Evaluation Criteria & Scoring Explained

Under Horizon Europe/CBE-JU Innovation Actions the proposal is evaluated on three equally weighted criteria (0–5 points each). A weighted score ≥10/15 and individual threshold ≥3/5 per criterion is required.

1. Excellence (33 %)

* Clarity and pertinence of the objectives: alignment with SSbD, Textiles & Chemicals Strategies.

* Soundness of the concept and credibility of the methodology: robust scientific basis, clear SSbD framework application, risk mitigation, replicability.

* Ambition and innovation: degree of novelty vs. state-of-the-art, advancement beyond existing projects (show direct comparison with e.g. GLAUKOS, SOLSTICE).

How to Maximise Score

* Provide evidence-based TRL justification and preliminary data.

* Include standards & testing protocols (ISO, EN, OEKO-TEX).

* Demonstrate interdisciplinarity (chemistry, engineering, toxicology, economics).

2. Impact (33 %)

* Credibility of pathways to achieve expected outcomes: detailed KPIs, life-cycle advantages, pollution reduction, SSbD thresholds.

* Scale and significance of impacts: market size addressed, EU strategic autonomy, job creation, regional cohesion.

* Measures to maximise impact: exploitation, IP strategy, standardisation, policy input, dissemination to SMEs.

Boosting Your Impact Points

* Quantify GHG savings & hazardous chemical phase-out with comparative LCAs.

* Provide Letters of Intent from at least two Tier-1 brands or textile groups.

* Outline investment leverage (≥ 3 x EU grant) and post-project roadmap.

3. Quality & Efficiency of the Implementation (33 %)

* Quality of the work plan & resources: logical WPs, realistic timeline, detailed deliverables/milestones, adequate budget allocation.

* Capacity & role of participants: complementary expertise, industrial facilities, prior demo experience, risk management, gender balance.

* Appropriateness of consortium & MAA: active involvement of SMEs, workers’ representatives, regional authorities.

Tips to Secure High Marks

* Present a transparent governance structure (GA, SC, WP boards, advisory board).

* Detail CAPEX vs. OPEX and provide equipment utilisation rates.

* Include a comprehensive risk register (technical, regulatory, financial) with mitigation actions.

4. Tiebreakers (if equal scores)

1. Highest score on Impact.

2. Highest score on Excellence.

3. Climate & environmental relevance of the proposal.

4. Balanced gender considerations in leadership and workforce.

Understanding and explicitly addressing each bullet within these criteria is crucial to achieve a competitive total score above 13/15, typically required for funding under CBE-JU IAs.

Application Strategy for a Winning Proposal

1. Shape an End-to-End Consortium

* Recruit bio-based chemical developers, textile converters/finishers, equipment OEMs, recyclers, brands/retailers, LCA/SSbD experts, regional clusters and trade unions.

* Secure at least two demo sites in different EU regions to show scalability and socio-economic spread.

2. Craft a Compelling Narrative (The Golden Thread)

1. Problem: Quantify hazardous chemical use & pollution hotspots in specific textile segments.

2. Solution: Describe your bio-based alternative(s) and why they are intrinsically SSbD.

3. Demonstration: Outline pilot & industrial trials, KPIs, third-party validation.

4. Impact: CO₂e avoided, toxic releases reduced, jobs created, EU competitiveness, alignment with chemicals & textiles strategies.

5. Exploitation: Clear route to market within 2–3 years after project end, supported by signed LoIs from brands.

3. Map Work Packages (WPs)

* WP1 Project Management & SSbD governance

* WP2 Feedstock sourcing & pre-processing

* WP3 Bio-based chemistry/process optimisation (TRL 5→6)

* WP4 Demo-scale validation (TRL 6→7)

* WP5 Textile product manufacturing & EoL pilots

* WP6 LCA/LCC/S-LCA & SSbD assessment

* WP7 Business modelling, standardisation & regulatory input

* WP8 Communication, dissemination, clustering & exploitation

4. Excellence Section Tips

* Explain mode-of-action of the bio-based chemical (e.g. esterified lignin-based water repellent).

* Provide preliminary toxicity & biodegradability data; reference OECD tests.

* Detail compatibility studies with commercial dyeing/coating lines (lab-scale data, images, videos).

* Present a risk management plan including REACH registration strategy.

5. Impact Section Tips

* Quantify KPIs: ≥70 % reduction of hazardous chemical inventory, ≥30 % lower GHG, zero PFAS release, ≥90 % recyclability.

* Link directly to EU policy targets (Textile Strategy 2030, Zero Pollution, REPowerEU biobased substitution).

* Include a bankable business plan (NPV, IRR, CAPEX/OPEX) and letters of commitment from investors.

6. Implementation Section Tips

* Show Gantt & PERT with clear critical path.

* Assign experienced WP leaders with proven pilot-to-market track record.

* Integrate independent advisory board (brands, NGOs, regulators).

7. Cross-cutting Obligations

* Gender Equality Plan for each public body.

* Open Science: publish pre-normative data, deposit manuscripts in repositories.

* Data Management Plan delivered month 6, following FAIR principles.

8. Submission Logistics

* Use the Part B template v04/04/2025.

* Respect 45-page limit (excl. tables).

* Check admissibility & eligibility self-check before 10-day cooling-off.

* Budget: provide detailed cost justifications for large CAPEX items; attach quotes.