The call is relevant for cities and regions that are looking to develop a Circular Solution around SSbD bio-based polymers/copolymers unlocking new market applications. This call requires projects to contribute to the availability of broader range of SSbD bio-based (co)-polymers meeting market requirements as well as improved or novel properties unlocking novel applications and/or market sectors. Projects are expected to also contribute with and develop recommendations that can advance further the application of the SSbD framework developed by the European Commission for the polymer formulation(s).

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 demonstrate (at end TRL: 6-7) the production of bio-based (co-)polymeric structure(s) with market potential and functional properties at least on par with fossil-based counterparts (if any) and/or higher than bio-based benchmarks (if any). Adding new functionalities compared to benchmarks is also in scope. For the biobased (co)-polymers production, address resource efficiency measures to achieve costs reduction and higher sustainability, as for example reduction of primary energy consumption, water recycling, (bio)-catalyst recycling, side-streams/by-products valorisation, etc. Proposal should validate (at minimum at end TRL 5) the targeted (co-)polymeric structure(s) into end products proving to meet market requirements. Ensure (co-)polymer(s) processability and compatibility with downstream conversion route(s) into end products, targeting at least two application sectors. The development of bio-based composites is not in scope. Proposals should eco-design the bio-based (co)polymeric structure and related end products to address sustainable EoL. Validate the selected EoL option(s) of the (co)-polymeric structure at minimum at TRL 5. Existing EoL-frameworks should be taken into account. Landfilling/incineration are not in scope as EoL options.

The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 14 million. It is estimated that a contribution of EUR 7 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 9-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: 3 April 2025

Call deadline: 18 September 2025 17:00 CET