Current plastic production is based on fossil raw materials and is associated with a lot of waste, environmental damage and health damage due to, for example, microplastics. Therefore, there is a need for new plastics that are biobased or CO2-based polymers that are biodegradable. In addition, they are reusable and easy to integrate into the current plastics chain. They also have a reduced impact on the environment and health. The challenge here is to prevent harmful leakage into the environment, including in the form of litter, microplastics or wear and tear. In addition to the technical aspects, the socio-economic aspect also needs to be addressed. Reducing leakage also requires a different form of consumer behaviour and business operations.
This call has been developed in conjunction with the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for the Circular Economy 2024-2027 (KIA CE) and focuses on the transition from fossil-based plastic chains to sustainable plastics. The aim is to solve both the technical and business challenges of new plastics. This call is therefore open to scientists from the natural sciences and technical sciences, as well as the social sciences and business studies. To ensure a good connection with practice, it is necessary to involve companies in the plastics chain in the proposal. These can be plastics producers, users and waste processing organisations.
In this context, ‘plastics’ is not limited to plastic, but also includes coatings, composites, paints and rubbers.
Meetings
For this call, it is important that both the natural-technical and socio-economic aspects are addressed, while also connecting with practical applications. Therefore, it is important that a consortium is formed between different parties. To support this, NWO is organising a matchmaking meeting on 13 May in Utrecht. Interested parties can meet each other here. You can register via the link. Attendance at the meeting is not compulsory, but it is recommended.
In addition, NWO is also organising an online information session on 15 April. You can ask questions about this call here.
Budget
A total of seven million euros is available. NWO will fund a maximum of 70% of the project. The remaining 30% must be paid by (private) co-funding. At least 2 co-funders must be involved in the consortium. A minimum of 750,000 euros and a maximum of 2,000,000 euros can be requested per proposal.
Timeline
- 15 April 2025, online information meeting
- 13 May 2025, matchmaking meeting
- 24 June 2025 14:00, deadline for letters of intent
- 16 September 2025 14:00, deadline for full proposals
NWO-KIC: innovation programmes in the knowledge and innovation covenant
NWO develops innovation programmes that focus on societal challenges in the Netherlands. These programmes aim to have an impact on the economy, people and society. The focus is on cooperation between knowledge institutions, private parties and the government. The results thus contribute to the realisation of economic opportunities. It is therefore essential that companies invest in every research project.
