Enhancing ecodesign and circularity of consumer electronics

Overview

Funding for projects that advance ecodesign and circularity in consumer electronics, focusing on durability, reparability, recyclability, and critical raw material recovery. Targets manufacturers, researchers, and innovators developing sustainable product solutions aligned with EU environmental and circular economy goals.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., businesses, research institutions, universities, public bodies) from eligible countries. Participation of SMEs and partners from countries with electronics production is encouraged.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €8,000,000
• Funding is provided as a lump sum
• Co-funding requirements are not specified

What Is Funded

• Development, testing, and demonstration of ecodesign solutions for consumer electronics, including:

- Design for durability, reusability, reparability, disassembly, separability, and recyclability - Use of recycled content and critical raw materials - Technologies such as active disassembly/debonding materials and adhesives

• Assessment of mechanisms and incentives to promote circularity and product durability (e.g., extended guarantees, VAT reductions)
• Testing of new business models (e.g., leasing, product-service systems) that reinforce sustainable design
• Lifecycle environmental performance evaluations using Product Environmental Footprint methodology
• Compliance with chemical safety principles (Safe and Sustainable by Design) and relevant legislation (e.g., RoHS)

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-04-19
• Deadline: 2027-09-21

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage application process
• Submission 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

• Projects must align with the European Green Deal, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, and WEEE Directive
• Consumer benefits and societal impact must be central to project activities
• Effective contribution from Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines is required
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and formatting guidelines specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes