DyeAnotherWay aims at providing Doctoral Candidates with the skills necessary to lead the textile and food industries into a greener future by developing new sustainable dyeing methods exploiting bacterial genetic resources in an innovation-oriented way using cutting edge technology. The co-operation between the professional textile industry, commercial suppliers of analytical and biotechnological services, and scientists from nine Universities from ten countries addresses urgent needs in the non-academic sector and scientific hotspots in microbiology, bioeconomy and the textile and food industry simultaneously. Bacteria-based pigments, are the common research platform in combination with a broad spectrum of disciplines ranging from microbiology, chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to textile processing and market research. This will, in the near future, make a range of fully characterised biogenic dyes commercially available to the industry for use in dyeing both conventional and new textiles, allowing the industry to wean itself off petrochemical dyes in an economically viable way. The dyes will potentially find application beyond the textile and food industry, thus allowing many fields to benefit from their low carbon footprint production and their compatibility with human and environmental health. The 12 Doctoral Candidates will obtain multi- sectoral training in the relevant disciplines. In addition, training in research management, communication/presentation, creativity and entrepreneurship will provide key transferable skills for public and private sector employment, thereby maximizing the impact on the research and training on the fellows’ careers. The diversity of dissemination and communication activities guarantees the DCs' exposure to stakeholders in every sector and will help shape the future of education in this field.

The Fabulose project seeks to transform the production of animal-free leather alternatives by developing sustainable, circular materials derived from biotech processes. Our goal is to create high-performance, fully biodegradable leather substitutes from bacterial cellulose (BC) and cyanophycin, replicating the properties of traditional leather while reducing environmental impact. By employing advanced fermentation techniques and AI-driven optimizations, we will scale the production of these bio-based materials to meet the demands of industries such as automotive, footwear, and upholstery. To ensure these materials are sustainable throughout their lifecycle, digital tools such as the Digital Twin (DT) and Digital Product Passport (DPP) will monitor, optimize, and track production processes and material performance. This will also support transparency and enable efficient recycling management, aligning the project with circular economy principles. Fabulose will significantly contribute to the European Green Deal by offering alternatives that are not only animal-free but also minimize resource consumption and environmental harm. By focusing on innovation, we aim to enhance Europe's competitive position in sustainable materials, delivering eco-friendly products that meet stringent technical and regulatory standards. The project outcomes will help replace fossil-fuel-based materials with a scalable, environmentally responsible solution, promoting healthier ecosystems and sustainable consumption.