Call For Applications for Young entrepreneurs for Sustainable Packaging

Application Call for Young Entrepreneurs in Bagmati, Lumbini and Madhesh provinces

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:    

Center for Research and Sustainable Development Nepal (CREASION) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 2005. Since it was founded, CREASION has been a leader in environmental protection in Nepal through recycling, research, emergency response, grassroots and circular economy related interventions. CREASION also houses innovative, impact-based projects as well as a learning center for youth. The organization is centered around three thematic areas: Environmental Sustainability, Youth Empowerment, and Emergency Disaster Response.  

ABOUT THE PROJECT 

GreenShift: Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal (GreenShift Nepal) project is funded by the European Union to promote a just transition to a circular economy. GreenShift Nepal is a four-year project that will be implemented in nine municipalities – three in each of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces. The project implementation is led by CREASION through the consortium partners Restless Development, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB). 

GreenShift Nepal works with waste enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Civil Society Organization (CSOs) of waste workers, youths, school - children, and three tiers of government in the promotion of a circular economy of plastics. The project intends to: build the capacity of waste enterprises to improve their plastic waste collection efficiency; support SMEs for the promotion of plastic alternative products and packaging; works with school children in generating knowledge and awareness; engage youths in leading advocacy and awareness campaigns; and enhance the capacity of three tiers of government for inclusive and evidence-based policies through active involvement of youths and CSOs of waste workers to move towards the circularity of plastics. 

As part of project deliverable, GreenShift Nepal is looking for ideas on Sustainable Packaging from interested SMEs to support promotion of plastic alternative packaging.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING PROGRAM 

Resource extraction and processing account for nearly half of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress. With global consumption of biomass, fossil fuels, and minerals expected to double in the next 40 years, countries like Nepal are facing growing pressure on their natural resources. Plastic-largely dependent on fossil fuels-is a major contributor to this challenge, with its use rapidly increasing nationwide.

In Nepal, plastic waste management remains weak. Limited collection systems, lack of coordination between government and private actors, insufficient incentives for waste workers, and low public awareness have resulted in most plastic waste being landfilled, burnt, or dumped along rivers. This not only harms ecosystems and biodiversity but also disproportionately affects waste workers—especially women and marginalized groups—who face unsafe conditions, low pay, and social exclusion. Despite awareness of plastic pollution, plastic packaging remains dominant due to its low cost and convenience. At the same time, affordable and sustainable alternatives are scarce, and supportive policies across government levels are limited. Indigenous knowledge, innovation by women and youth, and green enterprise potential remain largely untapped.

To address these gaps, the Sustainable Packaging Program under the GreenShift Nepal Project aims to promote environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically viable alternatives to plastic packaging. The program will support SMEs to develop innovative, reusable, refillable, and alternative-material packaging solutions that align with circular economy principles and consider the full product lifecycle.

The program will be implemented through an open call for ideas in Bagmati, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces. Six ideas (two per province) will be shortlisted for training and capacity building. Following proposal and pitch evaluation, one top idea will receive a financial grant of amount Euro (€) 5000/-  to scale its solution.

By making sustainable packaging affordable and accessible, this program seeks to reduce plastic production and consumption while supporting green enterprises and a just transition to a circular economy in Nepal. 

With the support of this grant, you can: 

• Implement your sustainable packaging ideas 
• Develop and scale up your venture 
• Access financial and technical support to make your project successful 

Click on the link below for detailed Application Call Guidelines:

 Deadline: January 15, 2026 

Grant Amount: Euro (€) 5000 (NPR 7,00,000/- Seven Lakh only)

आवेदन दिशानिर्देशन (नेपाली): दिगो प्याकेजिङ कार्यक्रम

Application Guideline (English): ToR Sustainable Packaging

Proposal Format: https://shorturl.at/fP7rg

For more details: https://greenshiftnepal.org/creasion/sustainable-packaging-program

or feel free to contact;

Email: greenshift@creasion.org