EU Project Fabulose Scales Biotech-Derived Cellulose into Circular Vegan Leather Alternatives

The Fabulose project, funded by the EU and coordinated by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF), aims to develop high-performance, biobased leather-like fabrics as alternatives to traditional leather. By utilizing advanced fermentation techniques, waste feedstocks, and AI optimization, the project focuses on producing bacterial cellulose, cyanophycin, and pigments in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Through the use of DITF’s HighPerCell® technology, bacterial cellulose can be re-spun into filaments to create recyclable, high-tensile strength textiles, while a roll-to-roll production process simplifies future scale-up for mass production.

The consortium includes 10 partners from 6 European countries and spans the entire value chain, from research to real-world applications in industries such as automotive, fashion, and upholstered furniture. By collecting market requirements and implementing eco-design and Safe-by-design principles, Fabulose aims to create materials that not only replicate the durability and aesthetics of traditional leather but also align with safety and sustainability objectives. This project represents a significant step towards replacing animal-based materials with environmentally friendly alternatives in various industries.