About TEX4GREEN
TEX4GREEN is developing the next generation of bio-based textile chemicals through the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, demonstrating that sustainability, safety and industrial performance can be integrated from the earliest stages of innovation.
The project brings together the entire textile value chain to develop and validate three complementary bio-based solutions: PFAS-free lignin-based coatings, bio-based surfactants for textile processing, and renewable dyes and fixing agents derived from microalgae. These innovations will be demonstrated under representative industrial conditions and validated across high-impact applications including sportswear, fashion and interior textiles.
Beyond developing innovative materials, TEX4GREEN integrates circularity, digitalisation and life-cycle sustainability assessment throughout the innovation process, ensuring that environmental, social and economic performance are considered alongside functionality, safety and industrial scalability. By combining scientific excellence with industrial demonstration, the project aims to accelerate the transition towards a more competitive, resilient and sustainable European textile industry.
Why TEX4GREEN?
The textile industry is among the world’s most resource-intensive industrial sectors, relying heavily on fossil-based chemicals that contribute to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and risks to human health and the environment. Although bio-based alternatives are emerging, their widespread adoption remains limited by challenges related to performance, scalability, cost, circularity and regulatory acceptance.
TEX4GREEN addresses these challenges by demonstrating that innovative bio-based textile chemicals can simultaneously achieve high technical performance, industrial feasibility and compliance with Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles.
How TEX4GREEN delivers change
Developing three complementary bio-based value chains for coatings, surfactants, dyes and fixing agents.
Demonstrating their industrial performance and compatibility with existing textile manufacturing processes.
Enabling industrial uptake through recycling strategies, business models and market roadmaps that support long-term competitiveness.
Embedding Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), life-cycle sustainability assessment, digital twin technologies and circularity across the entire innovation process.
Innovation Value Chains
PFAS-free coatings
TEX4GREEN develops PFAS-free functional coatings based on lignin-derived building blocks, providing high-performance alternatives for synthetic textiles while ensuring compatibility with both virgin and recycled PET and PA substrates. The solutions are designed following SSbD principles and demonstrated under industrial conditions in sports footwear applications.
Bio-based surfactants
TEX4GREEN develops fully bio-based surfactants for textile processing capable of delivering industrial cleaning performance under demanding manufacturing conditions. Designed according to SSbD principles, these innovative surfactants offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-based formulations while significantly reducing their environmental footprint.
Renewable dyes & fixing agents
TEX4GREEN develops a fully bio-based dyeing system combining microalgae-derived pigments with biodegradable fixing agents to replace conventional synthetic colourants. The solutions are designed to meet industrial requirements for colour fastness, processability and recyclability while reducing dependence on fossil-based and hazardous chemicals.