Retrieving novel TEXtile solutions from MArine and TERrestrial biomass

TexMaTer aims at producing novel cellulosic fibres and bioformulations for textiles’ finishing using under-utilised biomass resources and wastes from agricultural practices and micro- and macroalgal production (typically rich in cellulose and other bioactive compounds) and post-consumer home textiles (as an extra source of cellulose).

These functional and sustainable solutions will be further used in prototypes for fashion and home textiles’ markets.The project covers all steps required to produce novel cellulosic fibres and functional textiles for the envisaged markets: from the obtention and transformation of raw materials for application in textile production processes, to fibres/yarns production and bioformulations development (at laboratory, pilot and industrial scales), ending with eco-design and prototypes manufacture.

To ensure recyclability and circularity of the developed solutions, and an efficient uptake of the products by the consumer, the development of TexMaTer products will be designed considering promising End-of-Life (EoL) alternatives and also functionality, safety, environmental sustainability and social and economic benefits for consumers.

Consumer behaviour studies and raising-awareness actions are also planned, thus contributing to increase consumers’ acceptance for the developed products.By incorporating bio-based resources and promoting the upcycling of post-consumer textiles, TexMaTer will increase the competitiveness of the textile & clothing industry (T&CI), significantly reducing the negative environmental impacts commonly associated to this sector: 1) the intensive use of synthetic fibres, virgin cotton and wood-based cellulose (whose production is responsible for high CO2 emissions, water consumption and contamination, and inappropriate forest management, respectively); and 2) the overutilisation of synthetic dyes and chemicals in textile finishing processes (which are typically rejected in textile wastewaters and recalcitrant).