<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/8895DC6D-4F6F-4937-8CB6-670551F7FD80" ns1:id="8895DC6D-4F6F-4937-8CB6-670551F7FD80"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/D12CBB14-7E3A-45E4-A5E5-D7358638ED8E" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1B7706C5-67DF-41DF-ACFB-051939D3653A" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1B7706C5-67DF-41DF-ACFB-051939D3653A" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-06-29T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/8011CD36-CD38-4190-BEAD-870658D8D18E" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-08-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10166656</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>CIC: Compostables in Context Real-world trials for next-generation packaging</ns2:title><ns2:status>Active</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Procurement</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Brighton-based materials innovation company MarinaTex Ltd is leading a pioneering field trial to tackle single-use plastic waste and help accelerate Local Authority progress toward net zero. With input and engagement from Brighton &amp;amp; Hove City Council the project will pilot next-generation compostable and recyclable packaging solutions in real-world waste processing environments.

The trial aims to demonstrate that sustainable alternatives to plastic food packaging - designed specifically to work within existing council waste infrastructure - can offer strong environmental performance without compromising functionality. By focusing on compatibility with composting and recycling systems, the project will generate vital evidence to support cleaner packaging disposal, reduce carbon emissions from incineration, and cut contamination in local recycling streams.

This innovation-first project aligns with BHCC's goal to eliminate single-use plastics from catering and events as part of its Carbon Neutral 2030 strategy. The trial will collect technical and environmental data, feeding into a full business case for public sector procurement. If successful, the model could be replicated by other local authorities across the UK, enabling broader emissions savings and contributing to national sustainability targets.

This work is funded through Innovate UK's Net Zero Living Tech Trials - Phase 3 competition.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>