Development and testing of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes (EPR) within the priority Circular Economy Action Plan value chains

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development and testing of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in key product value chains to advance the circular economy. It focuses on demonstrating large-scale, innovative EPR solutions across the EU and Associated Countries, including cross-border initiatives. The call encourages the creation of circular business models for products like construction materials, ICT products, furniture, mattresses, and carpets. It also aims to assess the cost-benefits of EPR schemes for various stakeholders and promote digital tools such as product passports. Collaboration among industry, local authorities, waste operators, and civil society is strongly encouraged.

• Participants must be from eligible EU or Associated Countries, or from non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions.
• Can include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a consortium member.
• Applicants must prove financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Proposals must address evaluation and award criteria, including societal impact and stakeholder involvement.
• Projects should focus on developing, testing, and demonstrating EPR schemes, circular business models, and digital technologies.

Examples:

• A consortium of EU waste management companies and local authorities pilots a digital product passport system for furniture recycling.
• An international team develops and tests eco-modulated EPR fees for ICT products, involving SMEs and consumer organizations.
• A research group partners with industry to create new reuse and repair models for construction products, engaging stakeholders across the value chain.

• Personnel costs for project staff
• Costs for equipment and materials used in demonstration activities
• Subcontracting for specialized services
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and stakeholder engagement
• Costs for developing and testing digital tools (such as product passports)
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Workshops and stakeholder consultation events
• Data collection and analysis related to EPR scheme performance
• Project management and coordination

Restrictions: Expenses must be directly related to project objectives and comply with Horizon Europe financial rules. Further details should be checked in the official guidelines.

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

• Applicants must be based in eligible EU or Associated Countries, or in non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions.
• Consortiums may include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a member.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Projects must align with the specific topic requirements and objectives of the call.
• Stakeholder involvement is required, including industry, local authorities, SMEs, waste operators, and civil society organizations.
• Proposals should include social sciences and humanities expertise, such as economics and sociology.