and retailers.
All proposals must demonstrate a potential major improvement in resource efficiency.
Previously our independent assessment panel has approved funding for a range of activities, from consumer research to research and development and production trials, technical feasibility studies and pilots.
We are happy to consider and discuss a wide range of ideas with any one who is thinking of making an application.".
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