Deadline: 22-Sep-2026
The European Union is funding projects to develop innovative bio-based textile fibres that reduce reliance on fossil-based synthetics and improve sustainability in the textile sector. The programme supports scalable fibre innovation with improved performance, reduced microplastic pollution, and stronger circular economy outcomes. Projects must demonstrate lifecycle sustainability, technical performance, and compliance with EU standards for industrial textile applications.
Overview
The European Commission is inviting proposals under Horizon Europe to accelerate the development of bio-based textile fibres that support sustainability and circularity across the textile value chain.
The initiative responds to environmental challenges caused by:
- Fossil-based synthetic fibres (dominant in global textile markets)
- Conventional natural fibres like cotton (high water and land use, limited EU production capacity)
Total funding allocation: €170,760,699
Dedicated topic: Breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres – €6.5 million
Key Objectives of the Programme
This funding call supports the transformation of the textile industry toward a more sustainable, circular, and low-impact system.
Core objectives include:
- Development of scalable bio-based textile fibres
- Reduction of microplastics pollution from textiles
- Improved circularity in textile production and waste systems
- Reduced environmental footprint of fibre production
- Strengthening EU textile material innovation capacity
- Enhancing performance of sustainable fibre alternatives
What Are Bio-based Textile Fibres?
Bio-based textile fibres are fibres derived from biological sources or bio-based industrial processes, designed to replace or complement fossil-based synthetic fibres.
Types of bio-based fibres include:
- Natural fibres (improved or optimized agricultural fibres)
- Man-made bio-based fibres (engineered from biological feedstocks)
- Hybrid fibre systems combining performance and sustainability
Focus Areas of the Programme
1. Fibre performance improvement
Projects must enhance key textile properties:
- Strength and tensile durability
- Flexibility and elasticity
- Spinning and processing quality
- Thermal resistance
- Flammability resistance
- Long-term durability
These properties must be validated using established textile industry standards.
2. Sustainability and environmental impact
Projects must address full lifecycle sustainability.
Key sustainability goals:
- Reduced environmental footprint across production and use
- Lower water and land consumption compared to cotton
- Reduced dependence on fossil-based inputs
- Improved biodegradability or recyclability
- Circular end-of-life textile solutions
3. Microplastic reduction
A major requirement is minimizing environmental pollution.
Projects must:
- Reduce or eliminate microplastic release during washing and use
- Avoid fibre fragmentation in synthetic-like materials
- Ensure safe degradation pathways where applicable
4. Circular textile systems
- Design fibres compatible with recycling systems
- Enable fibre-to-fibre recycling where possible
- Support closed-loop textile production models
Technical Requirements
Projects must demonstrate strong material performance and industrial relevance.
Required technical focus:
- Fibre mechanical and chemical stability
- Compatibility with textile manufacturing processes (spinning, weaving, knitting)
- Standardized testing for performance validation
- Suitability for end-use applications (apparel, industrial textiles, etc.)
Lifecycle and End-of-Life Requirements
Projects must integrate sustainability from production to disposal.
Required considerations:
- End-of-life recycling strategies
- Biodegradability where applicable
- Safe decomposition without harmful residues
- Prevention of toxic substance release
- Circular material recovery pathways
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open under Horizon Europe eligibility rules.
Eligible applicants include:
- Companies (SMEs and large enterprises)
- Research organisations and universities
- International organisations
- Industrial consortia
- Legal entities from any country
Key requirement:
- Must meet Horizon Europe eligibility and call-specific conditions
Administrative Requirements
Registration:
- All beneficiaries and affiliated entities must obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) before grant agreement signing
Participation structure:
- Only beneficiaries sign the grant agreement and receive funding
- Affiliated entities and associated partners may participate in implementation
- Entities without legal personality may participate if they can assume legal obligations
- EU bodies and associations may join consortia
- The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate under specific conditions
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative addresses urgent environmental and industrial challenges in the global textile sector.
Key benefits:
- Reduces dependence on fossil-based synthetic fibres
- Improves sustainability of textile production systems
- Reduces microplastic pollution in oceans and ecosystems
- Supports EU circular economy and green transition goals
- Enhances competitiveness of sustainable textile materials
- Reduces environmental impact of cotton production
- Encourages innovation in next-generation fibres
How It Works / How to Apply
Step-by-step process:
- Form a consortium of eligible partners (industry + research + textile innovators)
- Identify the Horizon Europe textile fibre call topic
- Develop a proposal including:
- Fibre material design and innovation
- Manufacturing and scalability plan
- Performance testing strategy using industry standards
- Environmental lifecycle assessment
- Circularity and end-of-life strategy
- Submit application via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
- Evaluation based on:
- Scientific and technical excellence
- Environmental sustainability impact
- Industrial feasibility and scalability
- Selected projects receive funding for implementation and scale-up
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Technical mistakes:
- Weak fibre performance validation (no standard testing)
- Lack of industrial scalability planning
- No clear manufacturing pathway
Environmental mistakes:
- Ignoring microplastic pollution risks
- Missing lifecycle sustainability analysis
- No end-of-life strategy (recycling or biodegradation)
Strategic mistakes:
- Overemphasis on lab research without real-world application
- No alignment with textile industry needs
- Weak consortium with missing industrial partners
Tips for Strong Applications
- Demonstrate measurable fibre performance improvements
- Align with textile industry standards from the start
- Include strong lifecycle assessment (LCA)
- Prioritize microplastic-free or reduced-release design
- Show clear pathway to industrial textile production
- Build strong partnerships with textile manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the goal of this EU funding programme?
To develop sustainable bio-based textile fibres that reduce environmental impact and improve circularity in the textile industry.
2. How much funding is available?
The total budget is €170,760,699, with €6.5 million specifically allocated to bio-based textile fibre innovation.
3. What types of fibres are included?
Bio-based natural fibres, engineered fibres, and hybrid fibre systems designed for textile applications.
4. What performance requirements must fibres meet?
Strength, flexibility, durability, spinning quality, thermal resistance, and flammability standards.
5. How is environmental impact addressed?
Through lifecycle sustainability, reduced microplastics, recyclability, and safe end-of-life solutions.
6. Can international organisations apply?
Yes, any legal entity globally can apply if they meet Horizon Europe eligibility requirements.
7. Is industrial participation required?
Yes, industrial validation and scalability are essential for project success.
Conclusion
This Horizon Europe funding call supports the transformation of the textile industry through innovative bio-based fibres that combine high performance with environmental sustainability. By reducing reliance on fossil-based materials and minimizing microplastic pollution, the programme advances circular economy goals while enabling the development of next-generation textile materials suitable for industrial-scale adoption.
For more information, visit European Commission.
