Proposals under this topic should:

• Develop scalable separation and purification technologies and test the developed innovative solutions on at least 3 use cases from biorefinery processes at industrial or demo scale. Each technology should address at least two of the following:
  • increase efficiency when using available green solvents (including water), or develop novel ones and in both cases minimise the use of harsh solvents;
  • applying process intensification including through reduction of process steps;
  • reducing thermal and/or electric energy and water consumption.
• Address compatibility of the innovative separation and purification solutions with existing upstream technologies or develop solutions that address simultaneously the upstream and downstream challenges.
• Test and validate the performance of targeted technologies and their effect on selected bio-based product(s). Both novel (not yet available on the market) and well-established bio-based products are in scope.

In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026, proposals under this topic should:

• Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted biorefinery products obtained using the developed separation and purification processes. For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design.
• Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects.