Starting from today (19 September), small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland can apply for a share of £80,000 worth of funding to help implement ‘resource efficiency improvements’ that aim to reduce waste and improve efficiency and that could save Scottish firms up to £1.4 billion.

The ‘SME Implementation Support Programme’, made available by Zero Waste Scotland, will provide support to green-minded SMEs through two streams:

1. By providing financial aid to businesses wishing to make capital investments for operational improvements that reduce raw material use and minimise waste in production or packaging (up to a maximum of £10,000);

2. By paying up to 100 per cent of the costs of employing a skilled worker on a short-term post for a specific project to reduce waste within the organisation for a maximum six-month period (up to a maximum of £20,000).

Examples of areas that the capital investment could cover include: supporting investment in new equipment or retrofits to existing equipment; software solutions; and replacing single-use packaging or with a reusable alternative.

All applicants for capital equipment will need to demonstrate that they have the ability to co-fund the investment.

Introducing the new fund today, Marissa Lippiatt, Head of Business Resource Efficiency at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Research has shown that small businesses are often unaware about how to become more resource efficient or perceive cost as a barrier to taking action. In fact, many changes require only small up-front costs and can actually save businesses money in the long run.

“Scottish firms could save up to £1.4 billion by adopting simple waste prevention measures such as investing in reusable packaging to replace single-use items or installing energy efficient hand driers in bathrooms to minimise paper towel use.”

Lippiatt went on to say that the new fund could help businesses reduce waste and improve recycling ahead of the new Scottish waste regulations in 2014.

“[The] new waste regulations which will come into effect in 2014, will require all businesses in Scotland to separate key recyclable materials – paper and card, plastics, metal, and glass – for recycling. For businesses in food production, preparation, or retail, a separate food waste collection will also be required. Reducing waste in the first place will mean that only a minimum amount is left for recycling or disposal.”

This is the second fund that Zero Waste Scotland has opened up to SMEs looking to be more sustainable, following on from the £100,000 Waste Prevention Innovation Fund that supports SMEs wishing to test or develop ideas in product, service or packaging design, which will minimise waste and help to reduce greenhouse gases.

The final deadline for grant applications for the ‘SME Implementation Support Programme’ is 5pm on 18 January 2013.