Novel circular business models to enable the just transition to a sustainable and circular economy

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the transition to a sustainable and circular economy in Europe. It focuses on developing innovative business models that reduce resource use and greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing sustainable competitiveness. Key areas include promoting circular products and services, fostering fair and affordable pricing, supporting job creation and reskilling, and encouraging social innovation to drive sustainable consumption. Projects should also create synergies with other European initiatives and address environmental, social, and economic impacts across sectors. The opportunity is open to eligible countries as described in the Horizon Europe guidelines.

• Develop novel circular business models tailored for SMEs to support a just transition toward a sustainable, circular economy.

• Enable consumer access to circular products/services—such as reuse, repair, sharing—reducing greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity pressures.

• Provide proven examples and recommendations that help businesses adopt circular strategies effectively.

• Support upskilling and new employment in reuse, refurbishment, repair, and remanufacturing sectors.

Example Projects:

• A city partnership launching a platform to encourage the reuse and repair of household goods.
• A business developing an affordable product-sharing service that reduces waste and emissions.
• An organization creating training programs for workers in refurbishment and remanufacturing sectors.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 10.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 5.000.000€

• At least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries, including one from an EU Member State
• Entities must be from EU or Horizon Europe associated countries and show financial and operational capacity
• Project must target circular business models for SMEs (e.g. reuse, repair, product-as-a-service)
• Consortium should include SMEs and involve multiple stakeholders (social economy actors, consumers, etc.)
• Proposals should involve cooperation between relevant actors and sectors.
• Projects should align with EU initiatives and priorities on circular economy and sustainability.