Academic institutions, businesses, charities, not-for-profits and public sector organisations working to identify solutions to the negative environmental impacts of packaging, batteries or electronic waste could secure up to £150,000 in funding through the launch of the second round of the pioneering innovation fund from producer compliance scheme Ecosurety.
The only research and innovation fund to be offered by a UK based producer compliance scheme, it builds on the success of the first Exploration Fund launched in 2019, which received over 50 applications and went on to award four projects a total of £500k. Recognising the vital need to improve resource efficiency and shift to a more circular economy, the Ecosurety Exploration Fund welcomes applications from UK-based innovation and research projects working across the full lifecycle of packaging, batteries and electronics to reduce environmental impacts; from production, use and collection to end-of-life treatment and reuse. Applications could therefore include technological innovations, awareness campaigns, processes and material development as well as research into system or behaviour change.
Commenting on the launch, Will Ghali, CEO of Ecosurety said “The launch of our second Ecosurety Exploration Fund will act as a vital springboard for original research and innovation projects tackling some of the most pressing issues caused by packaging, batteries and electronic waste.” “As we learnt in our first Exploration Fund, it is sometimes the simplest ideas that offer the biggest potential impact.
Ecosurety encourages all eligible organisations to apply to the 2021 Exploration Fund. We very much look forward to reviewing the entries.” In December 2020, Ecosurety confirmed the winners of the first round of the Exploration Fund. Four innovation and research projects were selected by the independent judges for their originality, viability and potential long-term impact. The projects tackled a diverse range of issues including the low recyclability of post-consumer plastic film, the high level of electricals going to landfill, the low levels of recycling on urban housing estates and the need for innovative technological solutions for the lithium-ion battery recycling sector.
Applications for the 2021 Ecosurety Exploration Fund are now being accepted via the Ecosurety website with an application deadline of 24th August 2021. Following the closure of the Exploration Fund, a longlist of winners will be selected by Ecosurety and then reviewed by an independent panel of judges.
Winners of the 2021 Ecosurety Exploration Fund will be announced in December 2021.