FIBRIX

FIBRIX unlocks the potential of Europe’s untapped forest biomass – including logging residues, small-diameter wood, and insect-damaged trees. It brings together the entire value chain, from biomass mapping and harvesting to the efficient conversion of raw materials into high-value end-products, thereby contributing to EU climate and circular economy goals. By integrating digital tools and regional innovation hubs, FIBRIX supports forest owners and SMEs in adopting sustainable practices, while embedding Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles to safeguard biodiversity, soil health, and carbon balance. FIBRIX will also demonstrate an innovative conversion protocol where heterogeneous biomass can be separated into high-quality fractions of cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses, and extractives through novel microwave-assisted extraction, chemical-free autohydrolysis, and ionic liquid treatments following green chemistry principles. These fractions are then produced into cellulose filaments for textiles and carbon fibre precursors, and lignin-based compounds for 3D printing. The project will demonstrate all processes up to TRL 5, ensuring their technological maturity and industrial relevance, supported by comprehensive LCA and TEA assessments and the validation of the integrated biorefinery concept. Research organisations’ close collaboration with central hubs and equipment manufacturers will ensure that the developed solutions are compatible with existing machinery and scalable to industrial needs. FIBRIX will deliver policy recommendations and certification-ready models aligned with EU strategies such as the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), Bio economy Strategy, and Forest Strategy 2030. By combining technical breakthroughs with new business models and broad stakeholder engagement, FIBRIX contributes to climate-positive forest management, rural development, and the creation of scalable, high-value applications from untapped forest biomass.