SBRI COMPETITION - Circular Economy in the Welsh Public Sector - Designing Out Waste & Retaining Value

Typically, SBRI challenges do commence with a Phase 1 Feasibility stage, however for this challenge we are looking for demonstrations and real-world trials and therefore will not be supporting a Phase 1. We are seeking to identify and support the delivery of a combination of both Phase 2 & Phase 3 collaborative projects, that can demonstrate the potential and scalability of emerging and near-market solutions:

• Designing out waste - reimagining products used in the public sector so that they are designed from the outset to enable more effective reuse, minimise waste and reduce whole-life costs
• Retaining value for reuse – enabling current ‘waste’ to be repurposed, extracting the value and enabling them to be reused within Wales to reduce the use of virgin materials and potentially supporting revenue generation.

The key focus will be on demonstrating sustainability of service, affordability and scalability of solutions that can be delivered at pace - doing better but being cash neutral is not sufficient in the current financial climate so financial viability will be key. We are looking to test emerging / near-to market innovations via real-world trials and are not seeking early feasibility/research pieces, at this stage. However, we are seeking rigorous evaluations to create an evidence base for further development and potential scale-up across Wales.

If project applications are seeking to build upon previous trials/small-scale testing, applications must clearly articulate how this funding will help accelerate more wide-spread development, outlining any previous adoption barriers and demonstrating how these will be addressed.

• All projects must include a named public sector collaborator who has committed to their involvement in the project, evidenced by a signed letter of support;
• Funding for public sector collaborator costs should be included as a subcontractor cost in the project applications;
• Projects can include more than one subcontractor however, the involvement and role of each organisation should be clearly specified, and the commitment evidenced, ideally with named individuals stated in the application;
• Multi-sector applications will be welcomed – in particular, applications that demonstrate significant benefits for Local Authorities, NHS & Third Sector organisations.
• Academic partners are also welcomed, particularly if in relation to independent evaluation and meeting any required technical/scientific testing.

Innovative solutions could: -

-Demonstrate the viability, scalability and affordability of new products and services that can reduce the environmental impact of the public sector in Wales

-Promoting better opportunities for recyclable material in both the creation, reuse and disposal of products supplied to the public sector – designing in circularity from the outset.

-Increased recycling and repurposing of public sector waste

-Reduction in collected waste for off-region treatment (reducing carbon footprint).

-A capital reduction as solutions may have either a cost reducing effect or possible revenue generation capability.

-Establishment of local manufacturing partnerships and facilitate access into project partner organisations. Additional information: Please see attached brief for further info