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Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Bio-based Polymers from Alternative Sources

Description

This Research and Innovation Action (RIA) supports the development of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based polymers produced from alternative biomass sources, reducing dependence on primary agricultural and forestry biomass. The topic aims to diversify sustainable feedstocks for polymer production while developing innovative, scalable processes that deliver high-performance bio-based polymers with improved environmental and safety profiles. Projects should establish the scientific and technological foundations for future industrial deployment and expand the range of bio-based polymers available for European markets.

Funding Amount

  • Expected EU contribution per project: ~€3.25 million (indicative)
  • Total topic budget: €6.5 million
  • Expected number of funded projects: 2 projects
  • Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs for all eligible participants (including companies and non-profit organisations).

Submission Deadlines

  • Call opening: 23 April 2026
  • Submission deadline: 22 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (CET)
  • Submission model: Single-stage.

Submission Conditions

  • Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA).
  • Single-stage application.
  • Projects should achieve an end TRL of 4–5.
  • Mandatory application of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework.
  • Primary biomass from agriculture and forestry is not eligible as feedstock.
  • Proposal must include:
    • Environmental assessment.
    • Preliminary techno-economic assessment.
    • Qualitative business case demonstrating future industrial potential.
  • Proposal must satisfy the CBE JU IKOP threshold of at least 5% of total eligible project costs.
  • Proposal Part B is limited to 50 pages.
  • Standard Horizon Europe and CBE JU eligibility and evaluation rules apply.

Eligible Businesses

Eligible applicants under Horizon Europe include:

  • SMEs
  • Large enterprises
  • Start-ups and scale-ups
  • Universities
  • Research organisations
  • Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs)
  • Polymer and materials developers
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Chemical manufacturers
  • Biorefinery operators
  • Feedstock suppliers
  • Circular economy and recycling companies
  • Non-profit organisations
  • Other industrial and research partners participating in project consortia.

Eligible Countries

Eligible participants are legal entities established in:

  • EU Member States.
  • Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
  • Other countries eligible under the Horizon Europe Rules for Participation, where applicable.

Standard Horizon Europe eligibility rules apply.

Target TRL

  • Project end TRL: TRL 4–5
  • Technologies should be validated in a laboratory or relevant simulated environment, establishing the foundation for future industrial scale-up.

Expected Outcome

Projects are expected to deliver:

  • Sustainable feedstock diversification for the production of bio-based polymers.
  • Scalable processes for producing SSbD bio-based polymers from alternative feedstocks.
  • An expanded portfolio of high-performance bio-based polymers suitable for new market applications.
  • Reduced dependence on primary agricultural and forestry biomass.
  • Improved environmental and safety performance of bio-based polymers.
  • Contributions to:
    • EU Bioeconomy Strategy.
    • Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
    • Circular Economy Act.
    • Clean Industrial Deal.
    • European Chemical Industry Action Plan.

Scope

Projects should:

  • Develop innovative production routes for SSbD bio-based polymers from alternative biomass sources, targeting an end TRL of 4–5.
  • Primary biomass from agriculture and forestry is out of scope. Suitable alternative feedstocks should follow the CBE JU Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and may include sustainable residues, side streams and other non-primary biological resources.
  • Develop scalable and resource-efficient polymer production processes.
  • Apply the European Commission's Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework throughout material and process development.
  • Demonstrate that the developed polymers:
    • Meet functional and technical performance requirements.
    • Show improved sustainability compared with benchmark materials.
    • Have potential for industrial scalability.
  • Assess:
    • Environmental performance.
    • Material safety.
    • Circularity and end-of-life options.
    • Techno-economic feasibility.
  • Validate the developed polymers in relevant laboratory or simulated environments (TRL 4–5).
  • Address regulatory requirements and identify remaining regulatory or standardisation barriers where appropriate.
  • Include a qualitative business case describing future industrial deployment potential.
  • Build upon relevant Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, BBI JU and CBE JU project results where appropriate.

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