We have recently received information from Demea (German Material Efficiency Agency) that the new guidelines for the promotion of projects to improve material efficiency , which have been announced for some time, will apply from August 1, 2011 , although the new guidelines have not yet been published.
(Further information on the topic of material efficiency and the funding criteria and funding amounts valid until July 31, 2011 can be found here).
This means that all applications for potential analyses and in-depth consultations received by Demea by 31.07.2011 will still be treated in accordance with the currently valid guidelines, even if the consultation does not begin until after 31.07.2011. Experience shows that project start dates up to 1.10.11 should still be accepted.
In our opinion, it makes sense to submit an application in accordance with the old directive for two reasons:
1. the usual approval difficulties with new funding mechanisms:
The German Material Efficiency Agency points out: “As experience has shown that there are problems getting used to changeover processes (new processes, new rules, new responsibilities, new contacts) and companies that are currently thinking about material efficiency projects should not suffer as a result, using the “old” program could make sense in these cases.”
2. it is reported that the higher funding rates of the old program
potential analyses will now only be funded at 50% instead of 66% in some cases. In conjunction with other funding conditions, such as maximum funding value and eligible daily rates, companies are likely to fare better with funding under the old directive.
Below is a summary of the main funding requirements that a company must fulfill in order to receive funding:
- Companies must meet the EU criteria for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). Essentially, this means
- Maximum 250 employees
- Maximum annual turnover of € 50 million or maximum balance sheet total of € 43 million
- Independent company or if you are affiliated with other companies, the companies must jointly fulfill the above conditions.
- Companies must have “substantial” production in Germany
- Logically, material losses (rejects, scrapping, too much material in the end product) must occur in the manufacturing process.
The organizational effort involved in submitting applications is low, so it is easy to submit applications at short notice, even during the vacation period. The entire documentation can be prepared by A&K. We only need a few numerical values from you.
For further information, please contact Dr. Kemmner.
