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How to Tap into Public Funding in the EU and the US

As global competition intensifies and the cost of innovation rises, strategic access to public funding has become a critical lever for nonwovens companies seeking to invest in research, sustainability transitions, and market expansion. Yet many businesses remain unaware of the funding mechanisms available to them or how to position their activities to qualify.

This seminar provided a practical, expert-led guide to navigating the funding landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. Moderated by EDANA’s Regulatory Affairs Manager, the session featured specialists in EU funding strategy and US incentive programmes, equipping attendees with the knowledge and strategic framework to unlock these opportunities.

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CHAPTER 1

EU Public Funding: Navigating Horizon Europe and Beyond

Presented by Floortje de Vink, Senior Consultant, Schuman Associates

The session opened with an exploration of the European funding landscape, with a focus on Horizon Europe — the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme alongside structural funds, the Just Transition Fund, and national co-financing schemes. Floortje de Vink outlined how nonwovens companies can identify relevant funding calls, build competitive applications, and align their R&D and sustainability roadmaps with EU programme priorities.

The presentation addressed common barriers to access, including administrative complexity and consortium requirements, and offered practical guidance on engaging with National Contact Points and finding suitable project partners across the European Research Area.

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CHAPTER 2

US Incentive Programmes: From the IRA to Federal Manufacturing Grants

Presented by Al Gordon, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, National Strategies

Al Gordon provided a detailed analysis of the US funding environment, including provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) relevant to sustainable manufacturing, Department of Energy grant programmes, and incentives supporting domestic industrial investment. The presentation examined how nonwovens companies including those operating globally can structure their operations and projects to qualify for US incentives, and how the evolving political landscape may affect programme stability and continuity.

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CHAPTER 3

Panel Discussion: Aligning Business Strategy with Funding Opportunities

Moderated by Alexander Heusch, Regulatory Affairs Manager, EDANA

The final segment brought the speakers together in a moderated discussion, examining how nonwovens companies can embed funding strategy into their broader business planning. The discussion explored the importance of early engagement with funding authorities, the role of industry associations in facilitating access, and how companies of varying sizes can approach public funding in a way that maximises both the probability of success and the strategic return on the investment of time and resource.

Key Takeaways

  • Both the EU and the US offer substantial public funding mechanisms relevant to nonwovens companies, particularly for R&D, sustainability transitions, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Success in accessing funding requires strategic alignment between company objectives and programme priorities — not just technical eligibility.
  • Building relationships with national and regional funding bodies early in the process significantly improves application outcomes.
  • Industry associations such as EDANA can play a valuable role in providing intelligence on upcoming calls and facilitating consortium-building.

Speakers

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Al Gordon

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

National Strategies 

Floortje de Vink-1

Floortje de Vink

Senior Consultant

Schuman Associates 

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Alexander Heusch

Regulatory Affairs Manager

EDANA 

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