The transition towards a circular economy is creating new opportunities for startups developing technologies and business models that can transform how packaging is designed, used, recovered and reused. The Circular Packaging Challenge 2026 is now accepting applications for its third edition, inviting innovative startups to present mature, scalable solutions capable of addressing real-world challenges across the packaging value chain.
Launched by Ecoembes and its open innovation centre TheCircularLab, the international initiative connects startups with more than 30 leading companies from the packaging ecosystem, creating opportunities for visibility, collaboration, business development and pilot projects.
Applications are open until 18 September 2026 at 23:59 CET, and participation is free.
What Is the Circular Packaging Challenge?
The Circular Packaging Challenge 2026 is an international open innovation initiative designed to identify technologies and business models that can accelerate the transition towards more circular packaging systems. For its third edition, the initiative is looking for mature, innovative and scalable solutions addressing four challenges defined in collaboration with more than 30 participating companies.
Rather than focusing exclusively on financial support, the Challenge creates an environment where startups can present their solutions directly to established industry players, explore potential collaborations and develop new business opportunities. This makes the initiative particularly relevant for startups looking to validate their solutions, establish corporate partnerships and increase their visibility within the packaging sector.
Four Challenges for the Future of Circular Packaging
Applicants can propose solutions addressing four key areas of packaging circularity.
Challenge 1: Circular Materials and Ecodesign
The first challenge focuses on solutions related to circular materials, ecodesign, flexible packaging, recycled content and alternative coating technologies. This includes innovations that can contribute to improving packaging design, increasing the use of recycled materials or introducing alternatives capable of reducing environmental impact.
Challenge 2: Reduction, Reuse and Refill
The second challenge targets new approaches to reducing packaging and extending its useful life. Relevant solutions may include reuse and refill business models, circular logistics systems and incentive mechanisms that encourage more sustainable consumption patterns.
Challenge 3: Identification, Sorting and Recovery
Efficiently recovering packaging materials remains an important challenge for the circular economy. The initiative is therefore seeking technologies capable of improving the identification, sorting and recovery of complex or small-format packaging, as well as solutions that enable recycled materials to be reintroduced into new applications.
Challenge 4: Digital Solutions for Packaging Circularity
Digitalisation can also play an important role in creating more circular packaging systems. The fourth challenge focuses on digital solutions for monitoring packaging throughout its lifecycle and managing reusable and refillable packaging systems. For startups working with technologies such as data management, traceability, digital platforms or other enabling digital solutions, this area provides an opportunity to apply their expertise directly to challenges within the packaging industry.
Why Should Startups Apply?
Participation in the Circular Packaging Challenge goes beyond competing for a financial prize. Every submitted solution will be reviewed by the evaluation committee and participating companies. This gives applicants additional exposure to organisations actively looking for innovative solutions within the sector.
For startups, participation can create opportunities for:
- Increased visibility among leading companies.
- New business development opportunities.
- Potential corporate collaborations.
- Pilot projects.
- Co-development opportunities.
- Connections across the packaging ecosystem.
The Challenge can therefore be particularly valuable for startups that already have a mature solution and are looking for opportunities to demonstrate its potential in a real business environment. For startups interested in exploring additional European opportunities, our European Funds for Startups: A Practical Guide to EU Funding Opportunities provides an overview of the wider funding landscape.
16 Finalists Will Travel to Madrid
Following the evaluation process, 16 finalists will be selected to participate in the final event in Madrid on 19 November 2026.
Travel and accommodation expenses for the finalists will be covered by the programme.
During the event, selected startups will have the opportunity to present their solutions to leading companies, experts and key organisations from across the packaging ecosystem.
Beyond pitching their innovations, finalists will be able to build valuable connections, discuss potential partnerships and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
€16,000 in Prizes and Pilot Opportunities
The four challenge winners will share a total prize pool of €16,000. In addition, Ecoembes and its open innovation centre TheCircularLab, will promote and finance at least two pilot projects with selected solutions.
For startups, the opportunity to develop a pilot can be particularly significant. Testing a technology or business model with established industry organisations can provide practical validation, strengthen market credibility and potentially open the door to longer-term commercial relationships.
Who Should Consider Applying?
Based on the Challenge criteria, the opportunity is particularly relevant for startups with mature and scalable technologies or business models related to areas such as:
- Sustainable and circular packaging.
- New materials and ecodesign.
- Recycled materials.
- Reuse and refill systems.
- Circular logistics.
- Packaging sorting and recovery.
- Digital monitoring and traceability.
- Circular economy technologies.
Startups should carefully review the official Challenge information and application requirements before submitting their solution.
From Funding Calls to Open Innovation Opportunities
For startups, European growth opportunities are not limited to traditional grants. Open innovation challenges such as the Circular Packaging Challenge can provide another route to access corporate networks, pilot opportunities and potential commercial partnerships. A strong growth strategy can therefore combine different types of opportunities, from EU grants and collaborative projects to accelerators, innovation challenges and corporate partnerships.
If your startup is currently exploring these options, read How to Get EU Funding for Your Startup for a step-by-step overview of the funding journey. You can also explore How to Find the Right EU Funding Call for Your Startup to learn how to evaluate opportunities and focus on those that best match your innovation.
Discover More Opportunities with EUcalls
The Circular Packaging Challenge is one example of how startups can connect innovation with real market needs.
At EUcalls, startups, SMEs, researchers and other organisations can discover European funding opportunities, identify relevant calls and connect with potential partners for future projects. Organisations can also use EUcalls to build their profiles, declare interest in specific opportunities and become part of a growing European community focused on funding, innovation and collaboration.
For startups seeking to expand their network, our guide on How to Find Partners for Your Startup Project provides practical advice for identifying potential collaborators and building stronger European partnerships.
Apply to the Circular Packaging Challenge 2026
Applications for the third edition of the Circular Packaging Challenge are open until 18 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Participation is completely free, and startups with mature, innovative and scalable solutions for packaging circularity are encouraged to apply.
Apply for the Circular Packaging Challenge 2026
For innovative startups, this is an opportunity not only to compete for €16,000 in prizes, but also to present their solutions to leading companies, explore pilot and co-development opportunities and establish new connections across the packaging industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Circular Packaging Challenge 2026?
The Circular Packaging Challenge 2026 is an international open innovation initiative launched by Ecoembes and TheCircularLab. It connects startups with leading companies to identify innovative and scalable solutions for more circular packaging systems.
Who can apply to the Circular Packaging Challenge 2026?
The Challenge is aimed at startups with mature, innovative and scalable technologies or business models addressing packaging circularity, including sustainable materials, reuse and refill systems, recycling technologies and digital solutions.
What can startups gain from the Circular Packaging Challenge?
Startups can gain visibility among leading companies and explore business development, collaboration, pilot and co-development opportunities. 16 finalists will attend the final event in Madrid, while the four challenge winners will share €16,000 in prizes.
When is the Circular Packaging Challenge 2026 deadline?
The application deadline is 18 September 2026 at 23:59 CET. Participation is free, and applications can be submitted through the official Circular Packaging Challenge website.
Where can startups find more European funding and innovation opportunities?
Startups can use EUcalls to discover European funding opportunities, identify relevant calls and connect with potential project partners. They can also explore our European Funds for Startups guide for practical information on navigating European funding opportunities.
