This funding opportunity is part of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), which is backed by Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. It aims to support projects that design, test, and confirm systemic solutions for local and regional governments.
According to the EU Funding Portal, selected projects should introduce “high-impact strategies” to extend textile lifespans, targeting reduced raw material extraction and lower waste generation.
Activities may include developing improved waste collection and sorting infrastructure, prioritising repair and reuse over recycling or disposal.
Another focus area is the application of digital and AI technologies to sort clothing and support the introduction of Digital Product Passports, which will help ensure transparency and reasonable costs for repaired items.
Additionally, proposals may look to motivate manufacturers to supply spare parts and offer extended product guarantees, supporting reparability.
Authorities are encouraged to work alongside citizens, social enterprises, and upcycling businesses to create local strategies for repair and reuse.
Eligibility is open to any legal entity, regardless of location, as specified by the funding portal, provided participants meet the Horizon Europe Regulation and other outlined criteria.
The programme encourages collaboration among manufacturers, retailers, small repair businesses, and social enterprises.
Applicants must adopt an inclusive approach, with sensitivity to gender and stakeholder participation, and are urged to connect their work with the CCRI Coordination and Support Office as well as other related activities.
Applicants should evaluate solution feasibility and impact using robust assessment methods, such as lifecycle analysis, with supporting economic, environmental, and social data.
This call aligns with the objectives of the European Green Deal, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, and Europe’s single market strategy for sustainable products.
The initiative also forms part of the EU’s Waste Framework Directive and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles policy framework. It is intended to foster deep structural change and regional innovation, supporting 'Start-ups and Scale-ups' in the process.
