Commission launches €35 million call for projects that turn environmental challenges into business opportunities

Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment said: "This call for innovative projects is a tremendous opportunity for Europe´s entrepreneurial talent to showcase new ideas to reduce our ecological footprint. The CIP Eco-Innovation initiative shows that helping the environment makes good business sense, with numerous products and services now demonstrating how competitive growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand."
The call covers four main areas:
- Material recycling
- Sustainable building products
- Food and drink sector
- Green business
Up to 50% of project costs covered
The call is addressed particularly to small businesses that have developed a green product, process or service that is technically proven but is still struggling to find its place in the market. The call offers direct co-financing with grants that cover up to 50% of the total project cost. The €35 million funds available for the 2010 call are expected to bring to life between 45 and 50 new projects.
The projects are selected on the basis of their innovative approach, their market replication potential and their contribution to European environmental policies, especially in terms of resource efficiency.
Some 44 projects are currently running under the scheme, and another 45 are set to launch in the course of this year. Some examples include: converting used tyres into valuable insulation materials; using bamboo plantations to purify ´grey´ water; and replacing conventional paper labels with innovative laser technologies.
The 2010 call for proposals will be presented today during the CIP Eco-innovation Info Day taking place in the Charlemagne building in Brussels. The deadline for submissions is 9 September.