In 2019, the focus of the competition ‘Challenging plastic waste’ sought the most innovative projects, products, services, business models and collaborations to tackle plastic waste. It was funded by the European Commission.
Every year, Europeans produce more than 30kg of plastic waste per person, but only 40% of this is recycled. We need new solutions for the design, production and use of plastics, as well as for the collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste and sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
This challenge will reward the most innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste and improving re-use and recycling at a systemic level.
MIWA (Czech Republic) designed an innovative, financially-sustainable circular distribution and sale system for food and non-food products with reusable packaging.
SpraySafe (Portugal) developed an edible spray used on the surface of foods to preserve them, reducing the need for plastic wrapping and containers.
VEnvirotech (Spain) is a biotechnological start-up that transforms organic waste into biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics using bacteria.
In 2019, an Impact Prize was also awarded to the 2018 semi-finalist able to demonstrate clear social impact:
MTOP goes digital (Austria)
MTOP goes digital, a social micro-enterprise that helps to prepare young, qualified refugees to enter the Austrian labour market using smart offline and online solutions. It also helps to maintain long term working relationships by providing post-placement support. By doing so, it also fosters international sign language education.
Apaga (Armenia) has developed an app that customers use to access a network of smart containers, where they can recycle their plastic waste. The quantity is measured and users are rewarded with green points on the app. These points entitle users to discounts, special offers and gifts from Apaga’s retail partners.
Empower (Norway) has developed an app that enables users to receive digital tokens in exchange for plastic waste. These tokens can be either converted into local currency or donated to fund clean-up operations around the world.
LAM’ON (Bulgaria) is made from corn; the film is based on bio-polymers while the glue layer is completely non-toxic and suited for the needs of the printing industry. It serves the exact same function as typical laminating film, with one key difference; LAM’ON is 100% biodegradable.
Luft Parcel (UK) is an inflatable parcel that consumers can post back to the retailer, in exchange for a deposit. The parcel can be used repeatedly up to 20-30 times and is set to not only reduce plastic waste, but will also save on energy due to reduced manufacturing demand.
ReciclaGaMe (Italy) the team behind this idea have identified the ability of a particular breed of larvae to degrade polyethylene – the most common form of plastic. They have adapted the process so that it can be implemented on an industrial scale, in an eco-sustainable way, meaning it has the potential to eliminate the need for landfill.
Refeel Good (Portugal) is an easy and convenient delivery system, where users order their favourite laundry and cleaning products through an app or website, and the Refeel Good team will deliver them at their door in reusable plastic packaging. Next time they order, the Refeel Good team will collect their previous empty plastic containers, clean them, refill them, and use them again.
RIS (Slovenia) has created shampoo capsules which work in much the same way as the detergent capsules we use in our washing machines. The capsules are made from dissolvable natural ingredients and are filled with one portion of shampoo. They couldn’t be easier to use and they generate both zero product waste as well as zero plastic waste.
were submitted to the 2019 edition of the European Social Innovation Competition
Europeans produce more than 30 kg of plastic waste per person, but only 40% of this is recycled
single-use plastic will be banned in Europe, including cutlery, straws and cotton buds
Looking for scalable social innovations that will contribute to job creation, growth and competitiveness in Europe.
Looking for ideas that improve the environmental and social impact of the European fashion market.
Seeking innovative projects to empower young people to participate in a changing economy.
Seeking innovations to equip all members of society with skills and opportunities for a changing economy.
Supporting creative approaches to realise the potential of refugees and migrants in the EU.
Supported individuals and organisations with game-changing ideas for social innovation projects.
The European Social Innovation Competition 2014 ‘The Job Challenge’ sought innovative solutions for creating new types of work and address social needs.
The first edition of the Competition ‘New forms of work’ sought innovative solutions for creating new opportunities for work, and for better work.
