Project description
Biotech leather for a sustainable future
Traditional leather production depends on animal farming and harmful chemicals, raising serious ethical and environmental concerns. With demand rising for sustainable alternatives, the EU-funded Fabulose project is developing animal-free leather substitutes made from bacterial cellulose and cyanophycin (biomaterials derived through biotech fermentation). These alternatives mimic the look and feel of leather while being fully biodegradable. Advanced AI, and tools such as digital twins, will track each stage of production, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and recyclability. Designed for use in automotive, fashion, and furniture sectors, Fabulose’s materials support the circular economy and the goals of the European Green Deal. By replacing fossil-based products, the project positions Europe at the forefront of eco-conscious material innovation.
Objective
The Fabulose project seeks to transform the production of animal-free leather alternatives by developing sustainable, circular materials derived from biotech processes. Our goal is to create high-performance, fully biodegradable leather substitutes from bacterial cellulose (BC) and cyanophycin, replicating the properties of traditional leather while reducing environmental impact. By employing advanced fermentation techniques and AI-driven optimizations, we will scale the production of these bio-based materials to meet the demands of industries such as automotive, footwear, and upholstery.
To ensure these materials are sustainable throughout their lifecycle, digital tools such as the Digital Twin (DT) and Digital Product Passport (DPP) will monitor, optimize, and track production processes and material performance. This will also support transparency and enable efficient recycling management, aligning the project with circular economy principles.
Fabulose will significantly contribute to the European Green Deal by offering alternatives that are not only animal-free but also minimize resource consumption and environmental harm. By focusing on innovation, we aim to enhance Europe's competitive position in sustainable materials, delivering eco-friendly products that meet stringent technical and regulatory standards. The project outcomes will help replace fossil-fuel-based materials with a scalable, environmentally responsible solution, promoting healthier ecosystems and sustainable consumption.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.6 - Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.6.6 - Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
73770 DENKENDORF
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.