Food and Beverages

Challenge: Recycling Technologies for Biodegradable Films - PepsiCo

Seeking Recycling Technologies for Biodegradable Films PepsiCo About PepsiCo is a global food and beverage corporation dedicated to innovation, sustainability and enhancing consumer experiences, with an emphasis on creating advanced solutions that optimize operations, minimize environmental impact and enhance customer engagement. The Challenge The challenge focuses on developing innovative recycling solutions for bio-based and biodegradable packaging, particularly multi-material biopolymer structures. It aims to:

• Enable conversion of bio-based packaging into high value starting materials.
• Address separation challenges in mixed biopolymer materials such as PLA and PHA.
• Develop scalable chemical, enzymatic or mechanical recycling approaches that improve efficiency and material recovery.

The goal is to advance sustainable recycling technologies for compostable packaging, ensuring their viability in a circular economy. Reward Successful proposals may receive funding ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for the initial proof-of-concept phase, with potential additional funding of up to $100,000 for further development. Selected applicants will have also the opportunity to collaborate with PepsiCo experts. Timeframe Deadline for Submitting Proposals: April 30, 2025 Who can apply TRL 1+ will be considered How to apply Application through PepsiCo’s Open Innovation Portal Find here all the details and the submission page The SPIN4EIC consortium is not responsible for the challenges launched by private or public buyers. Each participating entity is solely responsible for its own challenge, including the selection process, communication with applicants, and all information provided to participants.

Challenge: Recyclable closure for paper beverage bottles - PepsiCo

Recyclable Closure for Paper Beverage Bottles PepsiCo About PepsiCo is a global food and beverage corporation dedicated to innovation, sustainability and enhancing consumer experiences, with an emphasis on creating advanced solutions that optimize operations, minimize environmental impact and enhance customer engagement. The Challenge The challenge focuses on developing a re-closable fiber-based closure for paper beverage bottles that can be recycled in the paper stream. It aims to improve:

• Durability, by ensuring the closure resists breakdown from liquids and maintains integrity.
• Food safety compliance, meeting FDA and equivalent regulatory standards.
• Recyclability, ensuring no negative impact on the paper recycling process.
• Seal integrity, maintaining dimensional stability across temperature and humidity variations.
• Sensory neutrality, ensuring no impact on the taste or smell of the beverage.

Reward Successful proposals may receive up to $100,000 in funding for proof-of-concept, with potential for further financial support. Selected participants will gain access to PepsiCo’s scientists and engineers for technical collaboration and the opportunity to work directly with PepsiCo to scale and implement their solution.   Timeframe   Deadline for Submitting Proposals: September 30, 2025 Who can apply Companies and innovators with fiber-based closure solutions suitable for paper beverage bottles. How to apply Application through PepsiCo’s Open Innovation Portal Find here all the details and the submission page The SPIN4EIC consortium is not responsible for the challenges launched by private or public buyers. Each participating entity is solely responsible for its own challenge, including the selection process, communication with applicants, and all information provided to participants.