Deadline: 22-Sep-2026
The European Commission is funding innovative projects to convert woody residues into sustainable bio-based chemicals and materials under Horizon Europe. The call supports circular economy solutions, improved forest-based value chains, and sustainable biomass supply systems. A total of €14 million is allocated specifically for this topic, with global eligibility for qualified applicants.
Overview
The European Commission invites proposals for projects that transform woody biomass residues into high-value bio-based chemicals and materials.
This call is part of the Horizon Europe programme and focuses on advancing the bioeconomy by:
- Utilizing forestry by-products and residues
- Reducing reliance on fossil-based materials
- Strengthening sustainable forest value chains
- Promoting circular economy practices
The initiative encourages innovation that connects forestry, industry, and sustainability goals.
Key Objectives of the Call
Projects must address multiple technical, environmental, and economic priorities.
1. Production of Bio-Based Chemicals and Materials
- Convert woody residues into valuable bio-based products
- Develop scalable and efficient processing technologies
- Replace fossil-based inputs with renewable alternatives
2. Strengthening Forest-Based Value Chains
- Collaborate with local forest owners and cooperatives
- Improve value distribution across forestry stakeholders
- Support sustainable forest management practices
3. Circular Economy Integration
- Improve end-of-life management of bio-based products
- Promote recyclability, reuse, and biodegradability
- Reduce waste across the product lifecycle
4. Biomass Supply Chain Optimization
Projects should:
- Improve sourcing and availability of woody residues
- Enhance storage and transport systems
- Ensure efficient logistics for biomass use
5. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD)
All projects must apply the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework to:
- Assess environmental and health impacts
- Ensure safe material development
- Integrate sustainability from early design stages
6. Multi-Actor Approach
Proposals must include collaboration with:
- Local forest owners
- Cooperatives
- Sector associations
This ensures real-world applicability and stakeholder engagement.
7. Alignment with Existing EU Research
Projects must:
- Demonstrate complementarity with Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and BBI/CBE JU initiatives
- Avoid duplication of existing research
- Build on prior innovation efforts
Funding Details
- Total programme budget: €170,760,699
- Budget for this topic: €14 million
- Programme: Horizon Europe
Funding supports large-scale collaborative research and innovation projects.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- Universities and research institutions
- Private companies and industries
- SMEs and startups
- NGOs and international organisations
Additional Conditions:
- Entities from non-associated third countries may apply
- Affiliated entities and associated partners allowed
- Entities without legal personality may participate in exceptional cases
- EU bodies and the Joint Research Centre may participate where relevant
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete organisation validation before grant agreement
- Ensure compliance with Horizon Europe rules
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Register your organisation in the EU Participant Register
- Obtain your Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Build a consortium with relevant stakeholders (multi-actor approach required)
- Design a project addressing:
- Woody biomass conversion
- Sustainability and circularity
- Supply chain optimization
- Integrate the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework
- Demonstrate alignment with existing EU-funded projects
- Prepare and submit the proposal via the EU funding portal
- Await evaluation based on excellence, impact, and implementation
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are assessed on:
- Scientific and technological excellence
- Environmental and economic impact
- Contribution to circular bioeconomy goals
- Quality of consortium and stakeholder involvement
- Feasibility and scalability of solutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak collaboration with forest stakeholders
- Ignoring supply chain optimization requirements
- Lack of circular economy integration
- No application of SSbD framework
- Duplication of previous EU-funded work
- Poor scalability or industrial relevance
- Incomplete PIC registration or validation
Why This Funding Matters
This call plays a key role in accelerating Europe’s transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.
It supports:
- Reduced dependence on fossil-based chemicals
- Efficient use of forestry residues and waste
- Innovation in sustainable materials and industrial processes
- Stronger rural and forest-based economies
- Climate-friendly production systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main objective of this funding call?
To develop innovative technologies that convert woody residues into sustainable bio-based chemicals and materials.
2. How much funding is available?
€14 million is allocated specifically for this topic under a broader Horizon Europe budget.
3. Who can apply?
Any legal entity globally, including companies, universities, NGOs, and international organisations.
4. Is collaboration required?
Yes, a multi-actor approach involving forest owners, cooperatives, and associations is required.
5. What is the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework?
It is a framework ensuring that materials and products are environmentally sustainable and safe throughout their lifecycle.
6. Can non-EU organisations apply?
Yes, entities from non-associated third countries can apply if they meet Horizon Europe rules.
7. What kind of projects are prioritized?
Projects that are scalable, sustainable, aligned with circular economy goals, and demonstrate strong stakeholder collaboration.
Conclusion
This Horizon Europe funding call offers a significant opportunity to transform woody residues into valuable bio-based products while strengthening sustainable forest value chains. By combining innovation, collaboration, and circular economy principles, it supports the development of scalable, eco-friendly industrial solutions that contribute to Europe’s green transition and global sustainability goals.
For more information, visit European Commission.
