Deadline Date: September 22, 2026
The European Commission is requesting grant applications to support the development of sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions through innovative bio-based materials.
The programme focuses on enabling wider availability of bio-based films and coatings for packaging products, improving technical performance compared to fossil-based and bio-based benchmarks, and enhancing the circularity of packaging products across production, use, and end-of-life stages in alignment with sustainability frameworks.
This initiative builds on ongoing research efforts aimed at developing and piloting bio-based films and coatings for both food and non-food packaging applications. A key challenge addressed by the programme is achieving sufficient barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, grease, and volatile substances, as bio-based materials tend to be more hydrophilic than conventional plastics.
The scope includes demonstrating innovative technologies at an advanced stage of development to produce bio-based films and coatings that improve packaging performance. Projects are expected to validate their solutions through prototype manufacturing while ensuring compatibility with industrial packaging processes.
Applicants are also required to assess the performance of developed materials under real-use conditions such as transport and storage. These assessments may include evaluating mechanical strength, barrier effectiveness, surface properties, resistance to environmental conditions, and compatibility with food contact requirements where applicable, as well as printability considerations.
The programme places strong emphasis on applying eco-design principles to reduce over-packaging and support sustainable end-of-life solutions. Projects are expected to test circular end-of-life options such as recycling, composting, reuse, and remanufacturing, ensuring alignment with sustainable packaging goals.
With a total funding allocation of €170,760,699, the initiative supports projects that contribute to advancing circular economy practices and sustainable product design within the packaging sector. Films and coatings for circular packaging – €14 million.
Eligibility is open to any legal entity regardless of location, including organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided they meet the requirements outlined under the Horizon Europe Regulation and related conditions.
For more information, visit European Commission.
