27 Nov SPECIFIC POLYMERS: Accelerating Innovation through Collaborative Projects – 2026 Calls for Proposals
AUTHORS
DATE
December 2025
Introduction
With 23 years of expertise, SPECIFIC POLYMERS drives the transition between latest academic research developments and industrial applications in material chemistry. The company develops tailor-made organic molecules, polymers, resins, and complex formulations to tackle issues linked to sustainability, energy technologies, and high-performance materials. Its achievements range from bio-based thermosetting resins to polymers for next-generation solid-state batteries, along with advanced coatings and high-performance composites.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ Involvement in Collaborative Projects
SPECIFIC POLYMERS is strongly involved in national and European collaborative projects to further develop its R&D activities in key fields such as Energy, Environment, and Advanced Materials and Coatings. Its know-how in the custom-designed synthesis of dedicated monomers, polymers, and resins, combined with its capabilities in physico-chemical and thermo-mechanical characterization, positions SPECIFIC POLYMERS as a valuable SME partner within these consortia.
Participation in these collaborative projects enables SPECIFIC POLYMERS to remain aligned with European strategic roadmaps, strengthen the connection between research and industry for emerging material technologies, and support the progression of innovative developments toward higher maturity levels. Over the last 23 years, the company has taken part in more than 25 collaborative projects and contributed to the preparation of over numerous proposals across various National (ANR, FUI-IDEMO, FEDER, etc.) and European programs (H2020, HORIZON EUROPE, CBE, CLEAN AVIATION, EFD etc.), acting as a participant, task leader, work package leader, or technical manager.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS follows a systematic and strategic method for engaging in collaborative research programs, ensuring effectiveness through solid partnerships, well-designed proposals, and committed project implementation. By relying on a strong network of trusted partners, stakeholders, and end-users, the company promotes efficient cooperation and consortium development. Its active monitoring of funding schemes ensures consistency with strategic targets, while its expertise contributes to producing well-structured proposals. SPECIFIC POLYMERS is firmly dedicated to meeting project objectives by effectively managing both scientific and administrative responsibilities. Moreover, the company places emphasis on disseminating and communicating outcomes to maximize the impact and value of each project.
« We are convinced that working with partners having different scientific backgrounds or expertise is an absolute prerequisite to meeting tomorrow’s key challenges. »
Identified Calls for Proposals for 2026
SPECIFIC POLYMERS has identified several calls for proposals for 2026 that align with their expertise and strategic objectives. These calls are categorized into three main research areas : Environment, Energy and High performance Materials and Coatings.
🌿 ENVIRONMENT 🌿
In the environmental sector, SPECIFIC POLYMERS focus on creating sustainable, non-toxic and/or bio-based alternatives to traditional thermoset components and improving material end-of-life processes through vitrimer approaches, enhancing reprocessability, repairability and recyclability.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Design of Innovative Bio-based and Bisphenol-free building-blocks and resins for structural parts, composites and coatings – vitrimer technology (recyclability/repairability); Lightweight materials, functionalized materials, self-healing materials, multifunctional coatings (anti-contamination, anti-erosion, anti-corrosion…). Physicochemical, rheological, and thermo-mechanical characterizations. Increase maturity level of innovative materials. Advanced building-blocks and formulations for fast and low-energy curing/processing.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: the design of innovative non-isocyanate materials based on cyclocarbonate building blocks synthesized with CO₂ as a reactant. This approach enables the sustainable use of CO₂ and supports circular economy principles by valorizing CO₂ as a resource rather than a waste. Leveraging this expertise, SP designs and develops a wide variety of cyclocarbonates and can also custom-formulate NIPU resins tailored to specific implementation processes and final application requirements.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Design of alternative to (i) Bisphenol-based resins, (ii) PFAS-containing material formulation (PFAS-free), (iii) PU materials through the use of Non-isocyanate polyurethanes. We can also support projects targeting halogen-free flame retardants or developing alternatives to formaldehyde-containing resin formulations. From the synthesis of the building-blocks to the custom design of resin formulation and validation of proof of concept. SPECIFIC POLYMERS can also support the development of silver-free conducting coatings, offering sustainable and cost-efficient alternatives for advanced applications.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Custom design of sustainable and biobased ingredients and polymers from gram to kilogram. Synthesis optimization for production transfer from lab to pilot or industrial scale. Build-to-spec formulations (structural resins, coatings, adhesives) for various applications up to TRL5-6. Innovative materials to ensure their recyclability, reparability, reshapability, and debonding/dismantling
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Custom design of sustainable and bio‑based reactive additives (including flame‑retardant, anti‑microbial, anti‑UV, and other functionality‑providing molecules), chemically grafted onto polymers or substrates to prevent migration, leakage, and loss of performance throughout the product lifecycle.
