Synergies, networking and collaborations with other EU projects, CBE-JU and BIC initiatives.
The BIOPOLY Cluster brings together three pioneering EU-funded projects: BIOPYRANIA, POLYMEER, POLYMERS-5B, and FURIOUS, united by a common mission: to accelerate innovation in sustainable, bio-based polymers. Created in alignment with the European Commission’s expectations for collaboration under the Horizon Europe Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), this cluster fosters synergy, knowledge exchange and greater impact across complementary research efforts.
POLYMEER aims to establish a sustainable bio-based value chain for bioplastic products, using brewers’ spent grain (BSG) as feedstock. Focused on agricultural films, brewery tertiary packaging, and automotive textiles, the project designs bioplastics to be recyclable and/or biodegradable for environmental sustainability.
POLYMERS-5B aims to develop novel alternative bio-based polymers synthesized from bio-based monomers (diacids, diols, diamines, hydroxyacids, aminoacids, aromatic and phenolic compounds, fatty acids, oils, furans), sourced from underexploited second generation (2G) feedstocks such as agri-food waste (Tomato and Olive wastes) and biomass (wood pulp and lignin derivatives), obeying the food first and cascading principle.
BIOPYRANIA aims to produce new classes of polyamides (PA) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) from biobased aromatic monomers, synthesized from amino acids obtained from second-generation (2G) woody biomass. The ultimate goal is to provide high- performance, environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuel products, responding to growing industry demands and European sustainability regulations such as the Sustainable Product Initiative (SPI). New polymers, for strategic sectors such as electric mobility and clean hydrogen, will help reduce dependence on fossil resources, promoting a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Versatile FUran-based polymeRs for strIct and high value applicatiOns in packaging, aUtomotive and underwater environmentS
FURIOUS is a 4-year Horizon Europe research project funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), which started in June 2023. The project brings together research organisations, universities and industrial partners from across Europe to develop a new generation of high-performance bio-based polymers derived from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. FURIOUS focuses on three industrial sectors with particularly stringent material demands: biomedical and electronic packaging, automotive sector, and underwater devices.
The European Bioeconomy Network.
BIOPYRANIA has joined the European Bioeconomy Network (EuBioNet), a proactive alliance of EU-funded projects and initiatives working to promote and support the development of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy in Europe.
EuBioNet fosters knowledge sharing, networking, mutual learning and collaboration among European projects, facilitating the exchange of expertise, the creation of new partnerships and the organisation of joint activities and events. By connecting initiatives across the European bioeconomy landscape, the network helps maximise the visibility, outreach and impact of EU-funded projects. Visit our BIOPYRANIA section!