Join to propose industry-shifting ideas to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment.
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About the Circular Plastics Challenge
We need innovative leaders like you to imagine how we can craft a truly circular economy! Industry-leading companies are eager for fresh, out-of-the-box thinking to push the plastics industry to become more circular, at scale. In an effort towards making progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption, Net Impact’s Circular Plastics Challenge calls upon innovators, systems-thinkers, and practitioners from all walks of life and levels of study to consider:
How might we increase the supply of rPET to create a more circular economy for plastics?
Up to five teams will be selected as finalists in the Circular Plastics Challenge. Finalist teams will be paired with a subject matter expert mentor to refine and prepare their presentation ahead of the finals. Finalist teams will present their solution to a panel of expert judges at the virtual Final Showcase event, which will be broadcast live at NPE, the largest plastics trade show in the Americas. The first place team will receive the $10,000 USD grand prize, with second and third place teams taking home $2,500 USD and $1,000 USD respectively.
Finalist Benefits
Advance Your Career
Five finalist teams will be paired with a subject matter expert mentor to improve their final pitch ahead of the virtual Final Showcase.
Expand your Network
Present your innovative solution to senior-level executives from the Coca-Cola Company and Hillenbrand, Inc. who are working on designing a more circular economy.
Win Prizes
- First Place: $10,000
- Second Place: $2,500
- Third Place: $1,000
How it Works
Step 1: Get Started
Download the 2024 Challenge Brief, form your team of 2-5 members, and start ideating your solution!
Step 2: Grow your Network
Everyone who downloads the Challenge Brief will be invited to an exclusive Industry Connections Networking Event to learn more about careers in sustainability!
Step 3: Submit your solution, become a finalist, and WIN!
Submit your solution addressing the challenge statement. Submissions are due no later than 11:59 pm PT on March 29th, 2024. Finalist teams will be paired with an expert mentor to refine their final pitch presentation before presenting virtually to a panel of experts to win $10,000!
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals from around the world are all welcome to apply.
- Teams must have two to four members. Teams of one are not allowed.
- Existing businesses and startups who are currently worth or raised more than $100,000 in capital are ineligible to participate.
Timeline
2024 Program Timeline
- December 2023: Program Launch - Challenge Brief is live
- March 8, 2024: Early Submission Deadline
- Week of March 18, 2024: Industry Connections Networking Event
- March 29, 2024: Final Submission Deadline
- Week of May 6, 2024: Virtual Final Showcase
Time Commitment
If selected, finalist teams will be expected to commit to participating in the virtual Final Showcase in early May 2024. The event will last approximately two hours and all team members are expected to attend. The final showcase will require approximately six to eight hours of preparation.
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