Increasing the circularity of bio-based sector: upcycling and recycling for higher value and environmental benefits

Worum geht es in dieser Ausschreibung?

The topic funds innovation projects that develop circular bio-based products, processes and value chains using upcycled and recycled resources, including bio-waste valorisation. Results are expected to reach TRL 6-7.

Was fördert diese Ausschreibung?

Scope

Projects develop and deploy or scale up safe, sustainable and circular bio-based materials, products, processes and value chains that use upcycled and recycled resources with minimal quality loss. Examples given include construction, packaging, pulp and paper, textiles and other bio-based consumer products. Waste prevention through repair, refurbishment and reuse is part of the scope, as is attention to risks from treated or impregnated bio-based materials.

Activities

• New or upgraded circular solutions that turn complex bio-waste streams into valuable secondary resources and create markets for them, fostering urban, rural or coastal industrial symbiosis.
• A digital marketplace that improves the accessibility and traceability of bio-based resources.
• Recommendations for bio-based value chains covering regulations, standards, financial incentives and training needs.

Exclusions and links

The bioenergy and biofuels sector is out of scope, although synergies may be considered under the cascading use principle. Gaseous carbon conversion is not the main focus. Cooperation between funded projects should be planned as a dedicated, resourced task, and social sciences and humanities expertise must contribute effectively.

Expected outcomes

More competitive, decarbonised and strategically autonomous European industry, better climate adaptation and mitigation, and higher resource efficiency through biotechnologies, industrial symbiosis and recovery of biological materials, water and energy. Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-7 by the end of the project.

Was wird von den Vorschlägen erwartet?

• International cooperation is encouraged.

Wann endet die Einreichungsfrist?

22. September 2027 (320 Tage)

22 September 2027 (single-stage call).