Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)
CBE JU is a €2 billion public-private partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) under the Horizon Europe framework. Its mission is to advance competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe by funding research and innovation projects that develop sustainable solutions based on renewable biological resources.
IDConsortium
CBE JU is operating under the rules of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme, for the 2021-2031 period. The partnership is building on the success of its predecessor, the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), while addressing the current challenges facing the industry.
What can CBE JU do for Europe?
Shifting from non-renewable fossil raw materials and minerals to circular bio-based production processes is essential to reach the EU’s climate targets as set out in the European Green Deal. Strong, resource-efficient and competitive bio-based industries are important drivers of this change. By producing renewable bio-based products and materials from waste and biomass in an innovative, sustainable and circular way, they can contribute significantly to the climate neutrality target by 2050 while creating green jobs and sustainable economic growth in regions across Europe.
The role of Circular Bio-based Europe is to bring together various actors from bio-based industries, ranging from farmers to scientists, to solve the technological, regulatory and market challenges of the sector. Its public-private funding scheme boosts innovation and market deployment and paves the way for future investments.
Unlocking the future of circular bioeconomy in Europe
CBE JU is building on BBI JU’s success while enlarging its scope and addressing the remaining challenges of Europe’s bio-based industries. The partnership is focusing on:
- Supporting research and innovation for sustainable bio-based solutions
- De-risking investments in innovative, circular bio-based production plants
- Addressing the technological, regulatory & market challenges of the bioeconomy
- Placing sustainability at the heart of its operations
- Strengthening the collaboration of all bioeconomy actors
- Engaging with more stakeholders along the value chains
Public-private collaboration for a greener future of Europe
CBE JU is established under Council regulation (EU) 2021/2085 of 19 November 2021 as an institutionalised European partnership between the European Union, represented by the European Commission, and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). CBE JU is the legal and universal successor of BBI JU in respect of all contracts, grant agreements and liabilities.
The CBE JU’s decision-making body is its Governing Board. The role of the CBE JU Programme Office, led by its Executive Director, is to ensure the implementation of the partnership. CBE JU also has two advisory bodies – States’ Representatives Group and Scientific Committee – and Deployment Groups providing advice on specific issues.
Key Objectives
- Support the transition from fossil-based to bio-based production systems.
- Promote the circular economy through sustainable biomass use and industrial symbiosis.
- Boost innovation and market uptake of bio-based products.
- Encourage collaboration between industry, SMEs, research organisations, and public authorities.
Achievements So Far
Since 2014 (under its predecessor BBI JU), the initiative has:
- Funded 192 projects involving over 1,550 beneficiaries from 43 countries.
- Attracted 35% SME participation.
- Achieved a leverage effect of €3.23 private investment for every €1 of public funding.
Latest news & calls related to this programme:
CBE JU 2025 Call for Proposals Now Open: €172 Million to Boost Bio-based Innovation in Europe
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) will launch its 2025 call for proposals on 3 April 2025, with a total budget of €172 million.
CBE JU – 2025 Call for Proposals
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) will open its 2025 call for proposals on 3 April 2025, with a total budget of 172 million euros to support sustainable and innovative bio-based solutions across Europe.
CBE JU Hosts Info Day 2024 to guide potential project applicants
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is set to host its much-anticipated Info Day 2024, offering valuable insights into the upcoming call for project proposals and fostering networking opportunities among potential applicants.