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Horizon Europe
1 phase
Strategic Analysis
This call targets the development of breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres from diverse biomass feedstocks, including textile waste. A winning proposal will demonstrate innovative processes, ensure high technical performance compatible with existing manufacturing, and integrate a robust Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach, particularly focusing on preventing microplastic release and enabling circular end-of-life solutions. Strong multi-actor involvement across the entire value chain is essential for market uptake.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
Develop breakthrough processes to yield bio-based textile fibres from sustainably sourced biomass feedstock. Bio-based textile waste is eligible as feedstock. Bio-based man-made (synthetic and semi-synthetic) fibres and/or the extraction, refinement and functionalisation of natural fibres are in scope.
Ensure compatibility with existing textile manufacturing processes and equipment to facilitate market penetration.
Design the bio-based fibre(s) to improve specific technical requirements against state-of-the-art benchmarks, e.g., tenacity, flexibility, spinning quality, elasticity/plasticity, thermal resistance, flammability and durability. Test these properties according to existing standards/methods to assess the compatibility with end-products requirements.
Design the bio-based textile fibres for sustainable end of life. Assess the actual feasibility of the targeted end of life option(s). Prevent release of microplastics and other harmful substances along the whole product life cycle.
As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure adequate involvement of all key actors in the value chains relevant for this topic, including textiles manufacturers, feedstock suppliers, end users and/or consumers.
Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted textile fibres. For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design
Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and Cluster 4 of Horizon Europe, including the partnership ‘Textiles of the Future’) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects.
Wider availability of natural and/or man-made bio-based fibres meeting market requirements.
Scalable production processes for novel man-made and/or modified natural fibres.
Enhanced circularity and prevent microplastics release compared to benchmarks.
Contribution to the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy.
Contribution to the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Contribution to the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles.
Contribution to the Clean Industrial Deal.
Contribution to the Ecodesign Sustainable Products Regulation.
Indirect contribution towards the objectives of the Horizon Europe Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" in particular to Obj 2: "Prevent and eliminate pollution of our oceans, seas and waters”.
EU Bioeconomy Strategy
highPromotes sustainable use of biological resources. Relevant for proposals involving bio-based materials or circular bioeconomy models in urban manufacturing.
If applicable, integration of bio-based solutions and alignment with bioeconomy strategy targets.
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
highThe Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) is a key deliverable of the European Green Deal, aiming to achieve a toxic-free environment. It seeks to innovate for safe and sustainable chemicals, simplify and strengthen the EU legal framework for chemicals, and promote the EU's high standards globally.
It focuses on protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals, promoting the production and use of chemicals that are safe and sustainable by design, and fostering innovation in sustainable chemistry.
Proposals should demonstrate how their developed bio-based textile fibres and associated processes contribute to the objectives of the CSS, particularly by avoiding or minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals, promoting "safe and sustainable by design" principles, and ensuring the safety of the final products throughout their lifecycle. This includes considering potential chemical impacts during production, use, and end-of-life.
EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
highThis strategy, part of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, aims to transform the EU textiles ecosystem into a more sustainable, circular, and resilient sector. It addresses fast fashion, textile waste, and the presence of hazardous substances, promoting longer-lasting products, reuse, repair, and recycling.
It sets out a vision for textiles that are durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable, made as much as possible of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances, and produced in respect of social rights and the environment.
Proposals developing new bio-based textile fibres must explicitly demonstrate how these fibres contribute to the strategy's goals. This includes designing for durability, recyclability, and circularity from the outset, minimizing environmental impact throughout the lifecycle, and ensuring the absence of hazardous substances. The fibres should enable the creation of textile products that align with the strategy's vision for a sustainable and circular textile industry.
Clean Industrial Deal
highThe "Clean Industrial Deal" refers to the industrial dimension of the European Green Deal, aiming to make European industry more sustainable, competitive, and resilient. It focuses on decarbonization, circularity, resource efficiency, and the development of clean technologies and products, while ensuring a level playing field and supporting innovation.
