Thames Freeport Food and Drink Sustainable Packaging Centre Programme

Thames Freeport seeks a supplier or consortia to design and develop the Food & Drink Sustainable Packaging Innovation Hub, forming part of a broader network linked to a planned AI Campus driving regional transformation.

The selected partner will:

Develop a comprehensive plan for the Innovation Hub.

Deliver a Challenge Definition Phase to map the ecosystem and engage stakeholders.

Identify key challenges, opportunities, and themes.

Produce a full investment case for the Hub.

As a private sector-led economic zone, Thames Freeport spans Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock, driving sustainable growth through three industry ecosystems:

Sustainable Construction

Technology Manufacturing

Food & Drink

The Freeport also envisions a "21st Century City", integrating industrial clusters, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive communities to connect residents with education and employment.

With 40% of UK food and drink imports passing through its ports, Thames Freeport invites expressions of interest (EOIs) for a Food & Drink Supply Chain, Processing, Packaging & Logistics Innovation Centre. This initiative will drive economic growth, sustainability, and innovation by enhancing supply chain efficiency, packaging, and logistics practices.

Procurement follows a Competitive Dialogue under Regulation 30 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, with EOI as the first stage. Shortlisted suppliers will proceed to tender for FY25-26 delivery.