Image of plastic found on a beach courtesy of Sustainable Coastlines.

Te Tahua Pūtea mō te Kirihou Auaha Plastics Innovation Fund

Applications are currently closed

The Plastics Innovation Fund supports projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment. We are seeking to fund projects that find ways to use less plastic and make what we do use reusable or recyclable.

Image courtesy of Sustainable Coastlines

Amount funded

$50 million over 4-years

Key date

Next funding round is planned for early 2024.

What we are working to achieve

The primary objective is to promote or achieve plastic waste minimisation.

We are looking for ways to reduce plastic waste at the source, separate out plastic types and keep them in the highest possible quality for the longest possible time. This is particularly difficult when finding solutions for soft plastics — especially when contaminated by food, dirt or chemicals. 

plastic innovation fund outcomes

It shows the five main outcomes for the Plastics Innovation Fund. 

These are:

  • minimise plastic waste
  • support circular solutions
  • protect the environment from harm
  • support the reduction of imported plastic
  • improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).
plastic innovation fund outcomes

It shows the five main outcomes for the Plastics Innovation Fund. 

These are:

  • minimise plastic waste
  • support circular solutions
  • protect the environment from harm
  • support the reduction of imported plastic
  • improve the behaviour of people and businesses (up the waste hierarchy).

Eligibility

Any New Zealand-based legal entity can apply for funding.

Closing the loop on PVC and HDPE construction and demolition waste

Find out how Marley and Waste Management have worked with the Plastics Innovation Fund to establish a nationwide scheme to collect and recycle construction and demolition plastics.

Kaipaki Dairies zero single-use plastic project

Find out how Kaipaki are reducing the need for millions of plastic milk bottles per year in partnership with the Plastics Innovation Fund.