New UPWEARS review explores the future of Europe’s natural fibres A comprehensive scientific review reveals how climate change could reshape the production, quality and availability of flax and hemp fibres, and why preparing today is essential for tomorrow’s sustainable textile industry. As Europe accelerates its transition towards bio-based materials, flax and hemp have become strategic resources for textiles, composites and… Continue reading Can flax and hemp withstand climate change?
New UPWEARS research reveals how industrial bleaching can strenghten flax fibres from the inside out Bleaching is a common step in textile processing, used to clean natural fibres and prepare them for spinning and dyeing. But what happens inside flax fibres during this treatment? And how does it affect their performance? A new scientific publication resulting… Continue reading Looking inside flax fibres: what does bleaching really change?
What if the future of sportswear was already designed millions of years ago by nature? The UPWEARS suit aims for multi-functionality: breathability, heat management, waterproofness, impact absorption, bioluminescence. All this should be made of biodegradable, biobased materials. Does this sound like a revolution in the textile industry? Yes! Is this impossible? No! The reason to be optimistic is that it is feasible. Biological… Continue reading Learning from Nature: How Biomimicry Is Inspiring the Textiles of Tomorrow
Hoël Tricou Le Pennec explores plant fibre durability within UPWEARS scope. Stepping into a new research culture PhD mobilities are first and foremost human and scientific journeys. For Hoël Tricou Le Pennec, spending three months at the University of Cambridge was an opportunity to step outside his usual research environment and immerse himself in a new… Continue reading From Université Bretagne Sud to the University of Cambridge: a PhD mobility within UPWEARS
SAVE THE DATE UPWEARS Workshop on Recycling and Additive Manufacturing for Sustainable and Circular Economy February 9, 2027, AMN12 conference, Auckland (NZ) How can textile waste be transformed into high-value functional materials? And how can additive manufacturing support the transition towards a circular and sustainable textile industry? On 9th February 2027, the UPWEARS project will host its 4th Workshop in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of the 12th International Conference on Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology (AMN12). This full-day mini-symposium will explore key advances in recycling strategies for… Continue reading Workshop #4: UPWEARS at AMN12
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), the UPWEARS project launched the “Women in UPWEARS” campaign. Deployed over several weeks, this editorial series combined videos and articles to highlight the women contributing to the project, with the objective of showcasing their expertise, roles and perspectives within the… Continue reading Women in UPWEARS: Highlighting Women Driving Innovation in Smart and Sustainable Textiles
From 10 to 12 March 2026, UPWEARS will take part in JEC World 2026, showcasing its latest developments in bio-based and smart e-textiles at Hall 5, Circularity Village. On its booth, visitors will discover a range of material, technology and characterisation demonstrators, from solvent-treated flax fibres and conductive yarns to integrated sensor-enabled textiles and advanced… Continue reading UPWEARS showcases its bio-based demonstrators at JEC World 2026
Throughout the period, UPWEARS strengthened its international presence by stepping onto the stage of major scientific and industrial events across Europe and beyond. From conferences and workshops to high-level exhibitions, these platforms offered the consortium prime opportunities to unveil its latest breakthroughs in bio-based electronic textiles, spark dialogue with the research community and build strong… Continue reading UPWEARS on the road: highlighting bio-based e-textile innovation from July to December 2025
The Université Bretagne Sud (UBS) is a multidisciplinary university located in Brittany, France, with campuses in Lorient, Vannes, and Pontivy. It focuses on innovation through research and education, particularly in fields like digital sciences, materials engineering, and environmental studies. UBS collaborates closely with industries and regional partners to drive applied research and technology transfer. With… Continue reading UBS – IRDL
This project has received funding from the Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No 101130741. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the Horizon Europe or the HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
