Heathrow runs quarterly Lift Off events where they invite innovative SMEs to showcase products and solutions to an expert panel formed by Heathrow colleagues and representatives from their supply chain.
Please see the message below from Heathrow Airport, ahead of their Lift Off Q2 2025 event:
We’ve recently released Heathrow’s Sustainability Report 2024 and our sustainability strategy, Connecting People and Planet. The updated strategy provides a roadmap to 2030 to drive progress on our priorities, aiming at a thriving and sustainable future for our ecosystem.
The theme for our Lift Off Q2 event is Sustainability. For this event, we’re inviting SMEs to showcase innovative solutions that can help us achieve our ambitious goals. In particular, we are looking for solutions in circular economy and waste and nature positive. More details are outlined below.
Circular economy and waste
Our Sustainability Strategy has set ambitious goals supporting a transition to a Zero Waste Airport. Specifically, by 2030 Heathrow Airport seeks to a) avoid material consumption, maximise reuse, recycling and recovery of materials used at Heathrow and b) reduce total waste generated relative to 2019.
· Innovative and effective passenger facing waste receptacles or solutions
A significant volume of our material is sent for energy recovery, including recyclable material incorrectly disposed in our residual waste. To improve segregation at source we need to enhance our bins to make it easier for passengers to dispose of their waste in passenger facing areas. To achieve this, we’re looking for: Bins / waste solutions that enhance waste segregation in passenger facing areas.
· Enhanced waste disposal data collection from outlets
Heathrow have very limited visibility of the waste performance of concessionaires and tenants operating at the terminals due to lack of data. Technological solutions are needed to enable Heathrow to collect data for different types of waste and attribute it to organisations working in the airport. To deliver this change we are looking for: Technology enabling categorised waste data collection.
· Eliminate single use coffee cups
At Heathrow, disposable coffee cups continue to pose a significant challenge. Solutions must be compatible the unique airport environment, the needs of passengers, and the coffee retailers. We are looking for: Solutions to avoid single coffee cup waste through reusable alternatives.
Nature positive
Heathrow’s Connecting People and Planet Nature Positive Airport goal aims to work with partners to reduce impacts on nature and support a nature network around Heathrow. Heathrow is committed to supporting ecological resilience while fostering innovation.
· Innovative biodiversity monitoring solutions
Traditional biodiversity monitoring methods can be resource-intensive and provide only periodic snapshots into habitats and species abundance. Real-time continuous remote monitoring technologies provide an opportunity to further understand species trends and habitat health. To improve our monitoring efforts, we’re looking for: Innovative remote biodiversity monitoring solutions to provide greater insights.
· Innovative greenspace management
Managing greenspaces effectively requires innovative and data-led approaches, and digitalised geo-referenced maps to optimise management interventions and nature positive outcomes. These tools will support asset management, provide critical insights into maintenance requirements, and enable informed decision-making. To deliver this change we are looking for: Innovative, data-led greenspace management.
· Bring nature into our terminals
All too often airport environments feel devoid of nature, which is a missed opportunity to enhance passenger experience. Brining nature into our terminals has the potential to enhance passenger experience by improving indoor air quality and by bringing a sense of calm to an otherwise busy and sometimes stressful environment. However potential solutions need to work alongside operational considerations, including security and safety. To enhance passenger experience, we are looking for: Innovations to bring nature into terminal spaces.
The Q2 Lift Off opportunity can be accessed via our CompeteFor microsite: https://www.competefor.com/heathrow/opportunities/
The deadline for applications is 30th April 2025 at 12pm.
If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties with the application, please contact sme-engagement@heathrow.com
