Circular Plastics subsidy: the essentials
What is the Circular Plastics NL subsidy?
Circular Plastics subsidy: the Circular Plastics NL (CPNL) scheme is a funding instrument of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) aimed at accelerating the transition to circular use of plastics in the Netherlands. The scheme supports research and practical projects across the plastics and recycling value chain.
The total budget is €40 million. The scheme closes on 6 October 2026 at 17:00.
The way it works now
- The appointment is in one colleague's mailbox
- Data is manually retyped from one system to another
- The person who knows is on vacation
- No one can see afterwards why this decision was made
As it is
- The agreement is stored with the client, findable for everyone
- Once entered, information flows through to the rest
- Work continues, even if someone is absent
- Every decision has a source, an owner, and a date
Who is CPNL intended for?
CPNL is open to organisations active in the plastics and recycling value chain. Participation always takes place in a collaborative consortium: a single organisation cannot apply on its own. Examples include combinations of companies, research institutions and other organisations in the value chain.
What are the subsidy amounts?
RVO uses two project types, each with its own maximum amount:
| Project type | Maximum subsidy per application | |---|---| | Research project | €1,500,000 | | Showcase project | €7,500,000 |
The distinction lies in the phase and scale of the project: research projects focus on developing knowledge, while showcase projects demonstrate feasibility at a larger practical scale.
What problem is CPNL intended to solve?
Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in Dutch industry, but recycling and reuse still lag far behind what is technically possible. A great deal of plastic still ends up as waste or in low-value applications, even though the value chain can in principle reuse the raw materials. CPNL aims to close that gap: from linear use to demonstrably circular applications.
How does the application process work?
Applications are submitted through RVO. Because applications must be submitted by a consortium, preparation takes time: parties need to form a consortium, align roles and contributions, and submit the application jointly before the deadline.
Deadline: 6 October 2026, 17:00. After that time, applications can no longer be submitted for this round.
For current conditions, eligible costs and the application process, always consult the official RVO page: rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/cpnl.
What does this mean in practice if you operate in the value chain?
If your company or institution operates in the plastics or recycling value chain and is considering a research or showcase project, CPNL is one of the few direct subsidy schemes with a substantial budget per project. The fixed deadline and collaboration requirement make it essential to start consortium formation and project definition early.
The 6 October 2026 deadline leaves little room for a late start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply as an individual company? No. CPNL requires a collaborative consortium. An application from a single party is not valid.
Is there a minimum subsidy amount? RVO publishes a maximum amount for each project type; consult the current scheme for minimum thresholds and co-financing requirements.
What if I miss the deadline? The scheme closes definitively on 6 October 2026 at 17:00. There is no indication of a new round; follow rvo.nl for any future rounds.
Where can I find the official conditions? Only via rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/cpnl.
See RVO's official CPNL page for current conditions and the application process: rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/cpnl — and start forming your consortium in time. View the Fresh Look →
Frequently asked questions
The Circular Plastics NL (CPNL) subsidy scheme is a funding instrument of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) aimed at accelerating the transition to circular use of plastics in the Netherlands. The scheme supports research and practical projects across the plastics and recycling value chain.
CPNL is open to parties active in the plastics and recycling value chain. Participation always takes place in a consortium: a single party cannot apply on its own. Examples include combinations of companies, research institutions and other organisations in the value chain.
RVO uses two project types, each with its own maximum amount:
From knowing to doing
This article helps you get oriented. Then review the concrete approach for due diligence business knowledge.