The WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund - an 8 million pound programme encouraging innovative packaging initiatives that reduce household waste - is now accepting project proposals from global brands, major retailers and leading packaging companies.

From the website,

Applications are open to any organisation with an innovative idea which they believe will have a significant impact on minimising packaging or food waste from the home. The only requirement is that the project should involve a retailer or major brand, to maximise the chances that any successful innovations are widely adopted.

Applications are open until the closing dates of 31st March for expressions of interest on Food Waste projects, and 20th April for Packaging Innovation tenders.

WRAP's Innovation Fund Manager, Mike Robey, said:

We are keen to encourage applications from project teams which could include manufacturers, packaging suppliers, designers, as well as brands and retailers. All proposals must demonstrate a potential major impact on minimising household waste.

So far, 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 a wide range of ideas.

In this round of funding, WRAP is asking organisations to apply under one of two criteria - proposals to reduce packaging waste in the home; and proposals that aim to significantly reduce domestic food waste.

A notable recent achievement was by food manufacturer HJ Heinz who carried out successful trials of a new "easy open" can that uses less steel than any other can in its class in collaboration with packaging manufacturers Impress Group BV with 250,000 pounds in funding from WRAP's Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund. Said Gerald Sturdy, technical director at Impress BV,

"Lightweighting food cans is not as straightforward as it might first seem. Our 60 strong innovation team had to overcome a number of technical challenges to ensure that the integrity of the can - its look and feel, strength and behaviour - remained unchanged, whilst developing the lightest can ends in the industry."

But this change alone would save 1,400 tonnes of steel waste every year according to the company.