On December 18, the EU's Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) published its annual work plan for 2025, outlining a new call for project proposals. The program allocates a budget of €165 million to support projects in the European circular bio-based industrial sector covering the 13 thematic areas identified.
The call for proposals, scheduled to launch on April 4, 2025, will focus on a variety of innovation and research initiatives. These include projects related to bio-based alternatives, smart platform chemicals, fiber packaging, algae systems development, alternative proteins, bio-based rubber, and more.
Related items include:
1. Municipal-industrial symbiosis with biowaste pricing - €18 million
2. bio-based drop-in/smart drop-in platform chemicals through cost-effective, sustainable and resource-efficient biomass conversion - €20 million
3. fiber-based recyclable design packaging - €18 million
4. Retrofitting of (bio)refineries to produce higher value bio-based products - €20 million
5. sustainable macroalgae systems for innovative and value-added applications: cultivation and optimization of production systems - €14 million
6. Designing biological solutions to replace traditional harmful chemicals in textile production in a safe and sustainable manner ---- 13.5 million euros
7. Alternative nutrient proteins - €14 million
8. Sustainable, cost-effective and robust biotechnology-based processes - €14 million
9. biofuel-based polymers/copolymers unlocking new market applications - €13.5 million
10. Conservation of unexploited forest biomass - €7 million
11. bio-based, biodegradable delivery systems for fertilizer products to reduce microplastic pollution and promote soil health - €6 million
12. Alternative biomanufacturing routes for natural and synthetic rubber - €6 million
13. Development and deployment of new curricula and knowledge exchange practices related to biological systems - €1 million
Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, Executive Director of the EU's Circular Biobased Europe consortium, emphasized that this initiative is in line with the objective of increasing the participation of the primary sector in the European bioeconomy. The program aims to promote sustainable growth, job creation and regional development, while working towards the goal of increasing climate resilience and resource efficiency. The EU Circular Biobased Europe consortium focuses on increasing market maturity and reducing barriers to investment in the biobased sector.
