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Kraft Heinz Seeks Sustainable Flexible Packaging Solutions for FoodKraft Heinz Seeks Sustainable Flexible Packaging Solutions for Food

Wanted: Startups with flexible packaging solutions for food that are recyclable or compostable, long-lasting, and user-friendly.

Staff

January 22, 2025

2 Min Read
Global Innovation Challenge
Rick Lingle via Canva

The Rethinking Materials Summit has announced a new Global Innovation Challenge in partnership with Kraft Heinz, inviting startups from around the world to reimagine a more sustainable future for food packaging.

The challenge seeks flexible packaging solutions for food that are recyclable or compostable, long-lasting, and user-friendly. Kraft Heinz plans to bring the winning idea to life with the help of its packaging R&D teams and collaborate with the winner to identify viable solutions that will advance Kraft Heinz’s packaging portfolio. 

Three finalists will be announced on April 16 and invited to pitch live on stage during the Rethinking Materials Summit at the Hilton London Bankside, May 13 and 14, enabling them to reach a global audience of manufacturers, consumer brand owners, and investors. 

The winner will be announced at the summit on Tuesday, May 13, and will receive feedback and insights from members of the Kraft Heinz’s Global Innovation team; this may include technical expertise, regulatory guidance, and food industry know-how.  

Linda Roman, Kraft Heinz director of packaging and North America R&D Fellow, is excited to partner with Rethinking Materials for this Innovation Challenge. 

“We know collaboration is the key to unlocking solutions for the future of packaging, especially [considering] all the requirements food packaging must address — safety of the product, consumer-use preferences, and options for disposal or reuse once the product has been enjoyed,” she says. “We’re excited to see the innovative solutions startups will bring to the table and look forward to supporting them in creating a more sustainable future for food.” 

Interested participants are encouraged to watch a virtual Q&A with Roman on Feb. 5 via LinkedIn where she will share: 

  • Vital insights into what Kraft Heinz is looking for in this challenge;

  • what’s new and exciting in the material innovation space; 

  • the opportunities for next-gen materials; and 

  • how startup partnerships are bringing new products to market. 

Entries are open to startups, academics, and entrepreneurs around the world actively working to develop innovative solutions that can be applicable to dry or aqueous food products. 

Successful submissions must be compatible with plastic recycling, paper recycling, or industrial composting streams, and priority will be given to companies approved for direct food contact per FDA 21CFR/EFSA FCM, or capable of receiving clearance for food contact by 2026. Special cconsideration will be given to companies with proof of principle and prototypes.

To learn more and apply online, visit this link

About the Author

Staff

Informa Markets Engineering

The Informa Markets Engineering network of B2B media sites includes Design News, Battery Technology, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), Packaging Digest, PlasticsToday, and Powder & Bulk Solids.

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