The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has released its Annual Work Programme for 2025, outlining plans for a new call for project proposals. The programme allocates a budget of €165 million to support circular bio-based industries in Europe across 13 identified topics.
The call for proposals, scheduled to open on April 4, 2025, will focus on various innovation and research actions, which include topics such as urban-industrial symbiosis for bio-waste valorization, with an allocation of €18 million, and the development of bio-based drop-ins and smart platform chemicals, which will receive €20 million.
Other key areas include:
- Circular-by-design fiber-based packaging (€18 million)
- Retrofitting (bio)refineries for higher-value bio-based products (€20 million)
- Sustainable macroalgae systems (€14 million)
- Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based solutions for textiles (€13.5 million)
- Scaling up nutritional proteins (€14 million)
In addition, the programme will address valorization of untapped forest biomass and the development of bio-based delivery systems to reduce microplastics pollution, among other topics.
Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, Executive Director of CBE JU, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the goal of increasing participation from the primary sector in the European bioeconomy. The program aims to promote sustainable growth, job creation, and regional development, alongside targets for enhancing climate resilience and resource efficiency. CBE JU is focused on fostering market readiness and reducing barriers to investment in the bio-based sector.
The deadline for proposal submissions is set for September 17, 2025.
