Recyclable, bio-based textiles with bio-inspired functional properties (Biofibreloop)

The BioFibreLoop project will make the EU textile industry more sustainable with a focus on outdoor/active/workwear. Recyclable textiles with bio-inspired functionalization will be produced from bio-based materials.

The innovative biomimetic laser-based functionalization technology developed in the project will not only enable the complete elimination of hazardous chemicals, but also an almost waste-free circular economy. Bio-based materials from renewable sources (lignin, cellulose, polylactic acid), which can be recycled, are used as the starting material for this. While ensuring sustainable and safe production, the functionalization method gives fabrics and garments the intelligent functional properties desired by customers: Hydrophobicity, oil repellency, self-cleaning and antibacterial activity.

The functionalization technology as well as the recycling of the bio-based materials will be developed at three industrial demonstrations (AT, CZ, DE). At the end of the project, a patented circular, sustainable and safe process for the production of recyclable functional textiles will be validated and demonstrated on a large scale.

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum as a project partner is supporting the coordinator Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung (DITF) with administrative and financial project management and is responsible for communication, dissemination and exploitation of BioFibreLoop-Results (WP leader).

Further information:

• Project name Akronym: BioFibreLoop
• Funding: European Commission, Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement Number 101130603)
• Funding budget for all partners: 6.5 Mio EUR
• Participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain
• Project duration: 06/2024 – 11/2027