WEBINAR – Biobased materials in industry

This webinar will introduce current developments and possibilities in the use of bio-based materials in industry, with a focus on textiles as well as other application areas. The session will highlight examples of alternative renewable feedstocks, including materials derived from orange peels, algae, nettle, hemp, but also cotton cultivated in Europe. Furthermore, the use of textile waste in innovative ways is presented. Developing alternative materials and moving away from fossil-based feedstocks are important goals within the bioeconomy approach. The webinar will open discussion on how bio-based materials can contribute to a more sustainable material future and how such materials may be developed, scaled and applied in industrial contexts.

Projects presenting in this webinar are following: CELLFIL, TexMaTer, BioLUSH, EU Cotton, TexTerials, Hemp4Circularity

Speakers

Ana Gonçalves (Project Coordinator, TexMaTer | Researcher, CITEVE) – Dr. Ana Gonçalves is a researcher in the Technology and Engineering Department at CITEVE and the Project Coordinator of TexMaTer. She holds a Master’s degree in Biological Engineering and a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Porto. Her research focuses on environmental engineering, circular economy solutions, and sustainable processes for the textile industry. Throughout her career, she has contributed to numerous national and international R&D projects addressing challenges such as CO₂ capture, wastewater treatment, and resource efficiency. Ana is the author of numerous scientific publications and was awarded the L’Oréal Medal of Honor for Women in Science in 2019.

Dimitrios G. Polychronos (President, European Cotton Alliance (EUCOTTON) | CEO, Nafpaktos Textile Industry S.A.) – Dimitrios G. Polychronos is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Board Member of Nafpaktos Textile Industry S.A. Since joining the company in 1996, he has played a key role in expanding its international presence and strengthening its premium cotton yarn business. Since 2025, he has also served as President of the European Cotton Alliance (EUCOTTON), where he supports the promotion, competitiveness, and sustainability of the European cotton sector.

Enrica Arena (CELLFIL | Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, Orange Fiber) – Enrica Arena is Co-Founder and CEO at Orange Fiber, an innovative company transforming citrus by-products into sustainable textile materials. With a background in communication and development cooperation, she has worked on international projects in the non-profit sector, including collaborations with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and UNDP Egypt. Since joining Orange Fiber at its inception in 2012, she has been dedicated to promoting sustainability and circularity within the fashion industry. Alongside her work at Orange Fiber, Enrica lectures and teaches sustainability in fashion, sharing her expertise on sustainable supply chains and responsible innovation with future industry professionals.

Jonas Van Rie (Hemp4Circularity | Researcher, HOGENT) – Dr. Jonas Van Rie is a researcher at the Fashion and Textiles Innovation Lab of HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts. His research focuses on sustainable processing methods for hemp fibres and their application in textiles and other bio-based products, supporting the transition to more circular material systems.

Anusha Bhat (Bio-LUSH | Research Scientist at VTT & PhD researcher at Stockholm University). Anusha holds a Master of Science (Technology) degree in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy from Aalto University, specializing in Materials and Biopolymers. Her research focuses on the development and processing of sustainable bio-based materials, including cellulose-derived fibres, films, coatings, and advanced functional materials for industrial applications and a circular bioeconomy.

Bruno Dufau Mattos (TexTera |Associate Professor, Aalto University) – Dr. Bruno Dufau Mattos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University. His research focuses on bio-based materials, cellulose-based innovations, circular material systems, and sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products. Through his work, he contributes to the development of advanced materials and technologies that support a more sustainable and resource-efficient bioeconomy. Bruno collaborates extensively with international research networks and industry partners to accelerate the transition from scientific innovation to real-world applications

The webinar is organized by CELLFIL project

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Zoom link will be sent to registered participants before the event.