Driving Innovation in Bio-Based Materials
BIOntier: Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Bio-Based Composites for a Circular Economy
Project dates: Nov 2024 – Sep 2027
Consortium: 25 partners across Europe
Funding body: HORIZON EUROPE
Project overview
The BIOntier project is driving innovation in bio-based composites, focusing on the development of high-performance, sustainable materials for diverse industrial applications. With a strong emphasis on durability, lightness, and recyclability, the project aims to address the performance and environmental demands of key sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and hydrogen energy.
BIOntier’s objective is to advance bio-based composites (BioCs) from research to industrial readiness, delivering materials that offer exceptional impact resistance, thermal tolerance, and chemical resilience while aligning with the principles of sustainability and circularity.
Challenge: Why is the project needed?
The growing need for materials that balance high performance with environmental sustainability is a pressing challenge. Current composites often fall short in terms of recyclability and eco-friendliness, and their production processes can have a significant ecological impact. BIOntier addresses these issues by focusing on bio-based materials that are not only environmentally responsible but also meet the rigorous demands of sectors such as automotive and aerospace.
With the European Union committed to advancing the bioeconomy and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, BIOntier plays a critical role in creating next-generation composites that align with EU sustainability goals while maintaining industrial competitiveness.
Project approach
BIOntier brings together a consortium of 25 partners from 12 countries to collaboratively develop bio-based composites with enhanced properties. The project’s scope includes:
• Advancing the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of these materials from 4-5 to 6-7, moving them closer to market application.
• Optimising manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact while improving material stability and production efficiency.
• Demonstrating the capabilities of BIOntier materials across six use cases, including automotive components, aviation parts, and hydrogen storage solutions.
Impact
BIOntier aims to position Europe as a leader in the bioeconomy by delivering eco-innovative materials that accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The project’s outcomes are expected to strengthen EU industries, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance sustainability across multiple sectors.
By the project’s conclusion, BIOntier will have demonstrated scalable bio-based composites with the potential for widespread adoption, providing industries with cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
Future Outlook: Long-term sustainability benefits
BIOntier’s focus on eco-friendly materials supports long-term environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on fossil-based resources. The project also fosters collaboration among industries, research institutions, and SMEs, ensuring continued innovation and the integration of sustainable composites into global markets.
Project partners
