(17 May 2013) – The European Commission has launched a call for proposals of EUR 31.5 million for the best 45 eco-innovation projects.
Businesses throughout Europe have until 5 September 2013 to put in their proposals for bringing novel environmental solutions to the market in the following 5 areas: material recycling; water; sustainable building products; green business; the food and drink sector.
The call is primarily targeted at private businesses, mainly SMEs that have developed an innovative green product, process or service, but are experiencing difficulties in launching it on the market. The call offers co-financing to cover up to 50% of the project cost and should support about 45 new projects this year.
Almost 50 projects are set to launch from last year’s call and over 185 projects are already underway. Examples of current schemes include: optimising technology to re-use old bricks in the construction industry; producing leather shoes that are free from harmful chemicals; using CO2 to harness a natural source of Omega-3; and a new technique for carpet manufacturing.