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Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

Horizon Bioeconomy: Circular Packaging Films & Coatings

Funds two €7M projects that make bio-based packaging films and coatings perform better, work in factories and support circular end-of-life routes.

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Packaging films and coatings need to protect products, run through existing factories and still have a workable end of life. Many bio-based options struggle with barrier performance, printing, durability or scale-up. This topic funds industrial projects that address those gaps for food and non-food packaging, with at least one non-food use.

A project has to demonstrate the bio-based film or coati

Demonstrating at TRL 6 or above innovative bio-based films and coatings for food and non-food packaging, with at least one non-food application, and proving them in packaging product prototypes compatible with industrial manufacturing. Projects cover barrier, mechanical, surface, thermal, moisture, corrosion, printability and food-contact properties where relevant; apply eco-design; and test circular end-of-life routes at TRL 5 or above. The work also includes consumer and end-user input, regulatory assessment under the Single Use Plastics Directive and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, a Safe and Sustainable by Design task, and links to related Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, BBI JU and CBE JU projects.

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-05Source: ec.europa.eu