The COVID-19 crisis has put a light on exposing glaring holes in the economy and it’s fragility. So Food System 6, a non-profit business accelerator in the United States, worked in association with Huhtamaki, a global leader in food packaging creates a startup program.

The new extensive startup program is called the “Huhtamaki Circular Economy Startup Program by Food System 6”. The program is designed to help and accelerate the growth of young and promising companies to help build a more sustainable future.

The purpose of this program is to identify and develop companies that offer innovative and promising sustainable development solutions.

The program is designed to help out all companies but targets specifically waste recycling, responsible packaging options, innovation in new materials, and more sustainable production models.

The CEO of Food System 6, Caesaré Assad, said that “ We now need solutions that support the renewable and circular economy in agriculture, food distribution and production. By supporting entrepreneurs, we can solve the problems that affect people and our planet and thus build a stronger, sustainable, and just world.”

One of the main targets of this new startup program is to innovate the food production value chain, intending to increase the long-term health and sustainability of our planet.

So Huhtamaki, along with FS6, provides important mentoring, guidance, and networks for budding companies through the entrepreneurship program. To provide knowledge for businesses to develop their unique ideas and make them scalable.

Along with that, the program offers financial incentives with 300,000 dollars that will be distributed amongst eight selected companies.

The CEO of Huhtamaki,  Charles Héaulmé, said that “We need to deliver today, train for tomorrow and make bold, innovative openings if we are to deliver profitable and sustainable solutions for future generations. Creating a circular economy is one of the most important steps towards a sustainable food system. We work with Food System 6 to find, develop, and produce innovative solutions.”

He also said, that, “Huhtamaki is committed to protecting people, food and the planet. In cooperation with Food System 6, we are building a better future.”

Companies that are working to build a circular economy solution to their business are encouraged to apply for the program.

The “Huhtamaki Circular Economy Startup Program by Food System 6” will be accepting applications till August 15th.

You will be able to see the list of selected companies for the program in the fall of 2020. 
If you want more information and instructions on the new startup program, then check out www.foodsystem6.org/apply.