Wrap Innovation Fund Encourages Companies To Box Clever
06 November 2006
WRAP (the Waste & 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 major programme to promote innovative packaging optimisation projects.
This round of funding will concentrate on projects that have a clear potential to deliver significant reductions in the amount of paper-based packaging that ends up in the household bin.
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 cutting-edge research and development work that may not otherwise attract internal investment.
Applications are open to any organisation or consortium with an innovative idea which will optimise paper based packaging, substantially 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 11th December 2006. WRAP is running a fast track assessment, shortlisting applicants by 20th December, with a view to kicking-off contracted projects as soon as February 2007 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.
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 into 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 R&D and production trials, technical feasibility studies and pilots, and we are happy to consider and discuss a wide range of ideas with any one who is thinking of making an application.”
More information and downloadable tender documents are available at www.wrap.org.uk/retail. Informal advice and copies of the Tender Invitation Document are available direct from WRAP’s Retail Innovation team which can be contacted on 01295 819687.
This round of funding will concentrate on projects that have a clear potential to deliver significant reductions in the amount of paper-based packaging that ends up in the household bin.
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 cutting-edge research and development work that may not otherwise attract internal investment.
Applications are open to any organisation or consortium with an innovative idea which will optimise paper based packaging, substantially 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 11th December 2006. WRAP is running a fast track assessment, shortlisting applicants by 20th December, with a view to kicking-off contracted projects as soon as February 2007 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.
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 into 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 R&D and production trials, technical feasibility studies and pilots, and we are happy to consider and discuss a wide range of ideas with any one who is thinking of making an application.”
More information and downloadable tender documents are available at www.wrap.org.uk/retail. Informal advice and copies of the Tender Invitation Document are available direct from WRAP’s Retail Innovation team which can be contacted on 01295 819687.
Editor's notes:
- WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP’s programmes can be found at www.wrap.org.uk
Michael Bennett or Richard Truman
Pelican Public Relations Ltd
Tel: 01457 820807
info@pelicanpr.co.uk
Press Office
Senior Press Officer
WRAP
Tel: 01295 819695
press.office@wrap.org.uk
