Go Back

Add to favorites:
Share:

Bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products to reduce microplastics pollution & promote soil health

This funding call focuses on developing bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products. The goal is to reduce microplastic pollution and improve soil health while supporting the European Green Deal and the EU’s zero pollution ambition.

Projects should develop innovative, sustainable, and scalable biodegradable delivery systems for fertilisers, with potential applications for pesticides and seeds. The research should enhance understanding of biodegradation processes and their environmental impact, particularly on plant growth, soil health, and water quality.

Successful proposals will contribute to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the updated EU Industrial Strategy, and the R&I Missions ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ and ‘Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030’. Additionally, the research is expected to align with the EU fertilising products regulation, introducing biodegradability criteria for polymers.

Expected results include improved environmental sustainability in agriculture, the creation of new regional value chains, and the development of safe, circular, and scalable biodegradable delivery systems. The work will integrate the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework and involve key stakeholders, including farmers, to co-create and validate solutions.

Opening: 04-04-2025
Deadline(s): 17-09-2025

Expected Outcome

• Scalable, safe, and sustainable biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products.
• Enhanced understanding of biodegradation processes and their environmental impact.
• Reduced microplastic pollution in soil and water through innovative bio-based alternatives.
• Increased collaboration between farmers and bio-based industries for new value chains.
• Application of biodegradable delivery systems to pesticides and seeds, expanding their impact.
• Validation of bio-based fertiliser delivery systems in different agricultural environments.
• Contribution to EU policies on soil health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.
• Increased farmer acceptance and adoption of bio-based fertilising technologies.
• Development of regulatory recommendations for biodegradability standards in fertilisers.
• Strengthening of EU research capacity in bio-based and biodegradable agricultural inputs.

Scope

• Develop circular and sustainable production processes for bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products.
• Validate the efficiency, safety, and scalability of the new delivery systems through lab-scale and field trials.
• Assess the biodegradability and long-term effects of the systems on soil and water quality.
• Investigate the applicability of biodegradable delivery systems to pesticides and seeds.
• Apply the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework to ensure environmental safety.
• Engage with farmers to co-create and test the delivery systems.
• Support the EU’s zero pollution ambition by reducing microplastic release.
• Develop recommendations to refine SSbD methodologies and improve regulatory criteria.
• Strengthen new bio-based value chains at the regional and local levels.
• Ensure synergies with existing Horizon projects and avoid overlaps.