High-performance, circular-by-design, bio-based thermosets

Expected Outcome:

Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Chemical Industry Action Plan, and the Clean Industrial Deal. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• Wider availability of bio-based thermoset materials meeting high technical performance requirements.
• Improved circularity of thermosets and downstream application(s) against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL.

Scope:

Bio-based thermosets have a proven capability to achieve challenging technical performances for high demanding applications including transport, energy, electronics, among others. However, due to their cross-linking nature, the recycling of thermoset materials (including composites) is more challenging without compromising the technical performances. Thus, eco-designing bio-based thermoset materials to be both circular and high-performing remains a significant challenge in scaling-up towards competitiveness and higher sustainability.

Some of the key challenges to address for bio-based thermosets include processability during manufacturing (including aspects of thermal stability), technical performance (e.g., mechanical properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability) of the end-product along its life cycle, durability, EoL and circularity, including recycling, re-using or upcycling solutions.

Proposals under this topic should:

• Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the resource-efficient production of innovative bio-based thermosets, targeting both high performances and circularity. Functionalisation by introducing bio- or non-bio-based additives is also in scope.
• Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the developed bio-based thermosets conversion into circular end-products, proving that technical performance (e.g., mechanical and thermal stability properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability, etc.) meets market requirements and is compatible with existing manufacturing equipment.
• Apply eco-design principles, in line with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, to enable circularity of the thermoset materials, addressing major challenges of EoL for the targeted end-use.
• Test the selected EoL alternatives (at TRL 5 and above). Landfilling or incineration are out of scope.

In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026^[1], proposals under this topic should:

• As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end-users, including consumers when applicable, starting from the early stages to assess market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development.
• Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based thermosets and derived products. 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 other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects.

[1] https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents