The EU-funded BioFibreLoop project has reached a key milestone by successfully spinning fibres from lignin, a natural polymer, and is now working to secure a steady supply of lignin for large-scale use.

The project’s coordinator, the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), has blended lignin with cellulose to produce spinnable fibres, a promising step for sustainable textile innovation.

However, the next challenge lies in establishing reliable lignin feedstock from European wood refineries. “Our strong research results and the significant market potential of lignin-based textiles will encourage the creation of biorefineries for suitable lignin variants in Europe,” said Thomas Stegmaier, DITF’s technical coordinator.

The BioFibreLoop project, officially titled Circular biobased technical textiles with innovative bio-inspired non-toxic functionalisation, is set to run until 2027, aiming to accelerate the transition to safer, greener, and circular textile production.