The Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab (ASCE-SPIL) is an initiative from Clemson University, The Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP), and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). The program aims to develop sustainable packaging solutions for specialty crops, in response to emergent regulations on single-use and plastic packaging in key global markets like the EU, UK, Canada, Japan, and more.

FFAR is accepting applications for the program to create packaging alternatives that can replace single-use plastic while maintaining functionality in a cost-effective manner. There are three tracks within the program:

• Track 1 (Applied R&D): Proposals aimed at innovative solutions still in the laboratory stage but showing promise for pilot-scale manufacturing.
• Track 2 (Technology Accelerator): Proposals focused on scaling sustainable packaging innovations within the fresh produce industry.
• Track 3 (Scale-up and Pilot): Proposals to run pilot-scale manufacturing projects for commercializing packaging solutions for specialty crop exports.

]Applications are due by February 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM. For more details and to apply, please visit the program website.