Applications open for Circular Plastics NL Subsidy Program (Netherlands)

The Circular Plastics NL (CPNL) subsidy is a Dutch funding scheme for organizations active in the plastics and recycling value chain. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has made a total budget of €40 million available for research projects and showcase projects. Applications are open from April 21, 2026, at 09:00 until October 6, 2026, at 17:00. Maximum funding amounts apply per project, including up to €1.5 million per research project and up to €7.5 million per showcase project. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding Organization: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

- Opportunity: Circular Plastics NL (CPNL) Subsidy

- Project Types: Research projects and showcase projects

- Total Budget: €40,000,000

- Research Projects:

- Total budget: €3 million

- Maximum per research project: €1.5 million

- Showcase Projects:

- Total budget: €37 million

- Maximum per showcase project (pilot or demonstration): €7.5 million

- Application Period: April 21, 2026, at 09:00 – October 6, 2026, at 17:00

- Project Duration:

- Research projects: maximum 4 years

- Showcase projects: must be completed within 5 years

- Application Access: Applications must be submitted through eHerkenning, with at least EH3 required

- Status on Source Page: Open for applications (page information checked on September 24, 2026)

About the Opportunity

The CPNL (Circular Plastics NL) subsidy supports projects that contribute to an economy in which plastic products and materials are used and recycled more intelligently and efficiently. Applications are available for two types of projects: - Research Project: Research and development focused on processes, methods, or technologies that improve recycling efficiency and the quality of recycled materials. - Showcase Project: Making at least one type of plastic material more sustainable within the value chain, with results that can serve as an example for other companies using the same material. Funding and Benefits The subsidy is divided between two project categories, each with its own funding budget and ranking of applications within the relevant topics. Research Projects

- Total subsidy budget: €3,000,000

- Maximum per research project: €1,500,000

Showcase Projects

- Total subsidy budget: €37,000,000

- Maximum per showcase project: €7,500,000 for a pilot or demonstration project

Own Contribution Applicants must explain how they will finance their own contribution, meaning the part of the project costs not covered by the subsidy. The source states that an application may be rejected if the applicant cannot sufficiently demonstrate how the own contribution will be financed. The source refers to further financing rules and guidance in the application manual, but the complete requirements are not included in the provided information. Who Is Eligible? The subsidy is intended for organizations active in the plastics and recycling value chain, including: - Companies that produce, process, or use plastics, such as: - Waste collectors handling post-consumer or industrial plastic waste - Waste processors and waste-to-energy plants - Recyclers using mechanical, physical, or chemical processes - Compounders - Polymer producers - Converters - Engineers involved in the design or installation of industrial process equipment - Brand owners - End-product manufacturers, including companies producing packaging, automotive components, electronics, and furniture - Research organizations working on plastics and recycling - Organizations involved in plastic collection or recycling

Partnership Requirement

Applications must be submitted by a partnership of at least 2 organizations, of which at least one must be a company. Dutch Establishment Requirement - All organizations participating in the partnership must have an establishment or subsidiary in the Netherlands. Affiliated Companies Organizations that are affiliated with each other, such as parent and subsidiary companies with controlling relationships, may receive funding. However, the partnership must also include other independent parties.

Participation in Multiple Projects

- An organization may participate in more than one project. - A separate application must be submitted for each project. - When submitting an application, applicants must choose one eligible topic. The same project cannot be submitted under two different topics. Companies in Difficulty and De Minimis Aid The subsidy falls under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). To receive funding under the GBER, a company must demonstrate that it does not qualify as an undertaking in difficulty. If a company does qualify as an undertaking in difficulty, it may potentially apply under the de minimis regulation, subject to the applicable limits. Partnerships in which one of the participating companies is an undertaking in difficulty are, according to the source, not eligible. De Minimis Limit

Where applicable:

- The general maximum is €300,000 per single company over three consecutive years. - Lower limits may apply to certain sectors. - The source states that a de minimis declaration must be completed online, printed, and submitted as an attachment. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The CPNL subsidy supports two types of projects, each linked to specific topics within the scheme. Research Projects A CPNL research project must address one of the following topics: - Development of a new packaging design methodology to ensure that packaging is more recyclable at the end of its useful life. - Recovery of plastic from waste streams that are currently incinerated, provided that the waste is not packaging material. Showcase Projects A CPNL showcase project must address one of the following topics: - Technology supporting the transition to automated, high-quality sorting of textile waste - Pre-treatment of mixed plastic waste to make it suitable for chemical or mechanical recycling - New or improved technologies for the mechanical recycling of plastic waste - Disso