INVITATION FOR BIDS

Re: Call for application to design and provide prototype of packaging material for perishable products.

RFP/Call Number:

RFP KTRW-003

Issuance Date:

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Deadline for submission: 

Friday, 21st August 2026

Description: Call for application to design and provide prototype packaging material for perishable products as per commodity including; Irish potatoes, Carrots, Onions and Garlic, (4prototypes).

Project name: Kungahara

Funded By: European Union through Rikolto SON.

Implemented By: Kilimo Trust Rwanda

1. Background information

Kilimo Trust (KT) is a not-for-profit organization working on agriculture and agribusiness for development and creation of employment opportunities across East Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi).

Kilimo Trust Rwanda is implementing the Kungahara project, a 3-year initiative (2024-2026) implemented in Musanze and Nyabihu Districts to boost the production and consumption of healthy, sustainable, and nutritious food in Rwanda’s north-western region with focusing potatoes, vegetables and fruits produced using regenerative and other sustainable production practices with funding from the European Union through Rikolto SON. 

2. Rationale for the Assignment

As part of strengthening sustainable agricultural value chains and improving market competitiveness of horticulture cooperatives, Kilimo Trust Rwanda intends to support selected cooperatives engaged in the production and marketing of organic commodities (Irish potatoes, Carrots, Onions and Garlic). Currently, horticultural products are packaged using conventional plastic materials that contribute to post harvest losses in quality and quantity as well as environmental degradation. This has effect on access to oriented market which requires eco-friendly packaging material.

This assignment aligns with global and national commitments toward climate change mitigation, circular economy promotion, and reduction of single-use plastics in food systems. Kilimo Trust therefore seeks to engage a qualified designer to design and provide prototype that is eco-friendly packaging material for perishable products. 

3. Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to design an eco-friendly packaging prototype that:

• Improve product viability and marketing. 
• Reduce post-harvest losses and environmental impact associated with plastic packaging. 
• Enhance access to markets. 
• Ensure products branding, identity, and visibility. 
• Promote circular economy principles and environmentally responsible business practices.

4. Scope of Work

The successful bidder shall undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct comparative cases with beneficiaries in Musanze and Nyabihu Districts to understand the current situation and needs for improved packaging. 
• Assess packaging requirements for irish potatoes, garlic, onions and carrots in Musanze and Nyabihu. 

4.1 Eco-friendly packaging material design and development

The selected designer shall develop eco-friendly packaging material sized at 1kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg. Produced packages will be branded as follow:

• Beneficiaries’ logo. 
• Product identification. 

4.2 Sustainability and Supply Plan

Demonstrate methodology for sustainable supply of approved eco-friendly packaging material:

• Source of raw materials for production of eco-friendly packages 
• Strategy of long-term supply arrangements of eco-friendly packages 

N.B: Interested local designers or manufacturers of these packages possessing above conditions and located in Musanze and Nyabihu districts are highly encouraged.

5. Technical Specifications

The proposed eco-friendly packages will be characterized by the following minimum requirements:

5.1 Material Requirements

• 100% eco-friendly packaging material.
• Bag size capacity suitable for bulk grocery packaging and reusable.
• Lightweight and easy to handle.
• Suitable for markets and household use.

5.2 Functional Requirements

• Packages should be quantified at:1kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg.
• Tear-resistant.
• Moisture-resistant while maintaining biodegradability.
• Lightweight and easy to transport.
• Suitable for market distribution.

6. Expected Deliverables

The successful designers or manufacturers to be engaged shall provide /demonstrate:

• Methodology and workplan for production of packaging materials.
• Supply of 200 eco-friendly packages including (10 pcs per size and commodity)
• Strategies for sustainable supply of packages.
• Cost framework and long-term pricing proposal

7. Duration of Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 45 calendar days from the date of contract signing.

8. Interested applicants should submit:

The applicants may be a manufacturer designer (company or individual) with demonstrated experience in eco-friendly packaging material. Applicants must demonstrate:

• Application letter addressed to Kilimo Trust Rwanda, Team Leader.
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate issued by RDB.
• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate from Rwanda Revenue Authority.
• Valid RSSB Clearance Certificate.
• Proof of Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) registration.
• Proven experience in designing, developing and producing eco-friendly packaging materials.
• Financial and technical proposal detailing design approach, material to be used and methodology.
• Proposed implementation timeline.
• Proposed unit prices for each packaging size indicating VAT status.
• Pictures or Artwork of proposed packages to be designed.

9. Evaluation Criteria

10. Deadline for Submission

• Submission Deadline: 21st August-2026 at 5:00 PM (Rwanda Time)
• Late submissions shall not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be considered for the next steps.

11. Submission and Deadline 

All required documents must be written in English and submitted on this link not later than Friday 21st August 2026 at 5:00 PM Rwanda Time.