Bio-Matters cluster
We are stronger together
AMBIANCE, BIO-UPTAKE, GREEN-LOOP, NEW WAVE, VITAL and Waste2BioComp have united under the common aim of making sustainable processes and products a norm in the EU. To achieve this, they have formed the BIO-MATTERS Cluster. All projects receive funding under the Horizon Europe Programme and share a vision of providing a viable alternative to conventional materials by introducing novel materials and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
Teaming up their resources and expertise, these projects form an awareness powerhouse, engaging stakeholders and the broader public in the journey toward sustainable manufacturing. As a collective, this cluster aims to spotlight and address today’s pressing challenges, utilising bio-based materials to generate innovative solutions.
This collaborative endeavour boosts the visibility of each project’s significant research outcomes and strengthens the ties and cooperation among various EU-funded research initiatives. Beyond individual achievements, the BIO-MATTERS Cluster becomes a driving force that will propel us toward a more sustainable and innovative future.
6 PROJECTS 1 GOAL
VITAL will develop innovative thermoplastic processing solutions for foamed thermoplastics based on three b-bTP processing value chains: a 3D printing process based on granulated feedstocks, a Bead foaming process and a Foam Injection Moulding (FIM) process. For foamed thermoplastic processing value chains to make the transition to a sustainable, circular economy based on bio-based solutions, it is imperative that the critical limitations are overcome. VITAL is an important step on this journey as it will (for the first time) create innovative high-efficiency, low-cost processing solutions and key enabling knowledge to achieve commercially viable “Sustainable by Design “approaches based on b-bTPs. Adoption of the VITAL outputs across the polymer processing sector, along with the vocational training programme, will, therefore, make it easier for manufacturers to adopt b-bTPs commercially, achieving a paradigm shift towards bio-based alternatives for cleaner, more climate-neutral industrial value chains. VITAL will stimulate the uptake of sustainable-by-design advanced materials and processes, not just by overcoming technical limitations but by achieving “buy-in” from processors, OEMs and customers, all of whom are represented in the consortium.
The general objective of the Bio-Uptake project is to ensure a sustainable uptake of bioplastic composites through boosting a twin green and digital transformation in the European manufacturing industry. In particular, Bio-Uptake solution will focus scientific and technology efforts on developing flexible manufacturing processes to produce biobased end-products for the construction, medical and packaging sectors based on the combination of intermediate formats made of natural and/or biobased synthetic fibres reinforced with biopolymers, which are easily adaptable to new market demands.
The objective of NewWave is to transform existing fossil-based manufacturing lines into new biobased manufacturing lines. The bio-based products must exhibit similar, or better, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties compared to the existing products and must be non-toxic and recyclable. The Manufacturing Lines developed in the NewWave project will ensure these qualities.
Waste2BioComp aims to demonstrate relevant scale production of bio-based products and materials using innovative manufacturing technologies. It integrates all stages in the bio-based products’ life cycle – sourcing of feedstocks to develop bio-based precursors and intermediate materials, smart inkjet printing techniques, and smart manufacturing technologies for final products and demonstrators: shoe sole materials with different hardness; shoe insoles; plastic films/packaging with different flexibilities; technical nonwoven fibres; fashion garments, leather and textile shoes, and packaging paper printed with bio-based inks. Waste2BioComp will assess the sustainability and toxicity of the developed materials, considering re-manufacturing and recycling approaches to ensure a closed loop. The project will develop training activities to support the creation of a skilled workforce in biomaterial-based manufacturing sectors.
GREEN-LOOP’s primary objective is to develop and showcase a range of innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly bio-based products as alternatives to traditional materials. The project focuses on three value chains: bio-rubber for construction with fire-resistant and vibrational properties, bioplastics for bottle closures in the packaging and food industries, and wood composites for sliding bearings used in appliances and tools. These bio-based products aim to outperform conventional materials in terms of mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. At the same time, it ensures a substantially lower environmental footprint, being non-toxic and demonstrating its recyclability/ reusability/refurbishability.
AMBIANCE will develop novel bio-based products for urban outdoor applications through innovative characterisation, digital technologies, and circular approach. The higher aim of AMBIANCE is to reduce the environmental impact and make sustainable and recyclable products a norm in European cities, by promoting sustainable manufacturing models, optimizing the manufacturing processes in the above applications, and ensuring the replicability of the results.
The project will focus on 3 manufacturing value chains: sports facilities, outdoor furniture as well as construction bricks and decorative panels.