Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of policy and market-relevant product groups

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the transition to a circular economy and reduce the environmental impacts of products across the European Union and associated countries. It focuses on developing methods, data, tools, and guidance for assessing and communicating the environmental footprint of targeted product groups. The initiative encourages stakeholder engagement and promotes sustainable and circular product design and business models. Projects should address pollution prevention in air, soil, and water, and contribute to protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. The geographic scope covers EU countries, associated countries under Horizon Europe, and some non-EU countries with special provisions for participation.

• Develop and validate Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodologies for priority product groups under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

• Align with EU policy frameworks, including the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

• Ensure compliance with EU regulations and contribute to the implementation of the European Green Deal.

Examples:

• A project developing a digital tool to measure the environmental footprint of household appliances.
• An initiative creating sector-specific guidance for circular design in the textile industry.
• A collaborative project piloting new business models for sustainable packaging in the food sector.

• Personnel costs for researchers, engineers, and project managers
• Costs for materials and supplies used in research and development
• Purchase or rental of equipment necessary for project activities
• Subcontracting of specific tasks or services
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and stakeholder engagement
• Costs for dissemination, communication, and publication of project results
• Costs related to stakeholder engagement and workshops
• Development and maintenance of digital tools or platforms
• Indirect costs as allowed under lump sum funding

Restrictions: All expenses must comply with the lump sum funding rules set by Horizon Europe and be clearly justified as necessary for the project.

• Budget for this Call: 8.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 2.000.000€

• Consortium requirement: At least 3 independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with at least one EU‑based partner. 

• Eligible participants: Legal entities such as universities, research centres, SMEs, public authorities, NGOs, industry organisations, established in eligible EU or associated countries. 

• Coordinator criteria: Must be based in an eligible EU Member State or Associated Country and able to demonstrate operational and financial capacity.

• Affiliated or third‑country entities: May participate but do not count toward the minimum consortium requirement and are usually not funded by the EU.