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The calls for proposals published under the Belgium Builds Back Circular (BBBC) initiative aim to accelerate Belgium's transition towards a circular economy. They are part of the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (NPRR) and are financed by a temporary European fund, NextGenerationEU.
The third call for proposals focuses on the substitution of chemical substances of concern. Managed by the FPS Economy, this call ran from 4 October to 31 December 2023.
Objectives of the Third Call for Proposals
This call is aimed at supporting innovation initiatives to bring to the market alternative chemicals, technologies, and/or products that eliminate the use of substances of concern or their presence in a product. It also targets research projects aimed at developing sufficient knowledge and transparency on the substitution of these substances of concern as well as on the origin of alternatives to chemical substances of concern and the potential risks throughout the life cycle.
Why Focus on Hazardous Substances?
The focus on the substitution of hazardous chemicals is no coincidence. Chemicals are used everywhere and by everyone. They are present in most of the products we use daily. However, the presence or use of hazardous chemicals carries risks. Not only for humans and the environment but also for our economy’s prosperity. The omnipresence of substances of concern means that many production chains and sectors encounter them. To accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Belgium, the introduction of sustainable chemistry in the production chain is an ideal opportunity. The chemical industry is a key driver of the transition to a healthy, resilient, and competitive economy. Investing in innovation and the circular economy allows Belgian companies not only to comply with stricter legislation but also to stay ahead of the curve in Europe’s circular transition.
Priority substances of concern
For this call for proposals, three groups of priority substances of concern have been identified for Belgium. The federal government wants to accelerate the elimination of these substances as much as possible.
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are used across various industries and are found in everyday consumer products. For example, PFAS are used in the coatings of waterproof clothing to make them water-resistant, in fire extinguisher foam, and in non-stick cookware.
Recognising the importance of phasing out PFAS, the federal government is seeking to support projects through this call that explore or develop safe and sustainable alternatives to PFAS. Given the problematic nature of all PFAS, as well as their many applications across a multitude of sectors, no specific priority areas are identified under this theme.
Endocrine Disruptors (EDs)
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) represent a major public health issue. These chemical substances, which are harmful to human health and the environment, are present everywhere, whether in the environment (water, soil, air) or our everyday consumer products (a.o., food, toys, building materials, cosmetics, textiles, electronic devices). To protect consumers, the future products entering the Belgian market must be free of as many endocrine disruptors as possible.
The implementation of risk management measures at the European level is expected to take several more years according to the European Commission's timetable. The implementation of complementary measures at the national level and support for research and businesses is therefore essential.
12 Priority Substances for Belgium and the Public
In addition to these two groups of substances, there is also a list of substances that will be treated as a priority due to their significance for Belgian industry and/or the public.
These substances are:
- Diazene-1,2-dicarboxamide (C, C'-azodi(formamide)) (ADCA)
- Phenol, dodecyl-, branched
- Alkanes, C14-17, chloro
- Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane
- Methyloxirane (Propylene oxide)
- N, N- dimethylacetamide
- 2-methoxy ethanol
- Boric acid
- Tris(4-nonylphenol, branched) phosphite
- 4-tert-butyl-phenol
- Terphenyl, hydrogenated
- Dicyclohexyl phthalate
Target Group and Funding
This call for proposals was open to Belgian organisations, consortia or organisations active in Belgium, including companies (with a particular focus on SMEs), public or private research centres, research centres attached to universities, start-ups, NGOs, consultancy firms, and similar institutions. The funding awarded per project amounts to a minimum of 50,000 euros and a maximum of 2,000,000 euros per project.
Results of the Call for Proposals
After a thorough analysis of the applications, nine winning projects were selected to receive a financial grant. These projects are carried out by companies and/or consortia of research centres and companies. All winning projects will receive a grant totalling around 9 million euros. The implementation of projects started in the summer of 2024 and will end in July 2026.
