The call is relevant for cities and regions that are looking to develop a CSS around the valorisation of sustainable natural fibre feedstocks. Specifically those that already have existing biorefineries, or those that have circular systems cantered around biorefining applications in place. Projects need to assess the replication potential of such value chains across the EU/EEA/AC. Therefore, they should implement a multi-actor approach by ensuring adequate involvement of key value chain actors, including primary biomass producers, rural and civil society actors, bio-based industries, end-users/consumers, local communities, local and regional authorities, and education and research sectors.

All stakeholders of the bio-based industries ecosystem including public authorities can apply for CBE JU funding. CBE JU calls for project proposals are open to any legal entity, be it private or public, for-profit or not-for-profit organisation, including:

• large companies;
• small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs);
• research and technology organisations (RTOs);
• universities;
• associations.

Proposals should focus on large scale cultivation of low-UILS-risk fibre crops, which can be established crops as well as promising crops (at least TRL6). The scope includes fibres from primary non-woody crops and/or wood-based fibres, and fibres of the respective residues and side streams, as well as aquatic plants of at least TRL 6 (excl. algae). Proposals should validate sustainable agronomic practices and cultivation schemes that prove high yield/productivity maximising land use efficiency for the cultivation of those crops. Moreover, proposals need to demonstrate innovative biorefinery process at large scale, that allow for the conversion of the oils from the targeted crops into bio-based SSbD materials and products. The scope covers garment applications, technical textiles, composites, nonwovens and fibre-based packaging.

Total indicative budget is EUR 20 million. It is estimated that a contribution of EUR 20 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.

Cities and regions can apply for funding through the following steps. Cities and regions have to select the relevant call and draft a proposal with the required details. With the CBE JU networking platform, cities and regions can find partners to build a consortium. The proposal can be submitted using the funding and tender opportunities portal using an EU login. All the members of the consortium must have a nine-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC) to apply for funding. Draft your project proposal in the submission service section of your topic page. This link becomes available when the call opens. Fill in all the required information and submit the proposal before the call deadline.

Call launch: 24 April 2024

Call deadline: 18 September 2024 17:00 CET