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Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

Horizon Bio-based Additives for Circular Products

Funds €7M projects that make bio-based additives safer and easier to recycle or biodegrade in products across at least two markets.

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Some additives give products the properties they need, but they can also make those products harder to recycle or biodegrade. When those products reach end of life, additives can release persistent pollutants, volatile compounds, toxic metals or microplastics. This topic funds safer bio-based alternatives that keep useful performance while making circular end-of-life possible.

The project has to

Developing and demonstrating at least at TRL 6 innovative bio-based additives designed with the European safe-and-sustainable-by-design framework. The additives must unlock or improve recycling or safe biodegradation for materials and products, prevent harmful chemical releases across their life cycle, and work in real formulations and manufacturing processes. Projects validate technical performance with end-users in at least two distinct market sectors, test the relevant recycling or biodegradation route, and involve the waste, manufacturing, brand-owner and consumer actors needed to make circular end-of-life work.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.22 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.30%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€170.8M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-IA-02Source: ec.europa.eu