As part of its Entrepreneurs’ Programme, the federal government has developed a Sustainable Packaging Project for SMEs.
The project is designed to give eligible small and medium-sized businesses access to industry networks, expert resources and up to $20,000 in matched grant funding to help these firms increase their capability to meet the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. It offers up to 12 months’ direct individual business assistance, along with collective peer-group knowledge and skill-development activities.
Eligible SMEs with revenues of between $1.5m and $100m are invited to join the project via Expressions of Interest (EOIs). All EOIs are due by 18 February 2022.
Bootcamp: Implementing the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) within your business
To kickstart the project, the Entrepreneurs’ Programme has also put together an interactive Bootcamp for participating SMEs, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday 23 February 2022
This Bootcamp aims to enable participating businesses to ‘deep-dive’ into ways Sustainable Packaging Design could be implemented in their packaging development processes, new and existing. It will be delivered by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP).
Four industry experts with more than 120 years’ collective packaging experience will be on hand to help participants work through the 10 Sustainable Packaging Principles that support achievement of the four key targets:
- design for recovery;
- design for efficiency;
- using recycled materials; and
- design to minimise litter.
The Bootcamp is designed to help attendees develop the skills and capability required to implement the SPPs within their businesses. In it, you’ll learn how to integrate these principles, via improved design and procurement practices, to achieve optimal outcomes for packaging functionality, and to work collectively to meet the government’s 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Important dates
Deadline for EOIs: Friday 18 February 2022, 6-7pm AEDT
Bootcamp: Wednesday 23 February 2022, 9am-12noon AEDT
Register your interest via an EOI
To register your interest (EOI) in participating in the Improving Sustainable Packaging Practices Project, click here.
If you have queries or require further information, contact project lead Brett Henderson on brett.henderson@ep.industry.gov.au
The Sustainable Packaging Project for SMEs
The Sustainable Packaging Project is funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Entrepreneurs’ Programme, along with Australian Industry Group (AiGroup), AIP, Food & Fibre Gippsland and Melbourne’s North Food Group. It will be delivered by the Entrepreneurs’ Programme in partnership with AiGroup.
The Entrepreneurs’ Programme provides quality advice, support, networking and grants to help Australian businesses grow, innovate and commercialise nationally and globally. This helps to drive economic growth and jobs, improving broader community outcomes.