We can design and synthesise bio‑based molecules derived from renewable feedstocks (e.g., lignin derivatives, terpenes, organic acids, sugar‑derivative building blocks). These additives will be engineered to:
- Covalently bind to polymer matrices through reactive functional groups
- Maintain long‑term stability without leaching, improving material safety and durability
- Be fully aligned with Safe‑and‑Sustainable‑by‑Design (SSbD) principles
- Replace conventional, fossil‑based, and often hazardous additives
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Extensive expertise in the valorisation of lignin‑derived aromatic molecules (e.g., guaiacol, vanillin derivatives) to produce high‑performance, bio‑based functional ingredients, monomers, polymers, and resins:
=> Functionalisation and transformation into high‑performance materials
- Reactive monomers
- Epoxy precursors (bisguaiacol‑based, vanillin‑based diglycidyl ethers)
- Vinyl ester resins
- Bio‑based polyols and NIPU prepolymers
- Crosslinkers, additives, and functional intermediates
=> Validation (TRL 5+) of the obtained chemicals/materials in end products
- Build-to-spec formulations (structural resins, coatings, adhesives) to meet both process and application requirements with
(i) Performance benchmarking vs. commercial fossil benchmarks
(ii) Processing compatibility (curing, rheology, viscosity, mixing, moulding)
(iii) Assessment of material performance: mechanical strength, thermal resistance, chemical stability
(iv) Evaluation of circularity options such as chemical recycling, repair, reprocessing strategies, or improved design
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Development of innovative bio-based functional coatings (including anti-corrosion, anti-microbial, barrier-enhancing, and weathering-resistant formulations) designed to improve performance and durability of packaging materials for non-food applications. Our expertise covers advanced ingredient design and full coating formulation, enabling high-performance, safe, and sustainable packaging solutions.
We can design and upscale bio-based coatings incorporating tailored functional ingredients to improve key packaging performance parameters. Activities include:
- Development of bio-based binders, crosslinkers, and reactive additives for functional coatings
- Integration of advanced functionalities such as:
- Anti-corrosion protection for metal or hybrid packaging
- Anti-microbial surfaces
- Weathering-resistant and UV-stable layers
- Barrier-enhancing coatings against moisture, chemicals, etc.
- Formulation optimisation for adhesion, flexibility, curing behaviour, and substrate compatibility
- Ensuring full compliance with SSbD principles, including low-migration and non-hazardous chemistry
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Design, synthesis, functionalisation, and advanced characterisation of innovative bio-based polymers derived from alternative feedstocks and tailored for circular-by-design applications across multiple market sectors. Our expertise covers polymer molecular design, controlled polymerisation processes, and comprehensive physical–chemical and thermo-mechanical assessment of polymer materials.
The polymers we can develop include sustainable and/or bio-based polyesters such as polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and aliphatic or aromatic polycarbonates as well as polyurethanes and non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU) obtained from bio-based cyclic carbonates, polyols, or reactive lignin-derived intermediates.
Through molecular architecture control (block, random or graft copolymers; branching; crosslink density tuning), we tailor mechanical strength, ductility, barrier performance, degradation kinetics, and compatibility with additives or fillers. This enables delivery of application-grade, high-performance polymer systems meeting circularity objectives, including enhanced recyclability, repairability, or controlled biodegradability, depending on the target market sector.
More information on our R&D activities in this field:
On-going project in this field:
⚡ ENERGY ⚡
Within the energy domain, SPECIFIC POLYMERS develops key innovative molecules and materials for next-generation battery, including innovative single-ions monomers and polymers, as well as conductive polymers and additives for solid or gel polymer electrolytes in batteries.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Solid-state electrolyte, Single Ion Monomer, Single Ion Polymer, conductive monomers and polymers, Single Ion Conducting Polymer, surface functionalization agents, custom design, electrolytic separator, binder, and catholyte. Physico-chemical characterizations.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Solid-state electrolyte, Single Ion Monomer, Single Ion Polymer, conductive monomers and polymers, Single Ion Conducting Polymer, surface functionalization agents, custom design. Physico-chemical characterizations.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: SPECIFIC POLYMERS can support project through its capacity in the custom design of innovative and functional chemicals, polymers and materials for renewable energy technologies.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Design of organic binders for electrods – Single Ion Monomer, Single Ion Polymer, conductive monomers and polymers, Single Ion Conducting Polymer, surface functionalization agents. Physico-chemical characterizations. Biobased polymers, resins and materials. SPECIFIC POLYMERS can also support the development of thermal and/or UV-curable crosslinkers; biobased conducting polymers (polyethers and polyesters) and biobased cyclocarbonates; as well as PFAS-free single-ion (conducting) monomers and polymers.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Solid-state electrolyte / Binders, Single Ion Monomer, Single Ion Polymer, conductive monomers and polymers, Single Ion Conducting Polymer, surface functionalization agents, Custom design. Physico-chemical characterizations. Scale up production of corresponding components.
