Innovative technologies for production of bio-based materials
The substitution of fossil-based materials with renewable and recyclable alternatives is crucial for achieving a successful transition to a green and circular economy. Thanks to EU-funded research and innovation, bio-based materials are transforming Europe’s manufacturing industries through significant contributions to the European Green Deal(opens in new window) and the circular economy action plan(opens in new window). Commercial or industrial goods comprising entirely or predominately biological products, forestry elements or renewable domestic agricultural materials are defined as bio-based materials(opens in new window). Their purpose is to improve product sustainability, and they are primarily derived from natural and renewable elements of plant, animal or marine origin.
A more sustainable and competitive manufacturing sector
This Pack features six EU-funded projects, which form the BIOMATTERS Cluster, a group of projects working towards the shared goal of turning sustainable, bio-based materials and manufacturing into standard practice throughout Europe. Through new processing technologies, digital tools and validated demonstrators, the projects contained within BIOMATTERS have demonstrated that bio-based materials can match, and in some cases, even surpass the properties of conventional materials. They show that sustainable alternatives can perform equally well, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. As well as addressing the need to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions(opens in new window), the Green Deal Industrial Plan(opens in new window) calls for a fundamental redesign of production systems. The projects in this Results Pack therefore directly contribute to achieving this ambitious target by developing new materials and processes that cut emissions and reduce Europe’s dependency on imported fossil resources.
Application of smart technologies drives improvements
Successful distribution of these technologies will enhance the competitiveness of EU industry by developing innovative, improved products and processes that address current and future societal challenges. At the same time, promoting wide-scale cooperation across different value chains and industrial sectors will reinforce the EU’s position within global markets, whilst scaling-up these technologies to create safe and sustainable commercial products. In addition, integration of smart manufacturing systems, digital solutions and AI-driven monitoring ensures that environmental impact and quality are optimised at every stage of production. This data driven approach gives industry the necessary insights to improve efficiency, reduce costs and accelerate sustainability while maintaining transparency from raw material to final product. The six selected projects funded within Made in Europe co-programmed public-private partnership under Horizon Europe research programme showcase scientific and technological advancements and innovative applications for bio-based materials in key areas like textiles, packaging, construction, medical devices and mobility. Their achievements will help to create new market opportunities and inspire the development of next-generation materials that are lighter, safer and fully recyclable, leading to new business opportunities and skilled jobs across multiple value chains. The VITAL project developed innovative foaming processes for bio-based polymers, which reduce material use and weight while maintaining structural performance. BIO-UPTAKE boosted adaptability of manufacturing by transforming bio-based composites into versatile formats — organosheets, tapes, and pellets — enabling customised, lightweight products while reducing waste. NewWave applied thermo-chemical fractionation to unlock and fractionate residual biomass, introduced sustainable raw materials, replaced toxic chemicals, and simultaneously advanced wastewater treatment and water re-use. GREEN-LOOP retrofitted conventional manufacturing processes to produce innovative bio-based materials and components for the construction, beverage packaging, appliances and tooling sectors. Meanwhile, Waste2BioComp adapted manufacturing routes and developed bio-based components for three everyday value chains: packaging, footwear and printed textiles. Finally, AMBIANCE employed a circularity-by-design approach to create new and advanced bio-based products for urban outdoor applications.