Launch of the 2019 European Social Innovation Competition: EUR 150,000 for three innovations reducing plastic waste

Ljubljana, Slovenia (ots) - Today, at an event in Ljubljana,
Slovenia, the European Commission launched the 2019 edition of the
European Social Innovation Competition. Under the theme Challenging
Plastic Waste, this year's edition is looking for ideas and projects
that reduce plastic waste by targeting systemic change at the local,
national and European level. Independent Judges will determine the
three projects that will each be awarded EUR 50,000 in October 2019.

"We collect more than 27 million tons of plastic waste in Europe
per year. Whilst addressing plastic waste is a big challenge, it is
also an opportunity to innovate and create new solutions. That is why
this year we are calling for ideas to tackle this societal issue,
laying the foundations for new business models, new forms of
cooperation and stimulating new ways of doing things for a better,
cleaner and more sustainable future for all," said Slawomir Tokarski,
Director in charge of Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing at the
European Commission.

The European Commission has already implemented several measures,
as part of a determined action to turn the challenge of plastic waste
into a positive drive for the future of Europe. This includes the
first-ever Europe-wide Plastics Strategy
(http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-5_en.htm), the launch of
the Circular Plastics Alliance
(http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-6728_en.htm) as well as a
voluntary pledges campaign
(http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-6444_en.htm). With these
measures, the Commission is laying the grounds for a transition
towards a more circular economy, fostering growth and innovation.

The aim of the 2019 European Social Innovation Competition is to
support ideas and projects that reduce plastic waste and littering
through changing and improving existing processes or through
introducing brand-new products and initiatives. These innovations
need to reduce the amount of plastic waste created or encourage and
enable the greater re-use and recycling of plastic waste. Solutions
should be scalable and target change at the systemic level and be
rooted in one of the following areas:

- Reducing the consumption of single use plastic products;
- Recycling, reusing, and upcycling existing plastic waste;
- Dealing with accumulated plastic waste in landfills and the
environment;
- Changing consumer behaviours, or retail and wider business
practices;
- Implementing alternative business models and optimising supply
chains;
- Introducing new materials fit for a circular economy or that offer
sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics.

The European Social Innovation Competition is seeking ideas from
social innovators, entrepreneurs, students, designers, businesses,
doers, makers and change creators - anyone who has an innovative and
creative idea for turning the tide on plastic waste.

The 2019 edition of the Competition was launched in Ljubljana, a
sustainability pioneer, former European Green Capital and winner of
the 2018 Sustainability category in the European Capital of Smart
Tourism Awards. This zero waste city collects 68% of its waste
separately (more than any other European capital). Furthermore, two
recent winners of the Competition are from Slovenia, demonstrating a
burgeoning social innovation ecosystem in the country. Ljubljana was
therefore a natural choice to host this year's Launch Event for the
2019 Competition.

At the Launch Event attendees had the opportunity to learn about the
Competition and hear from one of last year's winners, HeritageLab
(https://eusic-2018.challenges.org/selected/72/slovenia/),
regarding their experience. In addition, attendees were able to gain
insights from a discussion panel in which some of this year's Judges
(https://eusic.challenges.org/judging-panel/)
discussed the issue of plastic waste, as well as take part in a mini
hackathon thinking up solutions to the plastics problem. The event
closed with an exhibition titled "Toasted Furniture"
(https://nusajelenec.com/portfolio/toasted-furniture/) from Slovenian
artists Nusa Jelenec and Nina Mrsnik. It showcased the artists'
innovative method of actually toasting plastic waste, transforming it
into beautiful and colourful panels, which are then used as the
building blocks for furniture and lighting. This offered a fantastic
and creative example of Challenging Plastic Waste.

End notes: Applications are open until Thursday 4 April noon CET.
For full details visit: www.eusic.org

More information about European Social Innovation Competition:

Launched in memory of social innovation pioneer Diogo Vasconcelos,
the European Social Innovation Competition is a challenge prize run
by the European Commission across all EU Member States and Horizon
2020 associated countries. Now in its 7th year, the Competition acts
as a beacon for social innovators in Europe, employing a proven
methodology for supporting early-stage ideas and facilitating a
network of radical innovators shaping society for the better. Each
year the Competition addresses a different issue facing Europe. This
year, the focus is: Challenging Plastic Waste.

The Competition is organised by the European Commission with
support from Nesta, Kennisland, Ashoka Spain, the European Network of
Living Labs, and Scholz & Friends.

For information on earlier editions and winning projects, visit:
www.eusic.org

Questions about the Competition can be sent to:
info@socialinnovationprize.eu

Follow the Competition on Twitter: @EUSocialInnov #diogochallenge

Subscribe to the Competition newsletter here: www.eusic.org

Contact:
European Social Innovation Competition
info@socialinnovationprize.eu

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