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This funding opportunity, titled "Technologies for critical raw materials and strategic raw materials from End of Life products (IA)," is part of the Horizon Europe Programme under Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space. The call aims to enhance the recovery and recycling of critical and strategic raw materials from end-of-life (EoL) products, thereby reducing the European Union's dependency on primary raw materials and bolstering supply security. Projects should focus on developing efficient, high-quality re-use and recycling processes for key waste streams, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), waste batteries, end-of-life vehicles, waste wind turbines, waste solar photovoltaics, waste heat pumps, waste electrolysers, and high-performance alloys in machine tools. The scope encompasses the entire recycling chain—from collection and logistics to sorting, refining, and purification—emphasizing functional recycling to maintain material quality and avoid downcycling. Proposals are expected to contribute to the implementation of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and align with EU principles for sustainable raw materials. Collaboration with multidisciplinary consortia covering relevant value chains is encouraged, and considerations for standardization and market uptake should be included. A business case and exploitation strategy are required, with a credible plan for full-scale deployment in the EU post-project.
Opening: 22 May 2025
Deadline(s): 23 Sep 2025
Expected Outcome
Projects are expected to:
- Increase the recovery rate of critical and strategic raw materials as outlined in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
- Improve the competitiveness of secondary raw materials production by enhancing cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
- Develop sustainable processes with reduced energy, resource, and water use, and lower waste and emissions.
- Ensure responsible supply of raw materials in line with EU principles for sustainable raw materials.
Scope
The call focuses on developing technologies for the efficient re-use and recycling of critical and strategic raw materials from end-of-life products. It targets the entire recycling process, including collection, logistics, characterization, sorting, cleaning, refining, and purification, aiming to improve the quality and functionality of recycled materials. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of secondary raw materials production in Europe.