The Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 includes multiple calls where the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework is expected to guide innovation in chemicals, advanced materials, and production processes. These calls target safer, more sustainable solutions while maintaining technical performance in industrial applications.
Key calls referencing SSbD:
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-MATERIALS-PRODUCTION-21: Development of safe and sustainable alternatives to substances of concern. The SSbD framework should guide innovation towards safer chemicals and advanced materials.
- HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MATERIALS-PRODUCTION-22: Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on critical raw materials. SSbD should guide the innovation process for sustainable materials and processes.
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MATERIALS-PRODUCTION-23: Accelerating the discovery and development of chemicals and innovative materials through digitalisation and AI. Expected outcomes include supporting the operationalisation of SSbD, developing new risk assessment methods, and leveraging SSbD toolboxes.
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01 & 2027-01-MATERIALS-PRODUCTION-01/02: Advanced manufacturing for key products. While advanced materials are not the main focus, proposals should include steps to adapt materials to manufacturing applications, including SSbD-design steps and digital twin integration.
- HORIZON-CL4-2026-01 & 2027-01-MATERIALS-PRODUCTION-05/06: Circular innovative advanced materials. SSbD should guide the innovation process, ensuring alternatives are both technically functional and sustainably designed.
What this means for consortium partners:
Proposals for these calls must demonstrate how SSbD principles are integrated into project planning and execution. This requires a clear strategy for sustainable innovation, proper selection of materials, and alignment with technical and environmental objectives. In many cases, collaboration with entities can enhance credibility and operationalisation.
How Prelude Analytics can support your proposal
At Prelude Analytics, we assist Horizon Europe consortia in effectively integrating SSbD into their proposals. Our services include:
- Guidance on applying SSbD principles to chemicals, materials, and production processes
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) analyses to support sustainability claims
- Practical recommendations for operationalising SSbD across project stages
Interested in collaborating?
If you are forming a consortium for Horizon Europe 2026-2027 calls where SSbD alignment is expected, Prelude Analytics can be a valuable technical partner. We help demonstrate compliance, strengthen proposal credibility, and ensure SSbD is embedded throughout the innovation process.
📩 Contact Prelude Analytics to:
- Discuss potential collaboration on Horizon Europe proposals
- Plan how SSbD can be operationalised in your project
We provide practical guidance and actionable strategies to integrate SSbD into Horizon Europe proposals, helping consortia deliver safer, sustainable, and high-impact innovation.