The general objective of Bio-Uptake project is to ensure a sustainable uptake (increase the use in a 39%) 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 novel approach on which Bio-Uptake project relies is based on modularity or pre-fabrication: a smart combination of intermediate formats (organosheets, tapes and pellets) into a final end-product which allows to overcome the current technical and environmental limitations to meet the demanding requirements of a specific sector/application where a single biobased material doesn?t. Thus, the synergistic potential of composite materials will pave the way for the integration and uptake of bio-based materials in mass customised manufacturing (manufacturing as a service). Three disruptive manufacturing processes (based on conformal technologies) will be developed within Bio-Uptake focused on the plastics manufacturing sector, which is on the centrality of a variety of value chains, and being demonstrated in 3 demo cases (bathroom ceiling cabinet, feet orthosis and garbage container lid). Sustainability criteria will be applied since the design phase to reach circularity by design, obtaining products with more than 75% biobased content and decreasing GHG up to 33%. Bio-Uptake solution does not request large investment in complex equipment too. Bio-Uptake consortium is formed by 13 interdisciplinar and complementary partners (6 industries, 4 RTOs, 1 academia and 2 Other organizations). The overall budget is 5,994,886 Euros.

BIO4SELF aims at fully biobased self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPC). To produce the SRPCs two polylactic acid (PLA) grades are required: a low melting temperature (Tm) one to form the matrix and an ultra high stiffness and high Tm one to form the reinforcing fibres. To reach unprecedented stiffness in the reinforcing PLA fibres, we will combine PLA with bio-LCP (liquid crystalline polymer) for nanofibril formation. Further, we will increase the temperature resistance of PLA and improve its durability. This way, BIO4SELF will exploit recent progress in PLA fibre technology. We will add inherent self-functionalization via photocatalytic fibres (self-cleaning properties), tailored microcapsules (self-healing properties) and deformation detecting fibres (self-sensing). Prototype composite parts for luggage, automotive and home appliances will be demonstrators to illustrate the much broader range of industrial applications, e.g. furniture, construction and sports goods. Our developments will enable to use bi

The building and construction sector is a key area that has significant impacts on the economy and environment. This sector contributes to the economy (about 9% of the EUs Gross Domestic Product (GDP)), provides direct and indirect job opportunities (18 million direct jobs at the EU) and satisfies the peoples needs for buildings and facilities. Therefore, any effort concerning global climate change and cleaner production should include this industry as a major player. ATRIUM exploits the potential of combining natural fibres (leftovers of European crops, mainly hemp), second and third generation of bioplastics (bio-PE/PA/PU) and mycelium-based biotechnology to produce bio-composites intermediates that can be integrated in construction products (outdoor and indoor floorings, acoustic panels, green wall systems, and building block) to be easily used by professionals and amateurs in building and renovation actuations. In this way, ATRIUM will not only provide more safety and non-toxic construction solutions but also boost the creation of sustainable bio-based value chains and the integration of efficient biotechnology to develop the circular economy and bioeconomy sectors. To do this, ATRIUM will develop production pilot lines that integrate efficient and flexible technologies (co-extrusion, foaming, injection moulding, additive manufacturing and biofabrications) and engage the key actors for the design acceptance and certification of the new products. ATRIUM will also promote the public engagement dialogue to bring the EU closer to citizens and local urban and rural areas through appropriate communications, local initiatives and actions.

Apparel industry is a diverse sector that plays an important role in European manufacturing industry. According to the European Commission, this particular industry employs over 1.7 million people and generates a turnover of EUR 166 billion per year. Although a constantly evolving sector, trying to maintain its competitiveness and quality through products with added value, apparel products do have damaging impact for the environment. According to United Nations Environmental Programme, today, fashion accounts for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output – more than international flights and shipping combined. It also accounts for a fifth of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally each year. As commonly known, the word “polyester” – encountered in most apparel products is a ubiquitous form of plastic deriving for oil, overtaking cotton as the backbone of textile production. Moreover, garments made from polyester and other synthetic fibres are a prime source of microplastic pollution – especially harmful to marine life. These negative impacts have their roots in a linear model that is characterized by low rates of use, reuse repair and fibre‐to‐fibre recycling of textiles and that often does not put quality, durability and recycling as priorities for the design and manufacturing of apparel. On the other hand, and taking into consideration technological progress and global trends, it is vital to put effort on the alteration of the fashion industry. The radical shift towards more sustainable practices demands skilled and educated persons who are able to understand negative environmental footprint and drive towards change. Vocational education and training could play a key role into setting the foundations of creating “the green designers” of tomorrow, interested not only on the final products but the whole production oriented into more sustainable habits, including material collection processes, design & sewing, energy consumption and distribution.