Description

This Horizon Europe call supports the development and demonstration of innovative, evidence-based, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for the collection, sorting, preparation for reuse, and recycling of post-consumer footwear. The goal is to advance the circularity of the footwear value chain and reduce the environmental footprint of end-of-life footwear, in alignment with the European Green Deal, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, and the Waste Framework Directive.

Projects should address technical, environmental, economic, and social challenges and benefits related to circularity in the footwear industry. This includes integrating digital tools such as AI and Digital Product Passports, minimizing hazardous chemicals and microplastics, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the value chain. Social sciences and humanities (SSH) expertise is required to ensure societal impact and stakeholder engagement.

Successful proposals will bring together manufacturers, SMEs, retailers, waste managers, consumer organizations, local authorities, researchers, and NGOs to develop and test new methods, business models, and technologies that facilitate circularity and consumer participation in sustainable footwear disposal.