More information on our R&D activities in this field:
On-going project in this field:
✈️ HIGH PERFORMANCE ✈️
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’s work on high-performance materials includes developing thermoset resins capable of withstanding high temperatures, aiming to produce lightweight composites for various high-demanding sectors. We also develop multifunctional coatings that provide properties like electronic conductivity, hydrophobicity and/or oleophobicity, anti-corrosion, anti-erosion and/or self-healing capabilities.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Development of innovative bio-based (up to 100 %) high-performance thermosets including epoxy, vinyl ester, polyurethane and non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) systems derived from renewable functional aromatic building blocks (e.g., vanillin-, sugar-based derivatives) and formulated to meet demanding industrial requirements while enabling future circularity.
=> We can design and upscale bio-based monomers, prepolymers, and resin components using energy- and resource-efficient synthesis routes. Key activities include:
- Advanced functionalisation of bio-based raw materials, including aromatics, to obtain reactive intermediates
- Tailoring molecular architecture for high thermal, mechanical, and chemical performance
- Integration of functional additives to improve processability, toughness, fire resistance, or stability
- Ensuring full alignment with Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles (bisphenol-free, PFAS-free)
Ultimately, we can develop build-to-spec formulations (structural resins, coatings, adhesives) to meet both process and application requirements with
(i) Performance benchmarking vs. commercial fossil benchmarks,
(ii) Processing compatibility (curing, rheology, viscosity, mixing, moulding),
(iii) Assessment of material performance (mechanical strength, thermal resistance, chemical stability), and
(iv) Evaluation of circularity options such as chemical recycling, repair, reprocessing strategies, or improved design.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: SPECIFIC POLYMERS has the capability to design built-to-specification phthalonitrile resin systems tailored to different manufacturing routes, including vacuum infusion, RTM and prepreg processes. By adapting rheology, reactivity profiles and processing windows to aircraft structural requirements and selected implementation process, SPECIFIC POLYMERS could support the replacement of heavier metallic parts with optimized high-temperature composite solutions. This approach would directly contribute to the call’s objectives of weight reduction, affordability and life-cycle cost optimisation, while ensuring compatibility with scalable European manufacturing ecosystems.
More information on our R&D activities in this field:
On-going project in this field:
🔶 OTHER TOPIC 🔶
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Design of Innovative Bio-based and Bisphenol-free building-blocks and resins for structural parts, composites and coatings – vitrimer technology (recyclability/repairability); Lightweight materials, functionalized materials, self-healing materials, multifunctional coatings (anti-contamination, anti-erosion, anti-corrosion…). Physicochemical, rheological, and thermo-mechanical characterizations. Increase maturity level of innovative materials.
SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ expertise: Design of bio-based and bisphenol-free resin technologies from laboratory scale up to pilot-scale production. Our ambition is to bring these technologies to the market, as they offer equivalent or superior performance compared to current petro-based resins and represent credible, sustainable alternatives.
The main challenge now is to scale up production capacity, address regulatory and IP considerations, and identify the right market positioning to enable industrial deployment of these resins.
To achieve this, we aim to build a consortium with the following objectives:
(i) Continue the scale-up of the resins and related formulations, while assessing production costs, process safety and operational constraints.
(ii) Strengthen the supply chain — from raw material suppliers to resin manufacturers, by mapping and consolidating the network of European industrial partners able to support production.
(iii) Conduct a market study to identify the most relevant application sectors according to the technology maturity and performance.
The goal is to produce material at pilot scale and distribute it to various end-users across different fields (structural resins, adhesives, coatings) so they can evaluate the interest, validate performance, and identify the most promising market opportunities for their respective applications.
Conclusion
SPECIFIC POLYMERS is dedicated to driving innovation through collaborative initiatives and strategic involvement in the 2026 calls for proposals. Our expertise in material chemistry, paired with a systematic approach to project engagement, positions us as a strong partner in tackling the challenges of tomorrow within the framework of these projects. By maintaining active participation in such initiatives, SPECIFIC POLYMERS strives to create sustainable, high-performance materials that respond to the evolving demands of diverse industries.
We are actively looking for partners to join us in these calls for projects and are eager to explore collaborative opportunities. If you are interested in working together on future initiatives, we invite you to contact us and discuss potential partnerships!
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