Scion's leading biomaterials, 3D printing, packaging, and machine-learning knowledge is being called on as part of a €7.5 million (NZD$13.25m) research project funded in partnership with the European Union.
The EU's key research and innovation funding programme, Horizon Europe, awarded the funds to a four-year project led by INRAE, France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Starting in May, the project brings together 15 partners from seven countries. Scion will play a central role in the project and contribute approximately NZD$3m of research.
The research programme, UPWEARS, aims to develop a sustainable e-textile (electrically conductive textile) using cork, hemp, flax and paper byproducts and develop ways to recycle and reuse textile waste. The overall aim is to contribute to a sustainable economy by unlocking the potential of bio-based and hybrid fabrics.
To demonstrate the e-textile, the team will create high-performance clothing for biking that is abrasion and tear-resistant, waterproof or repellant, stretchable, and breathable. The product will also be biodegradable and tested in Scion's biodegradation facility in Rotorua.
Scion's expertise in sustainable electronics will be used to create flexible sensors from biomaterials for integration into clothing, sending temperature and humidity data to a user's device. Scion will lead in turning recovered textile waste into filaments or pellets for 3D printing, meaning the clothing will be recyclable and a zero-waste product. Scion will also use AI/machine learning to optimise the production process, reducing waste and increasing zero-defect products.
Overall, the project will help transition to modern textile fabrication using natural fibres and reduce waste during and after production.
According to the EU, the textiles industry is responsible for water pollution through things like dyeing and laundering and is responsible for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions. End-of-life waste is a huge problem, and tackling textile waste goes towards achieving a circular economy.
New Zealand signed an association with Horizon Europe in February last year, allowing it to access its funding.
Scientists Dr Yi Chen and Dr Marie Joo Le Guen will lead Scion's science team. Chen said involvement in the bid came after establishing the International Associated Lab for biobased products, LIA BIOMATA, in 2023, forming a collaborative partnership between Scion and INRAE and providing an ideal framework for developing larger partnerships.
"Scion has been developing sustainable biosensors and using AI for forestry and packaging applications, and this technology translates to various applications such as wearable devices. It is fantastic that our capability is recognised globally by world-leading partners. This success is a tangible outcome of the collaborative efforts over the past year with INRAE and the strong connections established through being an International Associated Lab," stated Chen.
While Horizon Europe funding is primarily for projects that will further the EU on the world stage, Chen said it also benefits New Zealand by attracting leading researchers and state-of-the-art technology and raising our profile with future international collaborators.
Some of the project's goals include substituting at least 50% of synthetic materials and using natural fibres from 100% local EU suppliers. The production process aims to reduce water and chemical use and carbon footprint.
Scientists will develop bio-bleaching techniques and use cork coating for stability and antibacterial properties, flax for flexibility, and hemp for mechanical resistance.
Dr Alec Foster, Scion's Bioproducts and Packaging Portfolio lead, said work like this helps progress a circular economy. Being involved in such a globally significant project is a privilege for Scion.
"To be one of the first in New Zealand to be a Horizon partner and to play such a central role in a substantial consortium is a fantastic achievement and exemplifies the tremendous opportunity Horizon Europe presents for our country.
"The cross-fertilisation of ideas and knowledge with some of the world's foremost experts in the field is the best way to achieve a circular bioeconomy and make a global impact."
He continued that being part of such a transformative project with European partners underscored Scion's commitment to making a significant and positive difference in the world with new technologies.
MBIE and Horizon Europe will support Scion's involvement in the project.
INRAE researcher Sofiane Guessasma stated that UPWEARS proves change towards sustainable products while improving individual well-being is possible, and sustainability does not necessarily mean sacrificing our lifestyle.
"UPWEARS leads the way towards a viable transition by addressing challenges about resource depletion, reducing chemical use and promoting high-value bio-based products," explained Foster.
UPWEARS contributes to the 2030 INRAE vision of building a sustainable future through shared science and innovation.
"Scion has been a key partner of INRAE for many years, particularly in developing sustainable materials from biobased resources. The recent establishment of the LIA BIOMATA has strengthened the collaboration with an increased visibility of our shared strengths in this field."
"The UPWEARS project will further enhance our visibility on the international stage through our ongoing commitment to innovation in this field."
The other organisations involved include research organisations, universities and textiles companies from France, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, Belgium and the United Kingdom, covering the technical e-textile value chain, from fibre to prototype manufacturing and testing, as well as stakeholder engagement and market analysis.
