KEY DATES
About the Award
Judging Criteria
Tips for Entries
The nomination period is open – submit your innovation today!
INNOVATION
Innovation is the act of being creative, introducing something new, and representing a progression of the state-of-the-art. For this measure, the judges will ask - does the bioplastic material, product, or manufacturing process truly bring something unique and groundbreaking to the marketplace? Examples may include:
Use of new materials never before used in processes or products
Unusual combinations of materials in a process or product
Use of new material in a current product
Early applications of new process technology
First use of a particular process to produce a particular part
New performance features of a product
Pioneering applications into new markets
TIPS FOR ENTRIES
While there is no maximum word count, try to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and brevity. Consider that this application will be read by volunteer judges alongside multiple others and the information may be used in the press release or on social media.
Provide sufficient information about your material, product, or manufacturing process to explain how it is relevant to the bioplastics industry. For example, new or novel biobased polymers might include what type of feedstock it is made from.
Include challenges you’ve overcome or that you’re still working through. Part of the innovation process is trial and error, which adds important context to your story!
Include product photos, links to marketing brochures, and/or technical documentation. In the case of claims related to a form of biodegradability (industrial/home compostable, marine/soil biodegradable, or anaerobically digestible), technical information has been appreciated by the judges.
ABOUT THE PLAQUES
The award plaque embodies the essence of this awards program, which is plastic sustainability and innovation. The most recent award plaques were manufactured by Plastic Forming Enterprises (PFE) and made with recycled bottle caps. The design allowed PFE to try out a new process, which ended up being a success! PLASTICS truly appreciates Plastics Forming Enterprises for their contribution in helping these awards come to life.
October 1, 2024
Nomination period opens
January 17, 2025
Nomination period closes
January 27, 2025 – March 7, 2025
Nominations are judged
Mid-March, 2025
Winner is notified
May 22, 2025
(Earth Day)
Winner is announced
TBA
Winner is presented at a future PLASTICS sustainability event
Judging Criteria
About the Award
JUDGING CRITERIA
This competition is open to any corporation, partnership, or other business entity located within or outside of the United States that is not excluded by the Official Rules. The same company may submit multiple entries for different materials, products, or manufacturing processes, provided that a separate and complete entry from is submitted for each innovation. All applicants will be judged based on the three categories of Innovation, Environmental Impact, and Market Impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Impact on the environment is a crucial consideration for any innovative venture. The Plastics Industry Association is committed to sustainable development and is supportive of those that are making strides to reach similar goals. For this criterion, judges will assess whether the bioplastic material, product, or manufacturing process provides some measure of enhanced sustainability? Examples may include:
A new material, product, or process that leads to improvements in waste reduction or efficient resource use
A process that consumes less water or energy compared to a traditional process
A product that results in pollution reduction or reduction in CO2 emissions
A finished product that is designed for circularity (recycling and/or composting)
MARKET IMPACT
A successful innovation is one that is able to scale up in or disrupt the current market. Even if your innovation is in the beginning stages of increasing scale, express your vision for what impact it is intended to have. The judges will be considering if the material, product, or manufacturing process currently or will likely soon have a significant impact on the marketplace. Questions to consider may include:
What is the potential impact to the marketplace?
Is the impact significant? If so, how?
Does the material, product, or process address a new market, or does it enhance the current market?
Tips for Entries
2023 – Husky Technologies for their UltraMelt™ Hot Runner System, Press Release
2022 – Anellotech for the first 100% bioPET bottle, Press Release
2021 – Eastman for their Aventa™ Renew cellulose-based resins, Press Release
2020 - Danimer Scientific & WinCup’s First commercially sold straws made of PHA, Press Release
2019 - Novamont for Mater-Bi, Press Release
2018 – Danimer Scientific & PepsiCo Industrial Compostable Snack Bag, Press Release
2017 – DuPont & ADM’s biobased furan dicarboxylic methyl ester (FDME)
2016 – Club Coffee’s PurPod100™, Press Release
2015 – Eastman Kodak’s bio-toner
2014 – Teknor Apex’s Terraloy® PLA compounds
2013 – Avantium’s development of polyethylene furanoate (PEF)
PAST AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to our most recent Innovation in Bioplastics Award Winner, Husky Technologies!
UltraMelt™ was engineered for the efficient and sustainable injection molding of bioresins. It specifically addresses these challenges with non-reactive surfaces and stainless-steel components to preserve the sensitive chemistry of bioresin materials and minimize degradation. After rigorous testing and optimization, UltraMelt™ was introduced to the marketplace in 2022, becoming a pioneering solution for bioresin melt delivery.
All questions can be emailed to Heather Nortz, Manager, Sustainability & Materials.
Questions?
View the Official Rules of the Award Program
Innovation
How revolutionary is the concept, and does it push the boundaries of what's possible in plastics?
Environmental Impact
What measurable benefits does this innovation offer for the environment?
Market Impact
How scalable and influential could this innovation become in the marketplace?
The Plastic Sustainability Innovation Awards shine a spotlight on trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable plastics manufacturing. These awards celebrate the bold and creative innovations that are making a tangible difference in our world, spotlighting achievements in sustainable design, materials innovation, and responsible end-of-life solutions.
The awards focus on three core criteria to identify the most impactful innovations:
This prestigious recognition is not just about celebrating success—it's about inspiring the industry to embrace the future of sustainable manufacturing, where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. These awards, along with the Innovation in Bioplastics Award, will be presented at a future PLASTICS event. The 2025 Sustainability Innovation Awards will be open for nominations from October 1, 2024 – January 17, 2025. Enter your submission today! Read the Official Rules here.
Leadership in Sustainability Innovation Award
Celebrating the ultimate trailblazer, this award honors the standout leader across all judging criteria. This top-tier recognition can be claimed by any applicant from any of the three core categories, showcasing unmatched innovation, environmental impact, and market influence.
Sustainable Innovation in Design Award
This award highlights a groundbreaking innovation in product, equipment, or process design that prioritizes recyclability, combats litter, promotes compostability, or pioneers equipment that enables cutting-edge product creation. It's about turning visionary ideas into sustainable realities.
Sustainable Innovation in Materials Award
This award celebrates a remarkable breakthrough in the development or application of sustainable materials, including bioplastics, recycled content, or advanced additives that elevate the product’s sustainable attributes. It's a nod to those who are redefining what's possible with eco-friendly materials.
Sustainable Innovation in End-of-Life Award
This award honors a pioneering innovation in circularity processes or equipment that takes sustainability to the next level. It's awarded to those who are transforming how we think about and manage the end-of-life phase of products, turning waste into valuable resources.
People's Choice Award
For this award, the power lies in the hands of the public. Nominations for the Innovation Awards enters the running for the People's Choice Award, with proposals showcased across PLASTICS' channels. The innovation that garners the most votes wins, making this a true celebration of community-driven excellence.
Award Categories
