The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has announced 24 new projects aimed at driving innovation in the bioeconomy and scaling up circular bio-based solutions across Europe. The total investment of €172 million will support activities ranging from the construction of first-of-their-kind industrial biorefineries to the development of innovative bio-based products and skills for emerging bioeconomy sectors.
More than 300 beneficiaries from over 30 countries are involved in the newly funded projects, representing industry, research organisations, SMEs and primary producers. Small and medium-sized enterprises play a particularly important role, receiving 47% of the total funding.
The projects will contribute to the development of sustainable bio-based solutions in sectors such as materials, textiles, packaging and chemicals, helping Europe reduce its dependence on fossil resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen circular economy practices.
Among the selected initiatives is the FIBRIX project, which the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry will implement together with international partners from several European countries to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable use of underutilised forest biomass. The project has received €3,499,233 in funding under the HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025 call and will run from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2029.
About the FIBRIX project
FIBRIX aims to develop a novel approach for transforming underutilised forest biomass into high-value bio-based materials. The project focuses on forestry residues such as branches, bark, thinning residues and insect-damaged coniferous trees, which are currently often used only for low-value applications such as energy production.
The project introduces an innovative “funnel-shaped” value chain concept that converts untapped forest biomass into high-performance cellulose and lignin filaments. These materials are intended for applications in textiles, carbon fibres and lignin-based 3D printing materials.
The project will:
- identify and characterise underutilised forest biomass streams in Finland, Sweden and Romania;
- develop sustainable harvesting, storage and pre-treatment technologies;
- support the development of digital decision-support tools for forest sector stakeholders;
- establish a modular and scalable biomass fractionation and conversion platform based on ionic liquid technologies;
- demonstrate the viability of high-value bio-based products;
- ensure environmentally sustainable biomass extraction while preserving soil quality, biodiversity and carbon stocks;
- strengthen cooperation between researchers, industry, policymakers and society.
FIBRIX is implemented by an international consortium bringing together research institutes, universities and companies from several European countries. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (Riga) will implement the project together with consortium partners, contributing its expertise in wood chemistry, biomass processing and sustainable bio-based material development.
The project will support the transition towards a sustainable and climate-neutral European bioeconomy while promoting innovation in advanced bio-based materials and circular industrial ecosystems.