Te Tahua Pūtea mō te Kirihou Auaha Plastics Innovation Fund

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. 

Download the full version of the infographic [PDF, 531 KB]

Projects that help reduce soft plastic waste

The focus this funding round is on solutions that either design out soft plastic waste in the first place or contain and recycle it (rather than disposing or landfilling).

We are interested in projects that sit higher up the waste hierarchy. Applications that propose the mixing and downcycling of soft plastics, or single-use alternatives to plastics, are unlikely to be supported if the alternative product will end its life at landfill or contaminate other waste streams.

Note: Soft plastics include flexible plastics, bags, packaging and films (eg, LDPE, HDPE and Polypropylene). If you are unsure, email plasticsif@mfe.govt.nz.

See the criteria for approving funding of projects [New Zealand Gazette website]

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

1.  Check your project meets the funding criteria

The questions below do not cover all the funding criteria that will be considered, but if you answer NO to any of the questions your expression of interest is unlikely to progress further.

• Will your expression of interest be submitted on behalf of a legal entity? 
• Does your project promote or achieve plastic waste minimisation? 
• Does your project either:
  • promote or achieve a new activity? 
  • involve a significant expansion in scope or coverage of existing activities? 
  • adopt, scale up or increase the uptake of existing technologies and innovation, developed in New Zealand or overseas?

• Is your project for a discrete timeframe of up to four years? 
• Is the Plastics Innovation Fund the most suitable government funding source for your project?
• Is funding being contributed to the project from other sources (including the applicant)? 
• Does your project meet the relevant minimum funding limit? 
  • The minimum grant available for feasibility or scoping studies will be $20,000.
  • The minimum grant for other project types will be $50,000.

If you need more information email plasticsif@mfe.govt.nz.

2.  Submit your expression of interest 

Expressions of interest must be submitted through this portal link 

• You will need to have first read the Expression of interest guide for applicants. 

• To access the portal you will need to use Chrome, Firefox or Edge as your web browser. and have your RealMe login ready. Guidance on using the portal.

3.  Assessment stage

We will assess your expression of interest. We will prioritise projects which are most aligned with the gazetted criteria. We will regularly invite the most competitive projects to apply. 

4.  Application stage

Those invited to apply will then complete an in-depth application form and project plan. These documents form the basis of a Funding Deed.

5.  Finalisation and kick-off

A final documentation approval occurs before due diligence, deed finalisation and project kick-off. From this point, milestones are reported and funding is provided throughout the duration of the project.