The Showcase & Pitch Competition distributed $30,000 in awards as 15 teams pitched Michigan-based projects focused on recycling technology and organic recovery initiatives.

More than 2.75 million Michigan households can now recycle food and beverage cartons and paper cups thanks to a NextCycle Michigan partnership with the Carton Council of North America, the Foodservice Packaging Institute, and Michigan EGLE.

Eight teams were selected to participate in the NextCycle Michigan FLOWS Innovation Challenge.

EGLE initiative offers business planning support, resources, potential funding opportunities for recycling innovation and technology projects that demonstrate impact in Michigan.

FLOWS Track opened the application period for organics recovery ideas on April 30, 2021. Selected teams for the FLOWS Track will participate in an incubator-style experience to advance projects that increase/improve food recovery and collection, increase finished compost end markets, create innovative uses for wood waste, and other ideas to improve organics recovery in Michigan.

EGLE held a virtual press event on April 19th that attracted a large media audience and subsequent story coverage.

“The NextCycle Michigan Initiative and Renew Michigan grants marks the largest push in state history to promote recycling activities that divert materials from Michigan landfills, boost local economies, and support Gov. Whitmer’s climate change priorities through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” EGLE Director Liesl Clark said during a virtual press conference.