Proposals under this topic should:

• Demonstrate and deploy innovative production processes for SSbD bio-based products for biodegradable -in- soil applications, addressing the problem of (micro)plastics release in soil and their further dispersion in runoff water. This topic focuses on products used in soil, for example mulch films, tarpaulins, geonets, geotextiles, geomembranes, etc. and plastics applications in agriculture, for example, greenhouses, pheromones dispensers, clips, pots etc; select one or more product categories, providing a justification of the selection based on the relevance of products in the actual market and/or on environmental considerations (e.g., the threats posed by the conventional non-biodegradable solutions for the same applications).
• The topic does not cover marine and aquatic applications as a main focus. However, spill over of the developed product streams towards other replication sectors (including marine/aquatic) can be considered, in order to widen market applications.
• Design the products for biodegradation in soil according to the environmental conditions and application timeframe, while ensuring technical performances meeting market requirements throughout the useful life of the product. Moreover, the topic also addresses eco-design and testing of reusability and/or recyclability depending on the final application(s) and use conditions.
• Demonstrate safe biodegradability of bio-based products designed for specific applications in open environments (soil) under ranges of physical/chemical environmental conditions, including extreme conditions (e.g., temperature, pH) where applicable. Safe biodegradability entails avoiding eco-toxicity, microplastic dispersion and any environmental impacts – from bio-based products including their additives and other components- on natural ecosystems and their services, including on the soil fertility, during and after degradation. All these aspects should be monitored and assessed, also in the phase of dispersion in runoff water.
• Perform validation trials of the developed bio-based products with the involvement of end users (for example, in case of applications for agriculture are selected, primary sector should be involved).
• Develop a proposal for appropriate labelling of products when applicable and provide clear instructions on their use and on disposal options after use. This task should include the consultation of targeted stakeholders, e.g., end users. Training of end users should also be envisaged.
• Contribute with recommendations related to standards for biodegradability in soil.
• Include a task for projects funded under this topic to collaborate and align the proposals for appropriate labelling, and the recommendations related to standards.
• Include a task to integrate assessment of the demonstrated bio-based products based on the safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) framework, developed by the European Commission, for assessing the safety and sustainability of chemicals and materials. Under this context, projects are expected to contribute with and develop recommendations that can advance further the application of the SSbD framework.