Deadline Date: September 22, 2026
The European Commission is currently accepting applications to support the development of innovative and scalable bio-based polymer solutions derived from alternative feedstocks to advance sustainability and circular economy goals.
The focus areas of this opportunity include sustainable feedstock diversification for the production of bio-based polymers, the development of scalable processes for obtaining safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) bio-based polymers from alternative feedstocks, and the expansion of the portfolio of high-performance bio-based polymers to enable new market applications.
The call encourages research and innovation efforts aimed at exploring alternative sources of bio-based polymers beyond primary biomass from agriculture and forestry, which is explicitly excluded. Projects are expected to develop efficient synthesis and extraction processes at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, ensuring high yield and selectivity.
Proposals must adopt a multi-actor approach involving feedstock providers, waste management operators, end-users, and consumers where relevant. They are also required to incorporate the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework developed by the European Commission to assess the targeted polymers. Ensuring alignment and complementarities with previous and ongoing projects funded under Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and related initiatives is also essential.
The total budget for this call is €170,760,699, with €6.5 million specifically allocated to projects under the SSbD bio-based polymers from alternative sources topic. Eligibility is open to any legal entity regardless of location, including those from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided they meet the conditions set out in the Horizon Europe Regulation.
Legal entities must register in the Participant Register to obtain a Participant Identification Code before grant agreement signature. Affiliated entities, associated partners, and entities without legal personality may also participate under defined conditions. EU bodies, research organisations, and associations can be part of the consortium, and the Joint Research Centre may join selected projects under specific arrangements.
For more information, visit European Commission.
