IGNITE Atlantic, Divert NS and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) have teamed up with Sobeys Inc. to present the Plastic Waste Challenge. The partners are looking for innovative solutions to non-recyclable food packaging.
The objective of The Plastic Waste Challenge is to find an alternative product for fish and meat packaging. The goal is to replace the current product, which is non-recyclable. The winner of the challenge will have an opportunity to engage in discussions with Sobeys regarding a potential pilot in Nova Scotia.
The food industry relies upon plastic and Styrofoam to preserve quality and freshness, to safely transport goods locally and globally, and to deliver the convenience that consumers demand. Increasingly though, the use of plastic food packaging is coming under environmental and regulatory pressures making it unsustainable in the long run. Finding alternative food packaging that is not made of plastic presents many challenges but it is also an opportunity for innovative business solutions.
This Challenge is open to legal residents of all provinces in Canada except Quebec. Eligible applicants must be in one of the following categories:
- Small or medium-sized business
- For profit organization
- Not-for-profit organization
- Indigenous organization or group
- Post-secondary or academic institution
All applicants must submit a letter of intent by March 31, 2022 at 11:59pm AST. Applicants can use the Letter of Intent Guideline and submit their applications here. To qualify for the pitch competition, applicants may be asked to present further information about their proposed solution.
