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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
3.5 million euros for animal-free leather alternatives made from biotechnologically produced cellulose – Four partners from Baden-Württemberg are participating in the EU project FABULOSE: the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research (DITF), Melina Bucher, Novis Biobased technology Gmbh and Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
Steinbeis Europa Zentrum has once again successfully supported the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research (DITF) in submitting an EU proposal. The FABULOSE innovation project will receive €3.5 million from the EU over three and a half years as part of the Horizon Europe programme (Circular Biogases Joint Undertaking), with project start on 1 June 2025.
The EU project BioFibreLoop, coordinated by the DITF, already started in 2024 with funding of €6.5 million. This proposal was also successfully supported by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is involved in both projects as a project partner.
In FABULOSE, 11 European partners are developing new scalable and sustainable bio-based production routes for animal-free leather alternatives. These are intended to replace animal-derived and plastic-based materials and processes. The partners met on 24-25 June 2025 for the kick-off meeting at the coordinator DITF in Denkendorf.
Two SMEs from Baden-Württemberg are also partners in FABULOSE: MELINA BUCHER from Mannheim, a manufacturer of vegan handbags, and Novis BioBased Technology GmbH from Tübingen, an SME specialising in biogas plants with difficult-to-ferment substrates and the cultivation of microalgae.
Steinbeis Europa Zentrum drew the attention of the two SMEs to the EU funding call, which was highly relevant to the core businesses of both companies. It helped them to establish contact with the consortium and assisted them with the proposal process.
Revolutionize Sustainable Leather Alternatives
The consumer demand for sustainable and ethical leather alternatives is growing across the global market. Traditional animal-based leather production contributes to deforestation, emissions, and pollution, while artificial leather often relies on plastics, animal-derived materials, and harmful chemicals in tanning, with a negative effect on both the environment and human health.
FABULOSE seeks to tackle these challenges by developing scalable, bio-based production methods for animal-free leather alternatives using bacterial cellulose and cyanophycin. Industrial CO2 off-gas and waste streams from the food industry are used as feedstock to produce these materials, which are completely free from toxic chemicals and plastics. The resulting materials are fully bio-based, recyclable, biodegradable, durable, and tear-resistant. The project is designed for mass production using a roll-to-roll process, making it both cost-competitive and efficient.
“FABULOSE is not just about replacing leather; it’s about rethinking how we produce and consume materials,” said Iris Houthoff, coordinator of the project and researcher at the German Institute for Textiles and Fibers Research. “Our goal is to deliver a circular, sustainable, and scalable solution that aligns with the European Green Deal and sets a new benchmark for sustainable innovation.”
Through cutting-edge biotechnology and circular production methods, FABULOSE aims to reduce fossil fuel reliance and lower the carbon footprint of industries such as fashion, automotive, and upholstery. These high-performance, fully recyclable materials offer a sustainable solution to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly products.
Compared to current leather alternatives and production methods, FABULOSE delivers materials and prototype products that are
- completely free of toxic chemicals and plastics
- 100% bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable
- durable and tear-resistant
- scalable for mass production using roll-to-roll processes
- competitively priced.
How will project results be exploited?
The project partners expect to see improvements in the environmental sustainability of leather goods, handbags, shoes, furniture and car interiors with sustainable designs.
The market launch of leather alternatives is intended to strengthen Europe's position in the field of bio-based manufacturing through R&I expertise and create new jobs in the areas of material and product manufacturing, R&I and business development.
What role do the Baden-Württemberg partners play?
The DITF coordinates the project. MELINA BUCHER will define the market requirements and test the developed materials. The role of NOVIS GMBH is primarily focused on the optimization and upscaling of raw materials for coating. The aim is to improve the functionality of bacterial cellulose for application in coating formulations. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum assisted with the proposal writing and helped to ensure that it was approved with a score of 15/15 points. As a project partner, it supports project management and is responsible for the exploitation, dissemination and communication of project activities.
Iris Houthoff, coordinator of the project and researcher at the German Institute for Textiles and Fibers Research
https://www.steinbeis-europa.de/en/post/sme-is-a-partner-in-the-major-textile-re... - Read more about Novis Biobased technology
https://www.steinbeis-europa.de/en/post/bio-based-leather-alternatives-drive-the... - Read more about MELINA BUCHER
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