Horizon Europe has opened a specific call aimed at improving the circularity of multilayer flexible plastic packaging intended for food contact applications.
The call is open until 17 September 2026 and has a budget of €11 million.
What it is
The objective is to create a closed-loop system for recyclable food packaging that can be recycled and reused in food-contact applications while maintaining material quality, value and lifespan.
Proposals should advance towards multilayer mono-material solutions, improve ecodesign, integrate digital solutions such as the Digital Product Passport, optimise sorting through physical and digital technologies, and demonstrate recycling and the use of recycled content in new food packaging.
Who it is for
The call may be relevant for consortia involving raw material producers, polymer and additive suppliers, converters, brands, retailers, SMEs, startups, waste management companies, recyclers, and providers of sorting, AI, digital marker or decontamination technologies.
How to participate
Proposals must be submitted by 17 September 2026. Innovation activities are expected to achieve results at TRL 6–8 by the end of the project.
Sources: European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform / EU Funding & Tenders Portal / EFSA