The organization **WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme)**, together with the **Global Plastic Pact Network**, opened a **regional call** to identify **10 innovative solutions** that promote **plastic circularity** in **Latin America**, with a special focus on **flexible packaging**, considered at **[high risk of leakage into the ocean](https://noticiasambientales.com/residuos/cuales-son-los-paises-que-mas-contaminan-los-oceanos-con-plasticos/)**.
The program focuses on **Mexico, Colombia, and Chile**, countries actively involved in this initiative, and aims to **prevent plastic pollution** in nature through **scalable and collaborative projects**.
## A fund for plastic circularity innovation with regional impact
In March of this year, **Alejandra Kopaitic**, director of the **Chilean Plastic Pact (PCP)** at **Chile Foundation**, announced the obtaining of an **innovation fund from WRAP**, together with the Pacts of **Mexico and Colombia**. This achievement led to the current call, seeking to **accelerate specific solutions** to address the challenge of **flexible plastics**, also known as **“ocean-bound plastic”**.
“The **idea of the fund** is to unite efforts between countries to drive projects with **real and scalable impact** throughout the region,” explained Kopaitic, highlighting the **transboundary** nature of the issue.
## Open innovation as a driver of change
According to Kopaitic, **open innovation** is a **key enabler** for the Pact’s objectives, as it **connects partners with new solutions**, **accelerates the adoption of changes**, and **prevents each actor from facing the problem in isolation**.
Additionally, it allows **entrepreneurs, universities, and startups** to join the ecosystem, contributing **fresh and disruptive ideas** that complement the experience of large companies.
“**Not only do collective learnings and more scalable solutions emerge, but the sense of community and shared purpose is also strengthened**,” she added, emphasizing the relevance of these objectives following the failure of negotiations for a **[global treaty on plastic pollution](https://noticiasambientales.com/residuos/cuales-son-los-paises-que-mas-contaminan-los-oceanos-con-plasticos/)**.
## Three critical challenges to address plastic pollution
Solutions should be aimed at **[preventing plastic pollution](https://noticiasambientales.com/residuos/de-que-manera-las-pajitas-se-convirtieron-en-un-icono-mundial-de-la-contaminacion-por-plasticos/)** in **Chile, Colombia, and/or Mexico**, addressing at least one of these **priority challenges**:
1. **Reducing the use of problematic flexible plastics** and/or those at high risk of leaking into the environment (sachets, wrappers, labels, etc.).
2. **Enabling the recycling of flexible plastics** through design and intermediate technologies.
3. **Developing end markets for recycled material**.
## Requirements, benefits, and schedule of the call
The call is open to **organizations of any size and country**, provided they are **legal entities** and have the capacity to **operate in at least one of the target countries**, or have the means to implement their solution in those markets.
The **10 selected initiatives** will have access to a **capacity strengthening program**, which includes:
– **Connection with the Plastic Pacts of Chile, Colombia, and Mexico**
– **Access to experts from the global network**, present in **13 countries**
– **Specialized workshops** on regulations, circularity, behavior change, fundraising, and trends
– **Commercial user networks, strategic allies, and investors**
– **Customized pilots and one-on-one meetings with companies and experts**
– **Media coverage, networking, and key events**, supported by WRAP and the Global Network.
## Key dates to participate
Applications open until **September 22, 2025**:
– **Inquiries about the process**: until **September 12**
– **Application deadline**: **September 22**
– **Evaluation by expert panel**: until **December 23**
– **Announcement of winners**: **January 2026**
– **Start of the capacity strengthening program**: **February 2026**
For more information and applications, visit the [Program for Plastic Circular Innovation in Latin America 2025 | WRAP – The Waste and Resources Action Programme](https://www.wrap.ngo/es/innovacion-circularidad-plasticos-America-Latina-2025)
