Molecularly-Engineered Lignin–Tannin Thermoplastic Biocomposites from Urban Green Waste for Next-Generation Circular Plastics
Fibrolitan® is a deep-tech thermoplastic biocomposite platform that converts mixed urban green waste (fallen leaves, grass, small branches) into high-performance pellets, filaments and moulding compounds. Cities typically generate tens of thousands of tonnes of such waste each year and pay for its disposal; Fibrolitan® turns this cost stream into a local, non-food feedstock for circular plastics. Using a patented redox-activation route, the project turns lignin–tannin-rich biomass into a reactive bio-filler that bonds with standard polyester thermoplastics, creating materials compatible with existing injection-moulding, extrusion, thermoforming and 3D-printing lines. The project’s objective is to move the technology from TRL4 to TRL6 by: (i) optimising formulations and process windows for different filler loadings and polymer matrices; (ii) validating mechanical, thermal, ageing and recyclability performance under relevant conditions; and (iii) demonstrating pilot-scale production of pellets, filaments and selected products with industrial partners in packaging, fashion accessories and design applications. Key activities include laboratory compounding and testing in Ukraine, pilot trials with European converters, and third-party verification against EU regulations on packaging, food-contact and environmental safety. In parallel, the team will refine the business model, quantify CO2, resource and cost benefits for municipalities and brand owners, and develop an IP and investment roadmap. The action directly addresses the HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01 work programme by de-risking a Ukrainian deep-tech start-up, creating investor-ready evidence of market demand, and positioning Fibrolitan® for follow-on EIC Accelerator funding and private capital to scale licensing and manufacturing hubs based on urban green-waste resources.
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Imported from OpenAIRE Ukraine | Grant 101313021.
Open sourceOverview
Grant agreement 101313021 | Fibrolitan
Open sourceFibrolitan® is a deep-tech thermoplastic biocomposite platform that converts mixed urban green waste (fallen leaves, grass, small branches) into high-performance pellets, filaments and moulding compounds. Cities typically generate tens of thousands of tonnes of such waste each year and pay for its disposal; Fibrolitan® turns this cost stream into a local, non-food feedstock for circular plastics. Using a patented redox-activation route, the project turns lignin–tannin-rich biomass into a reactive bio-filler that bonds with standard polyester thermoplastics, creating materials compatible with existing injection-moulding, extrusion, thermoforming and 3D-printing lines. The project’s objective is to move the technology from TRL4 to TRL6 by: (i) optimising formulations and process windows for different filler loadings and polymer matrices; (ii) validating mechanical, thermal, ageing and recyclability performance under relevant conditions; and (iii) demonstrating pilot-scale production of pellets, filaments and selected products with industrial partners in packaging, fashion accessories and design applications. Key activities include laboratory compounding and testing in Ukraine, pilot trials with European converters, and third-party verification against EU regulations on packaging, food-contact and environmental safety. In parallel, the team will refine the business model, quantify CO2, resource and cost benefits for municipalities and brand owners, and develop an IP and investment roadmap. The action directly addresses the HORIZON-EIC-2025-UKRAINIANTECH-01 work programme by de-risking a Ukrainian deep-tech start-up, creating investor-ready evidence of market demand, and positioning Fibrolitan® for follow-on EIC Accelerator funding and private capital to scale licensing and manufacturing hubs based on urban green-waste resources.