The Circular Packaging Challenge 2026 open call remains open for startups developing innovative solutions that can help advance packaging circularity.
To support startups interested in submitting their application, the Circular Packaging Challenge team has organised an informational webinar explaining the main aspects of the open call, the application process and the opportunities offered by this edition.
What it is
Circular Packaging Challenge is an international initiative promoted by TheCircularLab and Ecoembes to connect startups with partner companies looking for solutions applicable to real packaging challenges.
The open call is aimed at startups developing technologies, products or business models in areas such as new materials, ecodesign, reuse, recyclability, traceability, material recovery, waste reduction and new circular models for packaging.
Its goal is to facilitate connections between startups and companies interested in exploring, validating or piloting solutions that can contribute to more circular and sustainable packaging systems.
Informational webinar
During the webinar, the team addressed key questions for startups interested in participating, including:
- what type of solutions the challenge is looking for;
- how the application process works;
- which partner companies are participating in the 2026 edition;
- how applications will be evaluated;
- what opportunities may open up for selected startups;
- which frequent questions startups should consider before submitting their application.
The session is designed as a practical resource to help startups better understand the focus of the challenge and assess whether their solution fits the areas of interest of this edition.
How to participate
The open call will remain open until 18 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Interested startups can review the participation conditions and submit their application through the official Circular Packaging Challenge website.