About
CELLFIL, a Horizon Europe project, accelerates the transition of European textile industry to more circular models by developing and scaling lyocell filament technologies. The project integrates alternative renewable feedstocks, such as orange peel or coton textile waste, into optimized filament production processes with improved sustainability, functionality, and processing efficiency. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, CELLFIL validates filament performance across multiple applications, establishes frameworks for safe and economic upscaling in Europe, and delivers evidence-based pathways for successful market adoption.
By creating a collaborative framework, CELLFIL will optimize the entire fabric production process, from raw material sourcing to final product development. The project will demonstrate the versatility and added value of lyocell filaments in over nine textile applications, involving academic experts and major industry players in discussion. This initiative catalyzes innovation across the value chain, defining business potential and contributing to a European circular textile strategy.
Objectives
Optimize Lyocell filament yarn production
Yarn functionalization and processing to improve characteristics for different application areas
Development of Lyocell filament fabric utilizing textile production routes
Develop and validate Lyocell Filament (LF) end-user textile applications
Determine the framework conditions for sustainable, economic and safe upscaling of Lyocell Filament production in Europe
Project Concept
Project Facts
Start
1 June 2024
Duration
48 months
EU Contribution
€ 6 999 973
Partners
15
Optimize Lyocell filament yarn production
CELLFIL will improve the sustainability, performance, and scalability of Lyocell Filament Yarn (LFY) production.
Key efforts include optimising raw materials by shifting from 100% virgin pulp to recycled sources or alternative feedstocks, reducing energy use, enhancing yarn properties, and refining the production process, with the goal of achieving low-impact industrial-scale LFY production.
Yarn functionalization and processing to improve characteristics for different application areas
CELLFIL will improve the versatility of Lyocell Filament Yarn (LFY) by integrating additional functionalities and developing filaments tailored for diverse product categories.
The project explores various innovations, including texturizing and the production of effect yarns, along with the prototyping of covered yarns, with an emphasis on bio-based materials.
The goal is to create LFY that is adaptable for a wider range of applications, demonstrating increased sustainability and technological readiness for large-scale production in Europe, suitable for both apparel and technical textiles.
Development of Lyocell filament fabric utilizing textile production routes
CELLFIL will optimise machine settings for Lyocell filament fabric development, aiming to create segment-specific fabrics that enhance circularity and recyclability.
Key partners contribute expertise in weaving, knitting, and finishing, with rigorous testing to ensure quality.
The outcome will provide valuable insights for using Lyocell filament in fabric production, particularly benefiting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the textile sector.
Develop and validate Lyocell Filament (LF) end-user textile applications
CELLFIL will develop and validate end-use textile applications utilizing optimized Lyocell Filament (LF) yarns and fabrics with enhanced recyclability.
In a collaborative effort, leading textile industry partners will prototype at least nine products across three segments: Performance Wear, Automotive Textiles, and Technical Textiles.
Strict adherence to European standards ensures high quality and safety, complemented by independent testing for reliability. The outcome highlights LF as a viable and sustainable alternative to synthetic filaments, showcasing its potential in creating commercially produced circular textiles.
Determine the framework conditions for sustainable, economic and safe upscaling of Lyocell Filament production in Europe
CELLFIL will analyze conditions to support the acceptance and upscaling of Lyocell filament textiles.
Key activities include conducting Life Cycle and “Zero Waste” studies, market analysis, and Techno-Economic Assessments.
The goal is to establish a sustainable, circular textile industry in Europe, with insights contributing to a public Lyocell filament Roadmap.