The Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) selected three projects to integrate circularity in defence. Proofs of concept or similar tangible results will be delivered within the next 15 months in the fields of critical raw materials, textiles, and eco-management.
The three projects will receive a combined funding of approximately €800,000. They were evaluated based on criteria including innovation, viability, and alignment with the objectives of IF CEED and the scope of the call for proposals.
Run by the European Defence Agency (EDA) to make the defence sector more sustainable, IF CEED is funded by the European Commission to bring together experts from the military, industry, and universities to develop projects that reduce waste, recycle materials, and use resources more efficiently in defence. Its goal is to make defence supply chains greener and less dependent on outside resources, focusing on areas like raw materials, textiles, and eco-friendly management.
Three projects: MICRAM, REGEN and CEDSEMAS
The first project, known as MICRAM, aims to identify suitable electronic waste from which materials can be extracted using a hydrometallurgical process. The recycled critical raw materials are transformed into advanced materials such as aerogels and films. These form the basis for tactical clothing, stealth systems, and shelters, while also providing microwave radiation shielding.
The recovery of critical raw materials such as nickel, and their transformation into advanced textile materials supports the development of stealth technologies, minimising detection risks for military assets such as communication systems or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). These shielding materials also protect personnel’s health and extend the lifespan of electronic systems.
This project brings together AITEX and FECSA of Spain, Italy’s Tor Vergata University of Rome, and Łukasiewicz – Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals of Poland.
The second project, known as REGEN, aims to recycle the soft aramid layer from end-of-life body armour and turn it into new fibres for making ballistic vests using a disruptive solvent-based technology. It focuses on safely removing harmful coatings and using recycled and virgin fibres to create high-quality protective fabrics.
Recycling aramid fibres reduces reliance on imported materials for ballistic protection, strengthening the resilience of defence supply chains and lowering environmental impact. It also supports sustainability and could lead to cost savings over time.
This project brings together FECSA and AITEX of Spain, and Uplift360, the Institute of Science and Technology, and LIST, all from Luxembourg.
The third project, known as CEDSEMAS, is a program designed to help the defence sector to manage its environmental impact. It aims to create tools and training for military personnel, setting up an electronic platform for collaboration, and implementing a coaching program to integrate eco-management and audit schemes into military installations.
Smarter resources use reduces environmental harm, helps armed forces comply with sustainability standards, therefore improving resource management, and contributing to greater operational efficiency.
This project brings together CRES of Greece and AEOLIKI of Cyprus
About EDA
EDA supports its 27 Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the ‘hub’ for European defence cooperation, with expertise and networks that span the entire spectrum of defence technologies.