Google has launched its Single-Use Plastics Challenge which gives food companies the chance to test packaging, that is free from single-use plastic, in its U.S.-based cafes and MicroKitchens.
Finalists in the challenge will get to pitch their products to Google and global food operators with the chance to scale them across its U.S. offices.
The challenge is hosted in collaboration with premier food service management company Canteen and other food service partners. Google says that products must meet U.S. federal, state and local food safety regulations and Google Food program standards for health, environmental, social and financial considerations.
Google says it aims to switch from using single-use disposable products in its onsite food service operations to more reusable solutions with the aim of eliminating the use of single-use plastics.
As well as launching the challenge, Google says that over the last two years it has mapped out the types of single-use plastic products purchased through its supply chain and partnered with distributors that use more reusable, durable containers to transport goods.
Google says to create a more “sustainable world” society must accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Last year, the tech company launched a new accelerator for circular economy start-ups and non-profits.
The accelerator offered ten weeks of virtual programming, including mentoring and technical support from Google engineers and external experts through a mix of 1-to-1 and 1-to-many learning sessions.