SAECHSISCHES TEXTILFORSCHUNGSINSTITUT E .V.

Their core work

STFI (Saxon Textile Research Institute) is a German research centre specializing in advanced textile materials, nonwoven technologies, and fibre-based material development. Their H2020 work focuses on converting bio-based feedstocks — particularly lignin — into high-performance carbon fibres and integrating nano-enabled bio-based materials into textile, packaging, and automotive applications. Based in Chemnitz, a historic hub of Germany's textile industry, they bridge the gap between raw biomass chemistry and functional textile products for industrial use.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

STFI's early H2020 work (2015–2019) concentrated on lignin valorisation — specifically turning lignin into cost-effective carbon fibres for lightweight structural applications. By 2021, their focus broadened significantly toward bio-based nanomaterials applied across packaging, automotive, and textile sectors, with a much larger funding share (EUR 553k vs ~EUR 150k average earlier). This shift signals a move from niche fibre chemistry toward industrially scalable bio-based material platforms.

STFI is moving from fundamental bio-fibre research toward open innovation test beds and industrial-scale bio-based material production, positioning them as a scale-up partner for sustainable materials.

How they like to work

STFI operates exclusively as a specialist partner — they have never coordinated an H2020 project but bring deep textile and fibre expertise into larger consortia. With 41 unique partners across 14 countries from just 3 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia (averaging ~14 partners per project). This makes them an accessible, low-friction collaboration partner accustomed to multi-national teams where they contribute specific material processing capabilities.

Despite only 3 projects, STFI has built a wide network of 41 partners spanning 14 countries, indicating participation in large Bio-Based Industries (BBI) and Innovation Action consortia with broad European reach.

What sets them apart

STFI sits at a rare intersection: they are a dedicated textile research institute with proven capability in bio-based carbon fibres and nanomaterial integration. For consortium builders, this means a single partner that can handle the full chain from biomass-derived fibre (lignin, cellulose) through electrospinning and nonwoven processing to functional textile products. Their location in Chemnitz gives access to Germany's eastern textile manufacturing base and pilot-scale production facilities.

Highlights from their portfolio

• BIONANOPOLYS
  Their largest project (EUR 553k) and an Open Innovation Test Bed — a significant step toward industrial-scale production of safe nano-enabled bio-based materials.
• EUCALIVA
  Demonstrates a specialized electrospinning capability for converting eucalyptus lignin into carbon fibres, a technically demanding and commercially promising process.