Consumption patterns and environmental awareness as enablers of transition to circular economy

The grant opportunity titled "Consumption patterns and environmental awareness as enablers of transition to circular economy" is part of Horizon Europe Cluster 6, aimed at advancing circular economy practices through innovations in consumer behavior and business models. Eligible applicants include research institutes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities, and civil society organizations, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The primary funding mechanism is a grant under HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based, and projects typically require a consortium of multiple stakeholders, aligning with the collaborative nature of Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA). Geographic eligibility covers EU member states, EEA countries, and EU-associated countries.

The grant focuses on sectors related to the circular economy, including sustainable consumption, ecodesign, and consumer goods. Proposals should aim to address public awareness gaps about sustainable practices, analyze barriers to adopting circular products, and develop pathways for behavioral change while engaging citizens and civic groups.

Funding amounts are expected to range from €1 million to €5 million per project, aligning with typical budgets for similar Horizon Europe grant topics. The application process is a single-stage open call, with the deadline set for September 17, 2025. While the exact success rates for applications are not disclosed, they are generally forecasted to be between 10% to 39%.

Co-funding requirements likely exist, particularly for actions under Innovation Actions, although specifics are not explicitly stated for all categories. The overall goal of this funding opportunity is to help facilitate a smooth transition to a competitive circular economy, empowering consumers while also fortifying knowledge and skills among economic actors in line with the European Green Deal objectives.

Projects are encouraged to explore the impact of eco-labeling, digital infrastructure initiatives, and aim to reduce power imbalances between industries and civil society. Thus, the call seeks innovative solutions that not only promote sustainable practices but also foster an inclusive approach benefiting various societal sectors.

This is a Horizon Europe Cluster 6 call for proposals focusing on "Consumption patterns and environmental awareness as enablers of transition to circular economy". The call aims to support the European Green Deal and the 2020 circular economy action plan (CEAP), along with related directives and regulations like the Waste Framework Directive, the upcoming Green Claims Directive, the EU Ecolabel, and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

The expected outcomes of successful proposals include:

Increased consumer awareness regarding the importance of their choices and the availability of sustainable and circular options.
Demonstrated value for consumers in making circular purchasing decisions.
Guidance for public authorities and civil society organizations on increasing awareness about sustainable consumption.
Strengthened circularity-related knowledge and skills among economic operators, including product designers.

The scope of the call emphasizes the transition to a circular economy as crucial for reducing pressure on natural resources, achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target, and halting biodiversity loss. Proposals should address gaps in public awareness, utilize social innovation, and analyze barriers to the uptake of circular products. They should also assess consumption patterns, evaluate pathways to behavioral change, and address power imbalances between industry and civil society. Synergies with the New European Bauhaus and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) are encouraged. The call highlights the importance of citizen engagement and the contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may provide expertise and participate in the projects Scientific Advisory Board.

The call includes various topics with different types of actions and budget allocations:

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01: HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions, Budget: 20,000,000 EUR in 2025, 20,000,000 EUR in 2026 and 20,000,000 EUR in 2027, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 24,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-04: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 22,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-05: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 18,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 3
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-06: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 16,000,000 EUR, Contribution: 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 3
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-07: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 12,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-08: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 14,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 7,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-09: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 6,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 3,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-10: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 11,000,000 EUR, Contribution: 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-01: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 10,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 5,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-02: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-04: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 10,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 5,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-05: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 12,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-06: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-07: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 18,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 9,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-08: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 11,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 5,500,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-09: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 10,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 5,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-10: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 2,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 2,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-11: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 11,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 5,500,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-12: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 2,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 2,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-13: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-14: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 12,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-15: HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions, Budget: 10,000,000 EUR in 2025, 30,000,000 EUR in 2026 and 30,000,000 EUR in 2027, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 10,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 2,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 2,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 6,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-05: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 12,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-06: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 8,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-07: HORIZON Innovation Actions, Budget: 12,000,000 EUR, Contribution: around 6,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2

The call is structured as a single-stage submission process, with the opening date on May 6, 2025, and a deadline on September 17, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

General conditions for participation include admissibility, eligibility of countries, financial and operational capacity, exclusion criteria, and legal and financial setup as described in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions are detailed in the specific topic descriptions.

Application forms, evaluation templates, model grant agreements, and guidance documents are available in the Submission System and the Funding & Tenders Portal.

This funding opportunity aims to foster a transition to a circular economy by addressing consumer behavior, promoting sustainable products, and supporting innovative business models. It seeks to empower consumers, strengthen the knowledge of economic operators, and provide guidance to public authorities, ultimately contributing to the goals of the European Green Deal. The call encourages collaboration, citizen engagement, and the integration of social sciences and humanities to achieve meaningful and lasting societal impact.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated but can be inferred to include a variety of entities such as municipalities, companies including retailers and service providers, end-users, public authorities, civil society organizations, and economic operators including product designers. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium selected for funding. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Funding Type: The primary funding mechanism is grants, specifically HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and HORIZON Programme Cofund Actions (HORIZON-COFUND) under the Horizon Europe Programme. The type of Model Grant Agreement is HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to require a consortium, as the Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium selected for funding and there is a partner search function.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Target Sector: The program targets the circular economy, food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, environment, sustainable consumption and production, ecodesign, waste management, green claims, EU Ecolabel, and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions non-EU and non-Associated Countries.

Project Stage: The project stages include research, innovation, and implementation, covering activities from assessing consumption patterns to developing pathways for behavioral change and strengthening circularity-related knowledge and skills.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific action type:
HORIZON-COFUND: EUR 10,000,000 to EUR 30,000,000
HORIZON-CSA: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 4,000,000
HORIZON-RIA: EUR 6,000,000 to EUR 24,000,000
HORIZON-IA: EUR 8,000,000 to EUR 18,000,000

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants to support their projects.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight into the potential competitiveness.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding may be required for HORIZON-COFUND actions, but this is not explicitly stated for all action types.

Summary: This Horizon Europe Cluster 6 call focuses on "Consumption patterns and environmental awareness as enablers of transition to circular economy." It aims to support the European Green Deal and the circular economy action plan by funding projects that promote sustainable consumption and production. The call seeks proposals that address gaps in public awareness, analyze barriers to circular product uptake, and develop pathways for behavioral change among various economic actors. The call encourages the engagement of citizens and civil society, the contribution of SSH disciplines, and synergies with initiatives like the New European Bauhaus and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative. The funding is provided through various Horizon Europe action types, including Innovation Actions, Research and Innovation Actions, Coordination and Support Actions and Programme Cofund Actions, each with varying budget allocations. The application process is a single-stage submission, and eligible applicants include a range of entities from municipalities to research institutions, with a focus on consortia. The overall goal is to foster a transition to a competitive, circular, and sustainable economy by empowering consumers and strengthening circularity-related knowledge and skills. The call also aims to reduce power imbalances between industry and civil society and explore the impact of various eco-labeling and digital infrastructure initiatives. The indicative timeline points to a single-stage application process with an opening date in May 2025 and a deadline in September 2025.