Objective
RELEASAFE addresses the urgent need for sustainable fertiliser delivery systems that reduce microplastic pollution and safeguard soil health. Conventional polymer-coated fertilisers often rely on persistent petrochemical plastics, which accumulate in soils and threaten ecosystems. Our project will design and demonstrate novel bio-based, biodegradable coatings and controlled-release systems using renewable raw materials such as lignin derivatives, dialdehyde starch, thermoplastic starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and wood. By integrating advanced formulation strategies, crosslinking and materials engineering, and enzyme-triggered degradation, RELEASAFE will deliver fertilisers with tailored nutrient-release profiles, ensuring high agronomic efficiency and biodegradation while preventing nutrient losses.
The consortium covers the full value chain, from feedstock to market. CENER provides lignin derivatives, RODENBURG produces dialdehyde starch, and EVOENZYMES supplies enzymes for controlled degradation. AITIIP leads compounding and coating development, while LEITAT studies soil microbiomes and biodegradability. VAN IPEREN, a fertiliser producer, ensures industrial validation; LANDLAB tests agronomic performance; HOLOSS leads sustainability assessment; and AUSTRALO drives communication, dissemination, and exploitation. Together, EVO–Rodenburg–Van Iperen establish a core value chain from material innovation to fertiliser products.
RELEASAFE will deliver fertiliser systems that i) align nutrient release with crop demand, ii) reduce nutrient losses and soil pollution, iii) fully biodegrade in soils, and iv) demonstrate cost-competitiveness. Beyond agriculture, outcomes will spill over into controlled-release applications in horticulture, agrochemicals, and wood protection. The project directly supports EU objectives on soil health, the circular bioeconomy, and sustainable farming.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
- social sciences economics and business economics bioeconomy
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries forestry
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.6 - Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.6.6 - Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
50720 Zaragoza
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.