SSbD bio-based polymers/copolymers unlocking new market applications

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance the production of bio-based polymers and co-polymers that are safe, sustainable, cost-effective, and circular. It aims to open new market opportunities, especially in sectors where bio-based polymers are not yet common, and to improve or introduce new properties that enable novel applications. Projects should enhance sustainability, safety, and circularity compared to current benchmarks, and help increase public acceptance of bio-based products. The focus is on demonstrating production at pilot scale (TRL 6-7), improving resource efficiency, validating polymer structures for market needs, and ensuring that these materials can be used in at least two different application sectors. The opportunity is open to eligible countries as defined in the Horizon Europe guidelines, with some additional provisions for certain non-EU countries.

• Proposals must follow specific formatting and page limit requirements.
• Projects should include tasks to apply the safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) framework for polymer formulations.
• Applicants must show how their project complements previous or ongoing research initiatives in related fields.
• Projects must demonstrate the production of bio-based (co-)polymeric structures that match or improve upon fossil-based or existing bio-based benchmarks.
• Resource efficiency and validation of end products for at least two market sectors are required.
• Eco-design for sustainable end-of-life options must be included, with validation at a minimum of TRL 5, excluding landfilling and incineration.

Example Projects:

• Developing a new bio-based polymer for packaging and automotive parts, demonstrating its production at pilot scale and validating its recyclability.
• Creating a biodegradable co-polymer for use in medical devices and textiles, ensuring safe design and compatibility with existing recycling systems.
• Introducing a bio-based alternative to traditional plastics in electronics and construction, with improved properties and sustainable end-of-life solutions.

• 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: 172,137,258€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per grant: 7,000,000€

• Applicants must be from countries eligible under Horizon Europe rules.
• Proposals must follow all formatting and submission requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Projects must address the specific objectives and scope outlined for this opportunity.
• Applicants must comply with any additional requirements set out in the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2025.
• Eligibility may also depend on collaboration with other organizations, networks, or consortia as required by Horizon Europe.
• All other criteria detailed in the relevant Horizon Europe annexes must be met.