Demonstrating and deploying innovative collection, sorting-for-reuse and repair systems for textiles at city/region level (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)

Overview

Supports cities and regions in demonstrating and deploying innovative systems for textile collection, sorting-for-reuse, and repair to advance circular economy goals. Targets local authorities, social enterprises, businesses, and consortia working on scalable solutions for textile waste reduction and reuse.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising at least nine distinct regional or local authorities, including three from demonstration cities/regions and six from replication cities/regions. Applicants must include a mix of public bodies, social economy entities, businesses, and research institutions, adhering to a multi-actor approach.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 10,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Innovative solutions for textile collection, sorting-for-reuse, and repair systems, including:

• Public collection points and retailer take-back schemes.
• Digital tools (e.g., AI, digital product passports) for traceability, repair, and affordable pricing.
• Strategies to involve citizens, local businesses, and social enterprises in reuse and repair.
• Data capture on textile waste flows and supply chain transparency.
• Incentives for manufacturers to provide spare parts and extended guarantees.
• Actionable recommendations for replication in other European cities/regions.
• Robust evaluation methods, including lifecycle assessments (e.g., product environmental footprint).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7-9 by the end of the project. Activities may start at any TRL but must demonstrate progression to TRL 6-8 during implementation.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-16
• Deadline: 2026-09-16

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process. Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must integrate social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines and adopt a gender-sensitive, inclusive approach.
• Collaboration with the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and its Coordination and Support Office is required.
• Clustering with other CCRI-related projects is strongly encouraged.
• Projects must evaluate economic, environmental, and social costs and benefits using robust methods.