This call under Horizon Europe’s INDUSTRY 2025 program seeks innovative solutions to advance the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals, materials, and related products. Projects should identify and address existing gaps in LCA tools, methods, and data, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to make LCA methodologies cost-effective, user-friendly, and accessible for industrial adoption, including by SMEs. The call emphasizes compliance with the Environmental Footprint (EF) methods and alignment with EU regulatory frameworks like the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Outcomes should improve environmental sustainability assessments across the lifecycle of materials, facilitate early-stage decision-making, and integrate safety considerations within the SSbD framework.

Proposals should develop FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) datasets and tools for assessing the lifecycle of at least three high-value chemicals or materials. The solutions must address circularity, planetary boundaries, and socio-economic aspects of LCA, offering support to both industry and policymakers. Collaboration with existing initiatives and projects like the SSbD toolbox and the IRISS project is encouraged. Active engagement with stakeholders, including SMEs, is essential for promoting harmonization and widespread adoption of the tools and methodologies developed.

Proposals must ensure the integration of new methods with safety assessments and contribute to EU sustainability databases. This RIA (Research and Innovation Action) supports multidisciplinary approaches, international collaboration, and aligns with the Strategic Research and Innovation Plan for chemicals and materials.

Opening: 22 May 2025

Deadline(s): 23 Sep 2025