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Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

Horizon Bioeconomy: Woody Residue Biorefinery

Funds two €7M projects turning bark, sawdust and other woody residues into validated bio-based chemicals or materials for sustainable end products.

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Forestry and wood-processing operations produce large streams of bark, sawdust and other woody residues. Much of this material is used for energy or low-value products, while bio-based manufacturers still need better feedstocks. This topic funds industrial projects that turn those residues into higher-value chemicals and materials.

A winning project demonstrates a scalable process at TRL 6 or abo

Demonstrating at TRL 6 or above scalable technologies that turn woody residues from forestry and wood-processing sites — including bark and sawdust — into bio-based chemicals and/or materials, then validating those outputs in end products at TRL 5 or above. Projects must handle variable feedstock quality across pretreatment, fractionation, conversion, separation and purification; apply eco-design and the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework to the end products; optimise sourcing, storage and transport; and work with local forest owners, managers, cooperatives or sector associations. Incineration is out of scope.

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-03Source: ec.europa.eu