Innovative businesses developing “sustainable” packaging made from grain and straw are being invited to apply for an award of up to £50,000 to help them perfect, commercialise and market their products by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA).
A levy-funded organisation focused on improving the production and marketing of UK cereals and oilseeds to increase their competitiveness in the UK and abroad, the HGCA stages two rounds of Enterprise Awards annually, launched in April and September. Previous winners have included Greenlight Products, which won an award in 2003 for developing a wheat-based “eco-friendly” alternative to polystyrene block packaging, and Homer Associates, which won £22,000 in 2005 for a packaging material for soft fruits made from the whole wheat crop. Entrants must show their project will use at least 500 tonnes of grain, or 250 tonnes of oilseed rape, over the project lifetime.
Terry Robins (formerly Sainsbury’s packaging innovations manager) of Robins Packaging Consultants, who has extensive experience in sustainable packaging materials, says: “Developing sustainable packaging materials benefits not only the environment, but also offers a real market opportunity for companies involved in packaging. I hope other companies will be encouraged by companies like Greenlight and Homer Associates and take advantage of the support available.”
To apply for an HGCA Enterprise Award, contact Dr Mairi Black, T: +44 (0)207 520 3937 or apply online at: www.hgca.com/enterprise
Closing date for this round of applications is December 31.