Opportunity Knocks For Innovative Retail Packaging Projects

The Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund was officially launched by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) in November 2004 with the aim of significantly reducing post-consumer household food and packaging waste.

To help companies involved in the retail sector to transform ideas into successful proposals, WRAP has organised a second series of guidance seminars during February and March. The events will provide delegates with a full overview of the Innovation Fund and its aims and give them the opportunity to discuss their ideas in more depth in confidential one-to-one meetings.

Research carried out by WRAP shows that around half of the 30 million tonnes of household waste that ultimately ends up in landfill every year originates from purchases from supermarkets and convenience stores, at a cost to the retail industry, the consumer and the environment. The Innovation Fund represents a major opportunity for the retail sector to access support to help kick start new thinking in packaging design to address this, and it has received widespread support from within the sector.

Key industry names keen to see inventive ideas submitted to WRAP for consideration include Ian Dent, Chief Executive of the Packaging Federation, who said:
"I fully support this initiative knowing how innovative the converting sector is. I would, therefore, encourage anyone with a suitable project idea to attend one of the Innovation Fund’s Guidance Seminars. I look forward to some exciting projects being put forward by the sector."

Ian Bowles, Environment Manager for ASDA, added:
"ASDA is a strong supporter of the Innovation Fund. It is helping us to research and trial new ideas that will help our customers to reduce waste. I found the WRAP seminar very helpful in stimulating ideas and developing our bids. Anyone planning to apply will find the seminars invaluable in maximising the chances of receiving funding."

So far, over 35 companies have applied to the Innovation Fund, and WRAP’s Head of Innovation, Richard Swannell, is keen to see more high quality bids come through in the next round.
"We have already received some great proposals that have the potential to deliver direct and significant reductions in household food and packaging waste levels but we need more. This work will deliver real benefits to the retailer, the consumer and the environment and I would urge the industry to take advantage of the opportunity and to use the seminars to make the application process as easy and effective as possible.”"

The deadline for applications to the fund is April 14 and further information can be found at www.wrap.org.uk/innovationfund. To book a place at one of the seminars, contact Hayley Hetherington on tel: 0113 242 1155 or e-mail hayley@ptarmiganpr.co.uk