The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund finances knowledge and solutions to specific plastic-related challenges. Through this call for applications, we aim to contribute to a safe circular plastics economy, where we use less plastic, use it more intelligently and for longer, and ensure that it is turned into new products.
In our strategy for 2026–2029, we prioritise solutions that work for both consumers and retailers, and that help Norway achieve the targets and requirements in the plastics sector by 2030. We are therefore particularly looking for projects that develop more circular solutions among suppliers to the retail sector, strengthen the sorting and recycling of plastic after use, or make it easier for consumers to choose circular solutions in everyday life.
We would rather support fewer, larger projects with a major environmental impact than many small ones.
The call for applications is aimed at the four focus areas in the strategy:
All types of businesses can apply.
You may also apply for funding for projects outside Norway, provided that you can demonstrate that the solution has clear transfer value to the Norwegian plastics value chain.
Environmental organisations have been invited to apply for a separate call for applications and therefore cannot apply for this one.
According to our statutes, we cannot fund projects run by individual members. Members in the category of trade associations may nevertheless receive funding, provided that the results of the project are made publicly available.
We prioritise projects that help retailers and suppliers comply with the requirements of these EU regulations:
You must have an organisation number and be registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre or an equivalent international register.
You must register the organisation and the contact persons in the project portal.
You must submit the application via the project portal.
The project results must be capable of being made publicly available.
The budget must be realistic, and you must describe how the funds will be used. Hourly rates must comply HMF’s rules for hourly rates.
You may write the application in Norwegian or English.
Any previous agreements with us must have been complied with.
Projects that are not in line with the call for applications’ objectives and priorities.
Ordinary operations, including rent, electricity and similar costs. Project funding may cover costs related to the development, piloting/testing and scaling of new solutions, but not ongoing costs once the solution has become part of the company's ordinary operations.
Measures and activities carried out before we have awarded funding.
You submit a brief outline of the project through the project portal.
If we consider the project outline relevant for funding, you will be invited to a dialogue meeting where we review and discuss the project. After the meeting, we will decide whether to invite you to submit a full application.
The administration assesses the application together with external experts and presents a recommendation to the Board.
You can submit a project outline application at any time. We process applications on an ongoing basis and will notify you of any individual deadlines for clarifications and submission of a full application.
You will receive a response to the outline application no later than three weeks after we have received it. If you are invited to a dialogue meeting, you will be notified no later than two weeks after the meeting whether you may submit a full application.
The response time for the full application depends on the time we need for assessment and any clarifications. Recommended grant allocations are presented to the Board, which normally meets each quarter. When you receive a final decision therefore also depends on which Board meeting the application is ready to be considered at.
NB: To ensure that all applicants are treated equally, we do not discuss individual projects before you have submitted an outline application. We address questions about the project itself during the consultation meeting.
