[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 22, 2027

~€3,000,000 (lump sum grant; 1 award expected)

Supports the creation of a Europe-wide system for benchmarking and improving the environmental performance of industrial bioeconomy sectors.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Commission aims to establish a Europe-wide environmental benchmarking system for innovative industrial bio-based systems. The initiative will bring together experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to collect, assess, and integrate data on emerging techniques in the bioeconomy. Sectors of focus include pulp & paper, bio-based chemicals, recycling of bio-based plastics, and bioremediation. The project is designed to align with the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) and the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring system, using methodologies such as life cycle assessment and the Environmental Footprint recommendation. The outcomes will support EU strategies for climate neutrality, biodiversity protection, and the deployment of circular, sustainable industrial bio-based systems. --- ## Due Dates - September 22, 2027: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - The total available budget for this topic is approximately €3,000,000 as a lump sum grant. - Only one grant is expected to be awarded under this topic. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and Associated Countries as defined in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Consortia must include representatives from academia, industry, and government, covering the specified bioeconomy sectors. - Additional eligibility rules, including financial and operational capacity requirements, are detailed in the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission process. - The call opens on April 20, 2027, with the deadline on September 22, 2027. - Proposals must adhere to the page limits and layout described in the [application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf). - Submission is through the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Evaluation and award criteria are outlined in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Eligible costs will be funded as a lump sum according to Horizon Europe rules. - International cooperation is encouraged, particularly for data collection on emerging techniques. - Synergies with other EU-funded bioeconomy projects are encouraged. - The project must not include food/feed, biofuels/bioenergy, or health and medical devices. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Horizon Europe General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder General Info | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | Funder Contact Page | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Europe-wide environmental benchmarking system of the industrial bioeconomy sectors - European Commission

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