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Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

Horizon CBE: Bio-Based Textile Fibres

Funds two €3.25M projects that turn sustainable biomass or bio-based textile waste into high-performing, circular fibres.

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Most textile fibres still come from fossil feedstocks, while natural fibres can require large amounts of land and water. This topic funds research that makes new textile fibres from sustainable biomass, including bio-based textile waste, without losing the performance that manufacturers and end users need.

Projects can develop man-made or modified natural fibres, or improve how natural fibres are

Developing breakthrough processes that turn sustainably sourced biomass, including bio-based textile waste, into natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic textile fibres. The work covers extraction, refinement and functionalisation, scalable production, compatibility with existing textile equipment, and testing against technical requirements such as tenacity, flexibility, spinning quality, elasticity, thermal resistance, flammability and durability. Fibres must be designed for feasible end-of-life routes and to prevent microplastics and other harmful substances across the lifecycle. Projects use a multi-actor approach across the textile value chain, apply the Commission's Safe and Sustainable by Design framework, and build on related Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, BBI JU and CBE JU projects.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.22 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€170.8M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-RIA-03Source: ec.europa.eu