Deadline Date: September 22, 2026
The European Union invites proposals to advance innovative bio-based textile fibres that support sustainability, circularity and reduced environmental impact across the textile value chain.
The initiative supports key EU sustainability strategies while promoting the development of scalable bio-based textile fibres, improving circularity and reducing microplastics pollution. The call addresses the growing dominance of fossil-based synthetic textile fibres, which accounted for a significant share of the global market in 2023, alongside the environmental challenges associated with conventional natural fibres such as cotton, including high land and water use and limited EU production capacity. It highlights the need for innovation in both natural and man-made bio-based fibres to improve performance and sustainability.
Projects should focus on enhancing key technical properties such as strength, flexibility, spinning quality, elasticity, thermal resistance, flammability, and durability, with testing aligned to established standards to ensure suitability for end-use applications. In addition, proposals must incorporate sustainability considerations across the entire lifecycle, including viable end-of-life solutions and measures to prevent the release of microplastics and other harmful substances.
The total budget for this funding programme is €170,760,699.00, with €6.5 million specifically allocated for breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres. Applicants must be legal entities from any country, including international organisations, that meet Horizon Europe and specific call requirements. Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register for a Participant Identification Code (PIC) before grant agreement signing.
Affiliated entities and associated partners are allowed, though only beneficiaries sign the grant agreement and claim funding. Entities without legal personality may participate if they can assume legal obligations. EU bodies and associations may join the consortium, and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) can participate where applicable under specific conditions.
For more information, visit European Commission.
