In 2018, around 380 million tonnes of plastic were produced globally. Only a small percentage of this is recycled, with most of flooding our oceans, poisoning marine life and seabirds, or going into landfills. Researchers estimate that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight by 2050, and meanwhile, villages in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are being ‘turned into dumpsites’. Most plastic waste that ends up in oceans or landfills comes from single-use items, such as packaging. The need for alternatives is clear, but few companies have been innovating in this space.
This is where the Green Alley Award, Europe’s first startup prize for the circular economy, comes in. The award’s mission is to nurture and promote promising business ideas that use new services, products and technologies to turn waste into a resource and battle our current plastics economy.
If your startup is innovating in the circular economy, this is your chance to take your sustainable business idea to the next level. The Green Alley Award 2019 is inviting startups to showcase their technology, service or product for the circular economy. Apply by June 25th 2019 for the chance to win €25,000, plus a crowdfunding opportunity and valuable business contacts.
The Green Alley Award targets European startups and young entrepreneurs who have developed a business model in the areas of digital circular economy, recycling and waste prevention. The award sponsors are looking for startups that are about to launch their products or services or are already in the growth phase, as well as startups who want to expand into other European markets. The sole condition is that the business idea must help reduce waste, turn waste into resources or offer a digital circular economy solution.
Last year winner, UK startup Aeropowder won the award with their unique idea for insulating material for packaging made from waste feathers. In 2017, the Finnish startup Sulapac presented a wooden, biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging. And the first winner of the Green Alley Award in 2014, Finnish startup Repack, provides a reusable packaging service for online retailers to reduce packaging waste.
What’s in for you?
- €25,000 prize money to take your business to the next level
- Feedback from high-ranking circular economy experts and start-up mentors
- Networking opportunities and new business contacts
- Option for a crowdfunding campaign with Seedmatch or partner platforms
- Pitch to potential investors and media at the Green Alley Award finals
Following a live pitch, the jury will choose the winner at an all-day event on October 17th in Berlin. Finalists will also have the chance to win the Seedmatch Crowd Award, including a one-day workshop on raising money via online platforms, and the option to create an individual crowdfunding campaign.
For more information, you can visit the Green Alley Award newsroom, and don’t forget to apply by 25 June 2019!
