The general objective of CUBIC project is to improve the sustainability and circularity of complex products made of high-tech advanced multi-material composite thermoset and thermoplastic structures, by developing novel circular biobased alternative materials. CUBIC project designs novel materials (biobased polyamide grades, biobased endured 3R-CAN-epoxy prepeg & and biobased lignin derived carbon fibre.) to obtain circular by design 100% biobased and recyclable thermoplastic and thermoset B2B intermediate products (sub-assemblies) that permits to eco-design complex products adapting their intrinsic characteristics to novel unconventional manufacturing processes as new paradigm to advance in mass production advanced products. The novel approach on which CUBIC project relies is based on modularity or pre-fabrication: the development of high-tech biobased intermediate formats (filaments, sheets – organosheets and UD-tapes, pellets, powder…). The smart combination of these intermediates into a final end-product allows to overcome the current technical and environmental limitations to meet the demanding requirements of a specific sector/application where a single biobased material doesn´t. Two end-products or specific applications will be validated within CUBIC project: type IV H2 gas storage pressure Vessel & automotive seat, that satisfy the technical and environmental requirements. The project demonstrates the de-manufacturing, recycling and valorization of the components too. The consortium consists of 13 partners with complementary competencies, 6 industries (SP, COM, TEQ, MOS & QPLAN as SMEs; and NOV as Large company) plus 6 RTO partners (AIT, CTB, CID, IDE, DITF, CIR) and 1 academia (LIM) to give support to the companies in the consortium and to develop the main scientific and technological activities in the work plan. The undertaking involves 8 European countries (ES, FR, IE, BE, DK, DE, IT, GR). The budget is 4,687,115.50 € in a 42 months duration project.

The general objective of Bio-Uptake project is to ensure a sustainable uptake (increase the use in a 39%) of bioplastic composites through boosting a twin green and digital transformation in the European manufacturing industry. In particular, Bio-Uptake solution will focus scientific and technology efforts on developing flexible manufacturing processes to produce biobased end-products for the construction, medical and packaging sectors based on the combination of intermediate formats made of natural and/or biobased synthetic fibres reinforced with biopolymers, which are easily adaptable to new market demands. The novel approach on which Bio-Uptake project relies is based on modularity or pre-fabrication: a smart combination of intermediate formats (organosheets, tapes and pellets) into a final end-product which allows to overcome the current technical and environmental limitations to meet the demanding requirements of a specific sector/application where a single biobased material doesn?t. Thus, the synergistic potential of composite materials will pave the way for the integration and uptake of bio-based materials in mass customised manufacturing (manufacturing as a service). Three disruptive manufacturing processes (based on conformal technologies) will be developed within Bio-Uptake focused on the plastics manufacturing sector, which is on the centrality of a variety of value chains, and being demonstrated in 3 demo cases (bathroom ceiling cabinet, feet orthosis and garbage container lid). Sustainability criteria will be applied since the design phase to reach circularity by design, obtaining products with more than 75% biobased content and decreasing GHG up to 33%. Bio-Uptake solution does not request large investment in complex equipment too. Bio-Uptake consortium is formed by 13 interdisciplinar and complementary partners (6 industries, 4 RTOs, 1 academia and 2 Other organizations). The overall budget is 5,994,886 Euros.

BIO4SELF aims at fully biobased self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPC). To produce the SRPCs two polylactic acid (PLA) grades are required: a low melting temperature (Tm) one to form the matrix and an ultra high stiffness and high Tm one to form the reinforcing fibres. To reach unprecedented stiffness in the reinforcing PLA fibres, we will combine PLA with bio-LCP (liquid crystalline polymer) for nanofibril formation. Further, we will increase the temperature resistance of PLA and improve its durability. This way, BIO4SELF will exploit recent progress in PLA fibre technology. We will add inherent self-functionalization via photocatalytic fibres (self-cleaning properties), tailored microcapsules (self-healing properties) and deformation detecting fibres (self-sensing). Prototype composite parts for luggage, automotive and home appliances will be demonstrators to illustrate the much broader range of industrial applications, e.g. furniture, construction and sports goods. Our developments will enable to use biobased composites for high end applications, thus contributing to using sustainable and renewable raw materials. Being able to produce, process and sell these novel SRPCs and related composite intermediates will be a clear competitive advantage. First estimates predict a market of at least 35 kton/year, corresponding to ca. 165 M€, within 5 years. Using the PLA SRPCs, BIO4SELF will demonstrate the first fully biobased suitcase, which partner SAMSONITE intends to commercialise to renew its top selling high end line (currently based on self-reinforced polypropylene). BIO4SELF is a well balanced mix of end-users (large enterprises to maximise impact), technology providers (mainly R&D driven SMEs), R&D actors (RTDs and universities) and innovation support (specialised SMEs). It covers the required expertise, infrastructure, and industrial know-how to realise the innovation potential of the novel high performance biobased SRPCs, both during and beyond the project.