Imagine a sports outfit that acts like a computer but is made from plants instead of plastic. It uses special natural fibers and green chemistry to weave sensors directly into the fabric. When you're done with the gear, it can be fully recycled rather than ending up in a landfill.
The textile industry is one of the most polluting sectors and faces pressure from EU regulations and consumers to switch to sustainable, smart materials.
A sustainable value chain for e-textiles, featuring bio-based fabrics with embedded sensors and a fully recycled country cycling suit.
If you are a high-end athletic apparel brand dealing with high pollution levels in textile production — this project developed a fully recycled country cycling suit that integrates sensors into bio-based fabrics. This allows you to offer smart gear that meets strict European green regulations.
If you are a health-monitoring device manufacturer dealing with bulky hardware that users find uncomfortable — this project developed functionalized yarn and fibers with embedded electronics. This enables the creation of seamless, wearable sensors that feel like regular clothing.
If you are a fabric mill dealing with expensive chemical waste and inefficient production — this project developed a process using enzymatic and eutectic green solvents combined with AI. This reduces chemical use and minimizes manufacturing waste.
Based on available project data, the project aims to create cost-effective multi-functionality through the use of bio-based and hybrid fabrics.
The consortium includes 5 industry partners and covers the full value chain, including industrial validation, suggesting a focus on scalability.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the project involves 14 partners across 7 countries developing new fabrication processes.
Yes, it is designed to align with the EU Green Deal and European regulations pushing for a sustainable economy and reduced pollution.
The project period runs from 2024-09-01 to 2028-08-31, indicating the development phase concludes in late 2028.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, featuring a 36% industry ratio with 5 industrial partners and 3 SMEs. With 14 partners across 7 countries, it covers the entire value chain from raw fiber formulation to additive manufacturing and recycling, reducing the risk of technical gaps between lab research and market entry.
Contact the Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE) in France.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the UPWEARS consortium for licensing bio-based e-textile technology.
