Nearly NOK 12 million secures and creates jobs in plastics and the environment
In April, the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund expedited a call for applications to secure and create jobs within plastics and the environment. Nearly 90 applications were received, and the fund is now distributing nearly 12 million NOK across all of Norway's counties and Svalbard.
Published: 17.June, 2020 Last updated: 05.December, 2025
- When the pandemic threatened the operational basis for many businesses crucial for reducing plastic pollution, we at the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund wanted to help sustain their operations, says Rasmus Hansson, CEO of the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund.
- We are pleased to have contributed quickly to keep environmental jobs running. In this "corona call for applications," the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund has now supported 27 projects across the country. We are now on a better footing to ramp up the fight against plastic pollution once the pandemic subsides, says Hansson.
The coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted businesses. To help secure and create jobs in the plastics and environment sectors, the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund advanced a call for applications in April. During a three-week application period, 87 applications were received, of which 27 projects have now been funded. The fund is now distributing nearly NOK 12 million to these projects, covering the entire country, including Svalbard. Most of the funding has been allocated to jobs related to plastic cleanup, followed by work related to the reuse and recycling of plastics.
Initially, the allocation framework was set at NOK 13 million, with the aim of distributing two grants of NOK 500,000 in each county, four grants in Troms and Finnmark, three in Oslo, and one in Svalbard. Some adjustments were made to the original plan as the incoming applications and requested amounts varied, but it was ensured that all counties, as well as Svalbard, received support.
New opportunities to apply for funding this autumn
This autumn, on September 1st, the fund will announce over NOK 100 million. Both national and international projects working to reduce plastic litter and increase reuse and recycling of plastics will be able to apply for funding.
- Christmas comes early for everyone working to reduce the environmental problems of plastics on September 1st this year, says Hansson.
- On that day, the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund will allocate NOK 105 million to projects that reduce the environmental impact of plastics. The call for applications includes categories such as technology, recycling methods, cleanup, international work, and more, concludes Hansson, urging people to check handelensmiljofond.no
