ADEME opens the new edition of its ORMAT call for projects on April 24, 2026, under the Circular Economy Fund. The scheme funds waste pre-sorting and preparation, the production of recycled raw materials, their integration into finished or semi-finished products, and the reallocation and remanufacturing of batteries. Applications can be submitted until funds run out or until December 31, 2026.

The objective remains unchanged from previous editions: strengthen industrial recycling and RRM integration capacity, improve material quality, and accelerate the substitution of virgin materials in industry.

The first track supports studies, diagnostics and experiments: feasibility studies, technical audits, resource and outlet inventories, performance tests on pre-sorting or regeneration, and initial trials incorporating RRM. Studies on improving product recyclability remain eligible provided they are linked to an actual integration project.

The second track targets industrial investments, including new or expanded pre-sorting capacity, upgrades to regeneration lines, quality control and traceability equipment, and adapting production lines to increase RRM integration rates. For batteries, the call covers infrastructure related to preparation, reallocation and regeneration.

ORMAT 2026 keeps the same six priority material categories as previous editions: plastics, textiles, metals and batteries, wood, paper and cardboard, and glass and mineral materials.

Exclusions also remain the same. Collection and multi-material pre-sorting, considered upstream logistics activities, are not funded, nor is energy or organic recovery. Reuse or repair projects alone, without a link to a recycling process, are excluded, as are applications aimed solely at mandatory regulatory compliance. Streams considered mature within local sectors, along with projects covered by specific regional schemes, also fall outside the scope.

The call is open to the entire recycling value chain. Preparers can apply for pre-sorting after collection, recyclers and regenerators for RRM production, and processors for incorporating recycled materials or refurbishing batteries. Producers placing goods on the market remain eligible under certain conditions, provided they belong to an eco-organization and justify their approach under extended producer responsibility.

For studies and experiments, indicative rates go up to 80% for small companies, 70% for medium ones and 60% for large ones, with caps of €50,000 for a diagnostic and €100,000 for a study or experiment.

For industrial investments, rates reach up to 60% for small companies, 50% for medium ones and 40% for large ones. Caps vary by sector: from €1 to €2 million for plastics, textiles, wood, paper and cardboard, up to around €3 million for metals and batteries. Glass and mineral materials may benefit from higher caps depending on the project. Bonuses remain available in France's overseas territories and Corsica. These rates are indicative and may change according to ADEME's official publication.

The call opens on April 24, 2026 and closes on December 31, 2026, pending confirmation in the official publication. Since funds may run out before that date, early submission is recommended.

A strong application highlights the environmental gain per euro of funding, through indicators such as tons of CO2 avoided or tons of RRM produced. For the investment track, a technology readiness level of at least 8 is recommended, and both incoming flows and outlets should be secured through contracts or letters of intent.

The quality of the RRM produced and its contribution to decarbonization and reindustrialization goals also factor into the evaluation. The technical and financial file should bring together quotes, CAPEX, OPEX and consistent performance indicators.

Full details are available on the official ORMAT call for projects page at agirpourlatransition.ademe.fr.