Proposals should demonstrate how their advanced manufacturing solutions contribute to the green transition of industry, for example, by reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, enabling circularity, or developing clean technologies. Alignment with the EU's climate and environmental objectives and enhancing industrial competitiveness are key.
Ecodesign Sustainable Products Regulation
highThe Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a cornerstone of the EU's circular economy agenda, aiming to make products more sustainable throughout their entire lifecycle. It expands the scope of the existing Ecodesign Directive to cover the broadest possible range of products, setting requirements for product durability, reusability, repairability, recyclability, recycled content, energy and resource efficiency, and the presence of harmful chemicals.
It also introduces a Digital Product Passport to provide information on products' environmental sustainability.
Proposals for new bio-based textile fibres should explicitly consider how these fibres will enable the resulting textile products to meet future ecodesign requirements under the ESPR. This includes designing fibres that contribute to product durability, repairability, recyclability, and the use of recycled content. Consideration of the environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle and the potential for a Digital Product Passport for textile products made from these fibres is also important.
Horizon Europe Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030"
mediumThis Horizon Europe Mission aims to protect and restore the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Its objectives include protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, preventing and eliminating pollution, and making the blue economy sustainable, carbon-neutral, and circular.
It supports innovative solutions to address challenges such as plastic pollution, nutrient runoff, and overfishing, fostering a sustainable relationship between human activities and aquatic environments.
While the primary focus of the call is on textile fibres, proposals could demonstrate how the developed bio-based fibres contribute to preventing pollution of oceans and waters, for example, by being biodegradable in aquatic environments, reducing microplastic shedding, or offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fibres that contribute to aquatic pollution. Any potential positive impact on aquatic ecosystems through the fibre's lifecycle should be highlighted.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in section 2.2.3 Calls for proposals in the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026
Application form templates
Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System.
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
CBE JU Call for proposals 2026
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that clearly demonstrate truly breakthrough processes and fibres, moving beyond incremental improvements. A critical focus will be on the project's commitment to sustainability, evidenced by the rigorous application of the SSbD framework (@SC6) and comprehensive strategies for sustainable end-of-life design, including explicit measures to prevent microplastic release (@SC4). The proposal must show a credible multi-actor approach (@SC5) involving all key stakeholders and ensure the developed fibres are compatible with existing textile manufacturing processes (@SC2) to facilitate market penetration. Furthermore, clear evidence of improved technical properties against state-of-the-art benchmarks (@SC3) and strong complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects (@SC7) will be highly valued.
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
The evaluation criteria explicitly prioritize proposals demonstrating “truly breakthrough processes and fibres” over incremental advancements. Your proposal must articulate a fundamental shift in technology or approach, not just a marginal improvement on existing bio-based textiles. Failing to convincingly frame your innovation as a breakthrough will lead to a low score.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The call mandates a specific task to apply the SSbD framework, and evaluators will critically assess its rigorous application. This is not a background consideration; it must be a central part of your methodology, influencing material selection, process design, and end-of-life planning from the outset. A proposal that treats SSbD as an afterthought will be non-compliant.
Source: Scope / activities
The call mandates a multi-actor approach involving all key actors, specifically naming feedstock suppliers, textile manufacturers, and end-users. A consortium composed only of research institutes will be deemed insufficient. You must include industrial partners that represent the complete value chain to demonstrate a credible path to market.
Source: Scope / activities
A key scope requirement is ensuring your developed fibre is compatible with existing textile manufacturing processes and equipment. This is a critical factor for market uptake and will be scrutinized by evaluators. Your work plan must include activities and partners to validate this compatibility, as it is a mandatory condition for funding.
Source: Scope / activities
The AI has drafted potential core elements based on the call analysis. To start building your project proposal structure, select the elements that resonate with your consortium's concept. You can refine and rewrite them fully once your project workspace is created.