Call for Projects: Belgium Builds Back Circular - Substitution of Hazardous Substances

The project calls published under the Belgium Builds back Circular (BBBC) initiative aim to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Belgium. These calls are part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and are funded by the temporary European fund.

The third call for projects focused on the substitution of hazardous chemical substances. This call was launched by the SPF Economy and ran from October 4 to December 31, 2023.

Objective of the Call for Projects
The objective of this call was to support innovation initiatives aimed at bringing to market chemicals, technologies, and/or alternative products that eliminate the use of or the presence of hazardous substances in products. Research projects on alternatives to hazardous substances were also eligible.

Why Focus on Hazardous Substances?
The emphasis on the substitution of hazardous chemicals is not accidental. Chemicals are used everywhere and by everyone, found in most of the products we use daily. However, the presence or use of hazardous chemicals poses risks not only to human health and the environment but also to the health of our economy. The widespread presence of hazardous substances means that many production chains and sectors come into contact with them. This situation makes companies vulnerable but also offers an opportunity to introduce sustainable chemistry throughout the entire supply chain. The chemical industry is an essential driver of the transition to a healthy, resilient, and competitive economy. Investing in innovation and the circular economy allows Belgian businesses to not only comply with stricter legislation but also to remain at the forefront of the European circular transition.

Priority Hazardous Substances
For this call, three groups of priority hazardous substances were identified for Belgium. The federal government aims to accelerate the elimination of these substances as much as possible.

1. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the coating of waterproof clothing and in fire-fighting foam and non-stick cookware. The federal government recognizes the importance of phasing out PFAS and developing safe and sustainable alternatives. No specific priority area was defined for this group, as all PFAS are considered problematic across many sectors.

2. Endocrine Disruptors (ED)
Endocrine disruptors are present in many products (food, toys, construction materials, cosmetics, textiles, electronics, etc.) and in the environment (water, air, soil). They are harmful to human health and the environment. To protect consumers, it is important that future products on the Belgian market be free from endocrine disruptors whenever possible.

3. 12 Priority Substances for Belgian Industry and the General Public
In addition to PFAS and endocrine disruptors, 12 other substances with major implications for Belgian industry and the public were identified as priorities. These include:
- Diazene-1,2-dicarboxamide (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 Audience and Funding
This call was open to organizations or consortiums active in Belgium, including businesses (with a particular focus on SMEs), public and private research centers, university or higher education research centers, start-ups, NGOs, consulting firms, and similar institutions. The funding amount for each project ranged from a minimum of 50,000 euros to a maximum of 2,000,000 euros.

Results of the Call
After a thorough review of the applications, nine winning projects were selected to receive financial grants. These projects, led by companies and/or consortiums of research centers and businesses, will receive a total of approximately 9 million euros in funding. The projects will begin in the summer of 2024 and are expected to conclude in July 2026.