All-algae textile fibres (ALLGAE)

Textile manufacturing contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions. Two thirds of all textile fibres are still fossil-based but should be replaced with biobased alternatives by 2050. However, also the current biobased feedstock is unsustainable. Cotton dominates, whose production is water and chemical intensive.

The common environmental issue for current biobased fibres - including cellulosic fibres from wood that constitute 18% of the biobased feedstock - is the need for land cultivation, which competes with food production and leads to deforestation.

In addition, traditional textile dyeing is highly resource-intensive, accounting for 25% of the environmental impact of the textile production.

Azo dyes, favoured for their cost-effectiveness and vibrant colours, dominate the market, despite their harmful environmental effects.In the EU, aquaculture is considered a growth sector with strategies for innovative, resource-efficient value chains.

In particular, algae and seaweed farming present a significant growth potential, providing ecosystem benefits such as CO2 fixation and eutrophication reduction.In ALLGAE, 100% algae-based textile fibres will be developed using crude extracts from seaweed side streams. In addition, a novel algae pigment will be incorporated in an efficient one-pot process during the fibre spinning.

These innovative fibres have the potential to replace conventional fossil and biobased fibres, while eliminating the need for harmful textile dyes.