This Horizon Europe funding call focuses on developing innovative and sustainable alternatives to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, widely used for their exceptional chemical properties in applications such as adhesives, coatings, lubricants, and surfactants, pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. The initiative aims to support the EU's regulatory frameworks, including the REACH regulation and Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, by promoting alternatives aligned with the "Safe and Sustainable by Design" framework.

Proposals should address at least one industrial application area, such as electronics, construction technologies, technical textiles, or automotive components, developing safer substitutes for PFAS that maintain required technical functions. Multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged, integrating Social Sciences and Humanities to ensure consumer engagement and product reliability. Collaboration across the value chain, including international partnerships and Open Innovation Test Beds (OITBs), is vital to the call's objectives.

Expected outcomes include safer and sustainable PFAS alternatives for industries, publicly accessible knowledge for regulators, and demonstration of the "Safe and Sustainable by Design" framework's applicability. Proposals should include a business case, an exploitation strategy, and allocate resources for collaboration with related projects under Horizon Europe.

Opening: 22 May 2025

Deadline(s): 23 Sep 2025