Developing novel recycling technologies for complex plastic materials applying biotech solutions

What is this call about?

The topic funds research on biotechnological recycling of complex plastics such as multi-layer and composite materials, with pilot-scale demonstration involving industrial value chains.

What does this call fund?

Scope

Projects advance biotech solutions for recycling complex plastic materials and products (multi-material, multi-layer and composites) in packaging, construction, renewable energy infrastructure and transport.

Activities

• Develop novel recycling solutions, for example using microbes and enzymes for enhanced degradation of plastics, taking into account the latest material innovation.
• Recommend fit-for-purpose regulatory risk assessments for new materials and recycling technologies, in line with the safe-and-sustainable-by-design framework.
• Demonstrate the solutions at pilot scale with the whole value chain.
• Evaluate feasibility, effectiveness and impact, including life cycle assessment where relevant, and present evidence on economic, environmental and social costs and benefits.

Expected outcomes

Plastic products that can be recycled back into high-value applications, circular plastic products placed on the market through better design for recycling, sorting and recycling, and improved characterisation of complex plastic waste. Activities are expected to reach TRL 4-5 and may start at any TRL.

What are proposals expected to do?

• All relevant stakeholders should be involved; clustering with other Horizon Europe projects is encouraged.

When is the deadline?

22 September 2027 (321 days)

22 September 2027 (single-stage call).