On April 3, 2025, the POLYMEER project participated in the CBE JU Info Day in Brussels, a key event for gaining insights into the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) 2025 call for proposals. The event brought together industry experts, researchers and policymakers to discuss how bio-based innovation can drive Europe’s transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.
As a project funded under CBE JU and the Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC), POLYMEER was selected through the HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-04 call, a highly competitive funding opportunity that supported only three projects across Europe.
Representing the POLYMEER project and Zabala Innovation, we had the opportunity to explore the latest funding opportunities, learn about best practices in proposal writing and connect with stakeholders across the bioeconomy sector.
Why is the CBE JU important for Europe’s bioeconomy?
As climate change, global economic shifts and resource scarcity continue to pose significant challenges, Europe is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon, bio-based economy. The CBE JU, a public-private partnership, plays an important role in funding and fostering sustainable innovations that reduce dependence on fossil resources, enhance industrial resilience and promote circularity.
Since its inception, CBE JU has made a lasting impact:
- 192 projects funded, leading to over 200 new bio-based materials, ingredients and products.
- €1.1 billion invested, attracting €3.23 in private funding for every euro of CBE JU support.
- A strong network of 1,550 beneficiaries across 43 countries, including SMEs, research centers and universities.
- Promotion of new bio-based value chains that replace fossil-based alternatives with sustainable solutions.
By funding bio-based innovations, CBE JU contributes to achieving key European objectives, including those outlined in the European Green Deal, by supporting industrial decarbonisation, circular material flows and sustainable economic growth.
